5 Shocking Details About Hyun-ju, The Trans Character In Squid Game Season 2 & The Controversial Casting

The highly anticipated return of the global phenomenon, *Squid Game*, for its second season has introduced one of the most talked-about new players: Hyun-ju, a transgender woman. As of December 2025, the character has become a focal point of discussion, not just for her compelling in-game role as a former ROK Special Forces soldier, but for the significant controversy surrounding her casting. The decision by creator Hwang Dong-hyuk to cast a cisgender male actor in the role has ignited a fierce global debate about authentic LGBTQ+ representation in South Korean media. This article dives deep into the character’s tragic motivation, the full profile of the actor who portrays her, and the crucial cultural conversation that has dominated headlines since the announcement of *Squid Game* Season 2 and 3.

Park Sung-hoon: The Actor Behind Hyun-ju's Controversial Role

The character of Hyun-ju (also known as Cho Hyun-ju, Player 120) is portrayed by the established South Korean actor Park Sung-hoon. His casting immediately drew criticism from international audiences and LGBTQ+ advocates who argued that a transgender actress should have been chosen for the role. Park Sung-hoon, however, has spoken candidly about the pressure and the emotional weight of playing the character, admitting he "really did not want to" take the role due to the sensitivity but ultimately learned "so much" from the experience.

Park Sung-hoon: Full Profile and Biography

• Full Name: Park Sung-hoon (Korean: 박성훈)
• Born: February 18, 1985
• Nationality: South Korean
• Occupation: Actor
• Debut Film Role: A small role in the film *A Frozen Flower*
• Notable Filmography: Park Sung-hoon is recognized for his diverse roles in popular K-dramas and films, including *The Great Show*, *The King: Eternal Monarch*, *High Society*, and *The Distributors* (2022).
• Controversial Role: Hyun-ju (Player 120) in *Squid Game* Seasons 2 and 3.

Park’s portrayal is part of a larger, ongoing conversation about the lack of opportunities for openly transgender actors in the conservative South Korean entertainment industry.

Hyun-ju's Tragic Backstory and Motivation as Player 120

The character of Hyun-ju is not merely a token inclusion; she is written with a complex and emotionally charged backstory that drives her to risk her life in the deadly game. Her story adds a new layer of social commentary to the Netflix hit series.

1. A Former ROK Special Forces Soldier

Hyun-ju is introduced as a veteran, a former soldier who served in the Republic of Korea (ROK) Special Forces. This background immediately establishes her as a physically and mentally formidable player, capable of leadership and survival in the brutal environment of the *Squid Game*. This military history is a significant detail, challenging stereotypes and presenting her as a "badass transwoman," as some media outlets have described her.

2. The Struggle for Gender-Affirming Care

The core of Hyun-ju's motivation is deeply personal and tragically reflective of real-world struggles. She entered the game specifically to win the prize money needed to complete her gender-affirming care. This detail grounds her participation in a desperate, life-or-death need for medical transition, which can be prohibitively expensive, especially in South Korea's conservative environment. Her character highlights the economic disparity and systemic challenges faced by the trans community.

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3. A Leader and Kindred Spirit

Despite the cutthroat nature of the competition, Hyun-ju is quickly established as one of the kindest and most compassionate players, often taking on a leadership role among the more vulnerable contestants. Her protective nature and moral compass make her a standout in a sea of desperate players, setting her up as a potential fan favorite and a major narrative force in both Season 2 and the rumored Season 3.

The Casting Controversy: Cis Actor vs. Authentic Representation

The most significant discussion point surrounding Hyun-ju is the decision to cast Park Sung-hoon, a cisgender man, in the role of a transgender woman. This choice sparked an immediate debate about the ethics of casting and the importance of authentic representation, particularly in a globally influential series like *Squid Game*.

Hwang Dong-hyuk's Defense of the Casting Choice

The show's creator and director, Hwang Dong-hyuk, publicly defended his decision, stating that it was "near impossible" to find a suitable transgender Korean actress for the role. He cited the conservative nature of South Korea and the limited visibility and opportunities for openly trans actors as the primary reasons for the choice.

While the director's statement acknowledges the systemic issues within the Korean entertainment industry, it did not fully satisfy critics. Many argued that a global platform like Netflix and *Squid Game* should have made a more concerted effort to search worldwide or elevate an unknown trans talent, regardless of the challenges in the local market.

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The Actor's Struggle and Commitment to the Role

Park Sung-hoon himself expressed his deep concern over the casting, recognizing the potential for backlash and the weight of the responsibility. He stated that he approached the role with the utmost respect, focusing on Hyun-ju's humanity and her story beyond her gender identity. The character, he noted, is a former soldier and a person fighting for her life; her being a trans woman is just one facet of her identity.

The Broader Impact on K-Drama and Trans Visibility

Despite the controversy, the inclusion of Hyun-ju marks a significant, albeit debated, milestone for transgender visibility in mainstream South Korean media. Transgender characters in K-dramas are rare, and Hyun-ju's prominent, multi-season role has forced a necessary conversation. The debate itself highlights the cultural differences in LGBTQ+ acceptance compared to Western media, and the ongoing struggle for trans rights and acceptance in East Asia. The character's tragic arc, including a major spoiler suggesting a brutal death in Episode 2 (which Park Sung-hoon has discussed), further intensified the emotional reaction from fans who were invested in her journey for gender-affirming care.

The Future of Trans Representation in the *Squid Game* Universe

The introduction of Hyun-ju has indelibly changed the landscape of the *Squid Game* universe. Her story, whether brief or extended, serves as a powerful piece of social commentary on the desperation for survival and acceptance. While the casting remains a point of contention, the character’s existence—a strong, compassionate, former Special Forces soldier fighting for her transition—provides a new and complex narrative for transgender individuals on a global stage. The character’s impact will likely be felt long after *Squid Game* Season 2 and 3 conclude, pressuring future K-drama productions to prioritize authentic casting when exploring similar sensitive topics.