“Squid Game” is back with its second season, and it’s delivering drama, existential dread, and yes, a trans storyline that has fans buzzing. But there’s a twist: the role of Hyun-ju, a trans woman, is played by… a cis man. Cue the collective eyebrow raise.
Hyun-ju, aka Player 120, isn’t just any contestant—she’s a former soldier trying to scrape together enough blood-stained cash for her gender-affirming surgery. (Because apparently, that’s the ultimate side hustle in the Squid Game universe.) The role is played by South Korean acting legend Park Sung-hoon, 39, who took on the challenge despite not being a trans woman.
Naturally, fans had questions—and some very loud opinions. So, creator Hwang Dong-hyuk decided to explain the “heartbreaking” reason behind the casting choice. Grab your tissues and popcorn.
Why No Trans Actor? It’s Complicated (and Sad)
“I knew this would come up,” Hwang told TV Guide, probably while sipping tea and side-eyeing Twitter. He confessed that from the start, he wanted to cast a trans actor. But the search? A total flop.
“When we researched in Korea, there are close to no actors that are openly trans, let alone openly gay,” Hwang explained. “The LGBTQ community here is still marginalized and neglected, which is just… heartbreaking.” (Yes, “heartbreaking” is doing some heavy lifting here.)
With no openly trans actors available for the role, Hwang went with Sung-hoon, whom he described as “super talented and trustworthy.” Or in director-speak: “I needed someone to nail this role, and this guy’s got the chops.”
Why Hyun-ju? The Bigger Picture
Hwang didn’t just include a trans character for kicks. Hyun-ju represents one of the many marginalized people drawn into the Squid Games. “In season one, we had Ali, a foreign worker in Korea—a group that’s often overlooked. This season, I wanted to spotlight gender minorities,” he told Gizmodo, likely while dodging a few Reddit threads.
“Acceptance of trans people has improved, but it’s still nowhere near where it should be,” Hwang continued, painting a bleak picture of societal norms in South Korea. “In Korea, being a gender minority is like showing up to a costume party a week early. You’re out of place, and everyone’s staring.”
Through Hyun-ju’s journey, Hwang hopes to raise awareness, spark conversations, and maybe, just maybe, make people a little less judgmental.
The Takeaway? It’s a Mixed Bag
While some fans are applauding the inclusion of a trans character, others are still grappling with the casting choice. But if there’s one thing we know about “Squid Game,” it’s that nothing comes easy—not even representation.
So, whether you’re here for the social commentary or just the emotional trauma, buckle up. Season 2 is about to take us all on another wild, morally complicated ride.
