South Korean Netflix drama Squid Game has been hogging headlines recently.

The thriller, which is on track to become Netflix’s most popular show ever, is all over social media and its cast have become global sensations overnight.

And that includes 76-year-old actor Oh Young Soo, who stars as the “old man” Oh Il Nam, aka Player 001.

In his 58 years in showbiz, the veteran actor has appeared in more than 200 plays, dramas and movies, but it was not until Squid Game that he became a household name.

In fact, he was even approached by Korean fried chicken brand Kkanbu Chicken to endorse its products.

Of course, anyone who has watched Squid Game would know the significance of the term 'Kkanbu', or 'Gganbu', as it was spelled in the show.

In one of Squid Game's most memorable — and heartbreaking — scenes, Il Nam called Seong Gi Hun aka Player 456 (played by Lee Jung Jae) his gganbu, which means ally or teammate, before their tragic game of marbles.

After watching that scene, many netizens felt Young Soo would be the perfect spokesperson for Kkanbu as the brand’s name is based on the gganbu concept.

Soon, memes and fan videos of Il Nam in faux Kkanbu ads went viral and the brand decided to reach out to the actor with an endorsement deal.

Kkanbu later revealed that Young Soo turned down the offer (and the money) as he wanted to focus on acting.

We gently hinted our intention to shoot a commercial but Mr Oh Young Soo said, 'As an actor, what I want to do is to stand by my occupation', said a Kkanbu spokesperson.

Netizens have praised the actor for his commitment to his craft.

“So humble and respectable. Nowadays, celebrities take up any commercial opportunity the minute they find fame,” said one netizen, while another wrote: “I know some people might think he's being stubborn and that he would regret [his decision] but I think people like him are needed in our world. So different from those who are blinded by greed.”

Photos: Netflix, Ohyoung_soo/Instagram