Steven Spielberg sparks online outrage for implying that the 'Squid Game' actors are 'unknown people'

• Social media users are criticizing Steven Spielberg for implying that the actors in "Squid Game" are "unknown people."
• Thousands of Twitter users have responded to Spielberg's remark, with many calling the director "ignorant."

Hollywood filmmaker Steven Spielberg is facing an online backlash for implying that the actors of the hit Korean TV series "Squid Game" are "unknown people."

Speaking at a PGA Awards panel on Saturday, the director credited streaming service Netflix for giving supposedly lesser-known actors the chance to lead productions.

"A long time ago, it was domestic stars that brought the audience into movies," Spielberg said, per entertainment news site Deadline. "Today, it's interesting, unknown people can star entire miniseries, can be in movies."

His comments have sparked outrage among fans of the show, who pointed out that several "Squid Game" actors are, in fact, big names throughout Asia.

For example, the show's lead actor Lee Jung-jae is a household name in South Korea and has starred in numerous hit TV series and films, including the critically acclaimed thriller "The Housemaid."

Another "Squid Game" actor, Park Hae-soo, has starred in popular Korean television dramas such as "Prison Playbook." He is set to play the lead character of Berlin in the Korean remake of the hit Spanish series "Money Heist."

On Twitter, more than 3,000 users shared an IndieWire tweet on Spielberg's remarks on Wednesday, with many criticizing the American director for being "ignorant."

Following its launch in September, "Squid Game" quickly became Netflix's most-watched show. The show has since swept the US awards season, making history at last month's Screen Actors Guild Awards by becoming the first non-English-language series to take home statuettes.

Spielberg's talent agency did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.