South Korean actor Lee Jung Jae, who has been nominated in the Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series/Drama category for his phenomenal performance in Netflix’s dystopian drama ‘Squid Game’ has decided to skip the upcoming 2022 Golden Globes ceremony.

Lee Jung Jae’s agency issued a statement confirming the actor’s decision to boycott the ceremony. It read, “Lee Jung Jae is immensely grateful to have been nominated in the Best Actor category at the Golden Globes, but he has decided not to attend the ceremony. He recognizes that Netflix is not participating in the Golden Globes, as has been widely reported around the world. He also made the decision considering other factors like the COVID-19 situation and the quarantine requirements.”

SEE ALSO: Golden Globes 2022 Nominations: ‘Squid Game’, ‘Succession’, ‘Belfast’ Earn Major Nods; Here’s The Complete List

Hailed as the most successful show in the history of Netflix, ‘Squid Game’ which debut in September last year, become a global phenomenon within no time. And with the giant online streaming platform already in talks with the show’s creator, Hwang Dong Hyuk, for not one but two instalments, the excitement revolving around ‘Squid Game’ is still pretty high.

Apart from Lee Jung Jae’s nomination, ‘Squid Game’ has also earned two more nominations at the 2022 Golden Globes: Best Television Series – Drama and Best Supporting Actor – Television (O Yeong Su). But the lack of diversity among the members of the HFPA (Hollywood Foreign Press Association) and allegations of corruption making rounds on the internet, many actors and filmmakers have decided to boycott the event. On the other hand, giant studios like Warner Media, Netflix and others have also decided to not participate in the Golden Globes. However, the organisers recently announced that the 79th Golden Globe ceremony will be held on January 9, 2022.

The HFPA will announce the winners of the 79th Annual Golden Globe Awards on Jan 9th, 2022 at 6 P.M PST.

In addition to recognizing the best in film and television, the awards will focus on the long-established philanthropy work of the HFPA.https://t.co/p9i7QHg9Hp

— Golden Globe Awards (@goldenglobes) January 4, 2022

Meanwhile, reports making rounds on the internet even suggest that Lee Jung Jae had decided to attend the Critics Choice Awards but cancelled his US trip due to the alarming Covid-19 situation.

SEE ALSO: ‘Squid Game’ Director Reveals Season 2 And 3 Plans With Netflix; Here’s What We Know

Cover Artwork by Bhavya Poonia/Mashable India