Park Sung-hoon, known for his performance in The Glory, will take on the role of a transgender character in the highly anticipated second season of Netflix’s Squid Game.
Sung-hoon’s character, Hyun-ju (Player 120), is introduced as a former special forces soldier and transgender woman who enters the deadly game to fund her gender-affirming surgery. According to the actor, the role is meaningful because it “breaks down stereotypes.”
“Even though she faces prejudice and tough situations, she shows incredible strength, decisiveness, and natural leadership,” Sung-hoon said in a promotional video released by Netflix.
This marks the first time the 39-year-old actor will portray a transgender character, adding a new dimension to his extensive acting career, which includes roles in Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum, Six Flying Dragons, and Queen of Tears.
Mixed Reactions to Casting
Netflix’s announcement of the character and Sung-hoon’s casting has sparked divided reactions online.
Some netizens applauded the addition of a transgender character to the storyline, praising Netflix for addressing complex identities.
Others, however, criticized the casting of a cisgender male actor for a transgender role, arguing it misses an opportunity for authentic representation.
“This is not how you give representation,” one netizen commented. “A cis man pretending to be part of a minority group just doesn’t sit right with me.”
Another social media user remarked, “It would’ve been nice to give the role to a transgender actress. This isn’t the ‘diversity win’ that you think it is.”
A Bold Move for Squid Game
Despite the controversy, Sung-hoon’s role underscores Squid Game season 2’s ambition to expand its narrative and explore broader societal issues. As fans eagerly await its release, the show continues to push boundaries in storytelling and representation.