Park Sung-hoon: 5 Shocking Facts About The 'Squid Game' Star Who Exited A New Drama Amid Controversy

As of December 2025, actor Park Sung-hoon is one of the most talked-about stars in the K-drama world, primarily due to his high-profile role in the global phenomenon, *Squid Game*, and a major recent controversy that saw him step down from a new project. His portrayal of the complex transgender character, Cho Hyun-ju (Player 120), in both Season 2 and the recently confirmed Season 3 of the Netflix hit has catapulted him to international fame, but his career trajectory took a sharp, unexpected turn following a social media scandal. The intense scrutiny surrounding his casting as a cisgender actor playing a transgender woman, coupled with his recent off-screen drama, has made Park Sung-hoon a figure of both critical acclaim and public debate. This article dives deep into the star's life, his groundbreaking role, the details of the recent controversy, and what his future holds in the competitive world of South Korean entertainment.

Park Sung-hoon: Full Biography and Profile

Park Sung-hoon (Korean: 박성훈) is a South Korean actor who has established a reputation for taking on challenging and memorable roles across film, television, and musical theater. While he has been active in the industry for years, his most recent work has brought him unprecedented global recognition.

• Full Name: Park Sung-hoon (박성훈)
• Date of Birth: February 18, 1985
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 40 years old
• Birthplace: Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea
• Nationality: South Korean
• Height: 183 cm (6 ft 0 in)
• Education: Dong-ah Institute of Media and Arts (DIMA)
• Years Active: 2008–present
• Known For: *The Glory*, *Squid Game* Season 2 & 3, *My Only One*, *Psychopath Diary*
• Debut: Film *A Frozen Flower* (2008) (Minor Role)
• Instagram: @boxabum

Park Sung-hoon’s early career included numerous roles in musical theater and supporting parts in films and dramas. He gained significant recognition for his role in the weekend drama *My Only One* (2018–2019), for which he won an Excellence Award at the KBS Drama Awards. However, it was his chilling performance as the main antagonist, Jeon Jae-joon, in the revenge thriller *The Glory* (2022–2023) that solidified his status as a top-tier actor, showcasing his ability to embody complex, morally ambiguous characters.

The Controversial Exit from 'The Tyrant's Chef'

In late 2024, Park Sung-hoon found himself at the center of a major public controversy that threatened to derail his career momentum. The incident stemmed from a social media post that sparked immediate and widespread backlash across South Korea’s highly conservative entertainment landscape.

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The actor had been cast in a leading role opposite YoonA in the highly anticipated tvN K-drama, *The Tyrant's Chef*. However, following a controversial post containing an explicit or "pornographic" image shared on his personal social media account, public criticism mounted rapidly.

The backlash was severe, with many fans and viewers calling for his immediate removal from all upcoming projects. In early 2025, the production team for *The Tyrant's Chef* confirmed that Park Sung-hoon had stepped down from the drama. This decision was a direct response to the pressure and negative public sentiment generated by the explicit content controversy.

The incident highlighted the unique pressures and high standards of moral conduct expected of celebrities in the K-drama industry, where even a single misstep can lead to a sudden career pause or exit from a project. His departure from *The Tyrant's Chef* became a major news story, underscoring the delicate balance between an actor's personal life and their public career.

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Cho Hyun-ju: The Groundbreaking 'Squid Game' Role

Despite the off-screen drama, Park Sung-hoon’s role in *Squid Game* remains his most significant global achievement. He was introduced in Season 2 as Cho Hyun-ju, also known as Player 120, and is confirmed to return for Season 3.

The Character: Player 120

Cho Hyun-ju is a pivotal new character in the deadly competition. She is portrayed as a transgender woman who was a former member of the Republic of Korea (ROK) special forces. Her motivation for entering the Games is intensely personal: to afford gender-affirming surgery and secure her future. This storyline introduced a layer of social commentary on the struggles faced by the transgender community in South Korea and the extreme measures people will take for financial stability and identity.

The Casting Debate

Park Sung-hoon, a cisgender male actor, portraying a transgender woman immediately sparked a global debate about representation. While some praised the show for including a transgender character, others criticized the casting choice, arguing that the role should have gone to an openly transgender actress.

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The show's creator addressed the controversy, stating that it was "near impossible" to cast a trans actress who was open about their gender identity in South Korea. Park Sung-hoon himself has spoken about the immense pressure and responsibility he felt to portray Cho Hyun-ju respectfully and authentically. He emphasized the character's strength and humanity, aiming to make her a positive role model.

The character of Cho Hyun-ju is expected to have an even more profound impact in the third and final season of the Netflix series, as her backstory and motivations are further explored, cementing her place as one of the most memorable new players in the *Squid Game* universe.

What's Next: Park Sung-hoon's 2025 Comeback

Following the *The Tyrant's Chef* controversy, fans and industry insiders were keenly watching for Park Sung-hoon’s next move. The actor appears to be focusing on a return to the small screen with a new, less controversial project.

He is currently in talks to star in the upcoming romance K-drama, *Efficient Dating for Singles*. This potential project would see him star alongside actress Han Ji-Min, known for her roles in high-profile dramas. The drama is being positioned as a major 2025 release, signaling the industry's continued faith in Park Sung-hoon's talent despite his recent public relations crisis.

If confirmed, *Efficient Dating for Singles* will be his first major K-drama role outside of the *Squid Game* franchise following the controversy, making it a critical project for his career recovery. The move to a romance genre also marks a shift from the darker, more intense roles he mastered in *The Glory* and *Squid Game*. This strategic choice may be an effort to showcase his versatility and rebuild a positive image with the general public. His ability to navigate the aftermath of the scandal and secure a new leading role demonstrates his enduring star power and the high demand for his acting prowess in the global K-content market.