The Tragic Hero: 5 Shocking Facts About Cho Hyun-ju (Player 120) And The Casting Controversy In Squid Game

The character of Cho Hyun-ju, also known as Player 120, instantly became one of the most compelling and discussed figures in the Squid Game universe upon her introduction in Season 2. Her presence marked a significant moment for representation in the globally-acclaimed South Korean drama, bringing a powerful and deeply personal storyline to the brutal games. As of December 15, 2025, the conversation surrounding Hyun-ju continues to dominate fan discussions, not only for her heroic actions and tragic fate within the arena but also due to a major real-world controversy involving her casting, which the show's creators have had to publicly address.

Hyun-ju’s journey from a former elite soldier to a desperate contestant fighting for survival—and for the chance to truly be herself—resonated with millions. She quickly established herself as a moral compass and a natural leader, challenging the show's grim philosophy of pure self-interest. This article dives deep into her complete biography, her pivotal role in the games, the heartbreaking reason behind her participation, and the ongoing debate over the casting choice that sparked a global conversation about trans representation in media.

Cho Hyun-ju (Player 120) Full Character Profile and Biography

• Full Name: Cho Hyun-ju (조현주)
• Player Number: 120
• Series Debut: Squid Game Season 2
• Actor: Park Sung-hoon (a cisgender male actor)
• Background: Hyun-ju is a transgender woman and a former Sergeant First Class in the Republic of Korea (ROK) military.
• Motivation for Joining the Games: She entered the Squid Game to win the prize money, which she desperately needed to pay off significant debt accumulated to fund her gender-affirming care and to immigrate to Thailand, where she hoped to live freely and be fully accepted.
• Key Traits: Caring, hospitable, fiercely loyal, intelligent, physically capable, and a natural leader. She often prioritized the safety of others over her own survival.
• Pivotal Role: She became a key ally to protagonist Gi-hun (Player 456) and a supportive figure to other marginalized contestants like Jun-hee and Geum-ja.
• Fate: Eliminated (killed) during Squid Game Season 3.

The Heartbreaking Reason Player 120 Joined the Game

Unlike many contestants whose debt stemmed from failed businesses or gambling, Cho Hyun-ju's debt was tied directly to her identity and the pursuit of a life where she could be her authentic self. Her entire motivation revolved around securing enough money for gender-affirming procedures and the ability to leave South Korea for a country that offered a more accepting environment.

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This deeply personal and resonant reason for participating immediately set her apart. It framed her struggle not just as a fight for money, but as a fight for existence and self-acceptance. Her background as a former ROK sergeant first class also provided a fascinating contrast: a person trained for military discipline and survival, now forced to use those skills in a morally corrupt environment to achieve a deeply personal, non-military goal. This duality of strength and vulnerability made her an immediate fan-favorite and a powerful symbol of the societal pressures faced by the trans community.

Hyun-ju consistently demonstrated her compassionate nature, often risking her own life to protect others. She was instrumental in helping Gi-hun save a contestant who had been eliminated and served as a supportive team member during the grueling Six-Legged Pentathlon game. Her refusal to back down from her convictions, even in the face of death, solidified her as one of the show's true heroes.

Hyun-ju’s Heroic Sacrifice and Tragic End in Season 3

Cho Hyun-ju's journey reached its tragic climax in Squid Game Season 3, in a moment that was later described by the show's creators as "heroic." Her elimination was not due to a lack of skill; she was consistently portrayed as smart, fast, and capable. Instead, her death was a direct consequence of her compassion and the brutal, desperate actions of another player.

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During a tense game, Player 120 was killed by Myung-gi, a contestant whose reckless actions and desperation led to the tragic act. The actor who plays Hyun-ju, Park Sung-hoon, and the show's creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, broke down the scene, emphasizing that Hyun-ju's final moments were characterized by her selflessness. She could have easily survived the challenge on her own, but instead, she chose to focus on protecting her allies and standing by her moral code until the very end. This heroic sacrifice cemented her legacy as the moral MVP of the later seasons, highlighting the devastating cost of human desperation within the games.

The Major Casting Controversy and Director’s Apology

While the character of Cho Hyun-ju was widely praised for her strong trans representation, her casting ignited a significant and heated debate among viewers and critics worldwide. The controversy centered on the fact that Hyun-ju, a trans woman, was played by Park Sung-hoon, a cisgender male actor.

Critics argued that casting a cis male actor in a trans role was a missed opportunity to provide authentic representation and employment for a trans actor, an issue frequently raised in Hollywood and global media. They felt it undermined the very message of acceptance and visibility the character was supposed to embody.

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In response to the backlash, Squid Game creator and director Hwang Dong-hyuk publicly addressed the issue. He stated that he had anticipated the response but claimed that it was "near impossible" to cast a trans actor for the role due to the intense pressure, scrutiny, and physical demands of the production. He explained that finding a trans actor with the necessary experience and willingness to take on such a high-profile, demanding role under those circumstances proved too difficult.

Despite the director's explanation, the debate continues to be a crucial part of Hyun-ju's story, underscoring the ongoing challenges and responsibilities of representing marginalized communities in major television productions. This controversy, far from being a simple footnote, is a critical piece of the show's legacy, forcing a global conversation about authentic casting and representation.

Hyun-ju's Lasting Impact and Topical Authority

Cho Hyun-ju's story has secured a permanent place in the topical authority surrounding Squid Game for several reasons. Her character acts as a powerful lens through which the show explores themes of debt, societal marginalization, and the pursuit of identity. She is not merely a contestant; she is a representation of a group often overlooked or misrepresented in media.

Her interactions with other key entities, such as Gi-hun, provide a moral anchor for the show's narrative, contrasting starkly with the ruthless self-preservation of characters like Sang-woo. The discussions she sparks—from the ethics of cis actors playing trans roles to the economic desperation that forces individuals to seek gender-affirming care—elevate Squid Game beyond a simple survival thriller into a complex social commentary. Her legacy is one of compassion, strength, and a tragic fight for the right to live authentically, making her one of the most unforgettable and important characters in the entire series.