Following the release of Squid Game Season 2, a standout character has emerged as a fan favorite: Hyun-ju, also known as Player 120. This character presents an intriguing narrative as a trans contestant; however, it is noteworthy that the role is not portrayed by a transgender actor.
The new season continues the journey of Gi-hun, now recognized as Player 456, who is driven by a desire to confront the Front Man and ultimately put an end to the deadly competition that ensnares so many. New contestants enter the fray, some of whom exhibit commendable traits while others, like Thanos (Player 230), are purely villainous. Conversely, Jung-bae (Player 390) evolves into a loyal ally for Gi-hun, even amidst his flawed choices.
Who is Hyun-ju in Squid Game Season 2?
Hyun-ju, a trans woman, has an impressive yet tragic backstory: she served in the Republic of Korea’s Special Forces, achieving the rank of sergeant first class. Her life took a downturn when she came out as transgender, leading to her dismissal from the military.
Facing a lack of support from family and friends, Hyun-ju’s pursuit of gender-affirming surgery pushes her to enter the games, hoping to win enough money to afford the procedure and build a new life in Thailand. Throughout the competition, Hyun-ju’s decisions stir mixed reactions; while she faces criticism for voting to continue the games, her protective instincts shine through, showcasing her commitment to her fellow contestants.
In a featurette from Netflix, actor Park Sung-hoon, known for his roles in popular K-dramas like Queen of Tears and The Glory, highlighted the character’s strength and resilience despite facing societal prejudices. He stated, “Even though she faces prejudices and tough situations, she shows incredible strength, decisiveness, and natural leadership. Through her resilience, she breaks down stereotypes and shines as an inspiring character.”
Why Hyun-ju Isn’t Played by a Trans Actress
Interestingly, the actor portraying Hyun-ju is not transgender, and this decision speaks volumes about the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in South Korea. As series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk shared with TV Guide, “When we researched in Korea, there are close to no actors that are openly trans, let alone openly gay, because unfortunately, in the Korean society currently, the LGBTQ community is rather still marginalized and more neglected, which is heartbreaking.”
Hwang expressed a desire for an authentic casting of a trans actor but ultimately faced significant challenges in finding one. He noted, “It was near impossible to find someone who we could cast authentically… and that led us to the decision to cast Sung-hoon. I have watched his work ever since his debut, and I had complete trust in him that he would be the right person in terms of talent in portraying this character.”
In another interview with The Wrap, Hwang added, “She’s a person who got hurt a lot by social discrimination and prejudice. And there are many incidents in Korea where transgender people suffered prejudice and discrimination. I wanted to emphasize that even if she is transgender, she has inner beauty as a human.”
For more insights, don’t miss our coverage on Squid Game Season 2’s post-credits scene, the reasons behind its seven-episode format, and an engaging ranking of every challenge featured in the series.
Leave a Reply