Park Sung-hoon, a popular South Korean actor, has been reflecting on his portrayal of Cho Hyun-ju, a transgender character, in Squid Game season 2.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, he opened up about the challenges and lessons he learned while playing the role, especially as a cisgender actor.
Playing Cho Hyun-ju in Squid Game
In season 2 of Squid Game, Park Sung-hoon’s character, Cho Hyun-ju, is introduced as a former soldier who comes out as a trans woman. Hyun-ju is competing in the deadly survival game to raise money for gender-affirming surgery and a new life in Thailand.
This role sparked a conversation about the representation of transgender people in the media, especially when a cisgender actor plays a transgender character.
Park shared his concern about not wanting to offend anyone by taking on this important role. He said, “I really did not want to offend anyone,” expressing his awareness of the potential challenges that came with playing a transgender character as a cisgender actor.
The Support from the LGBTQ+ Community
Despite the worries, Park expressed his gratitude for the love and support he received from the LGBTQ+ community when season 2 aired. He was particularly moved by the positive response and support he got after portraying Hyun-ju.
Park noted, “When season 2 dropped, the LGBTQ+ community gave me lots of love and support, which I am eternally grateful for.”
This feedback from the LGBTQ+ community helped Park feel more confident in his portrayal of Hyun-ju, and he emphasized that he felt truly appreciative of their understanding and encouragement.
What Park Sung-hoon Learned from Playing Hyun-ju
Park Sung-hoon revealed that playing Hyun-ju taught him many valuable lessons. Although Hyun-ju’s identity as a transgender woman is an essential part of her character, Park pointed out that she has many other important traits.
He described Hyun-ju as selfless, caring, brave, and a natural leader. According to Park, her character was an excellent role model, and he learned a lot from her determination and strength.
He mentioned, “While Hyun-ju is a transgender character, that’s just one of her qualities — and she has many, many redeeming qualities. She’s selfless, she cares for others, she has leadership, she’s brave.” Park added that he had gained valuable insights into life by playing such a complex character.
Excitement for Squid Game Season 3
As Squid Game fans eagerly await the premiere of the third and final season, Park Sung-hoon expressed mixed feelings. While he’s excited to see the continuation of the story, he admitted that it’s also a bittersweet moment for him.
He said, “I’m really looking forward to it, but it’s a little bittersweet because I don’t want to say goodbye to Squid Game.”
Hyun-ju will return for season 3, where the story picks up after her and other competitors tried to revolt against the organizers of the Squid Game competition. The new season will explore how Hyun-ju and her fellow players face even graver consequences as they try to survive in the deadly game.
Squid Game season 3 is set to release on June 27, 2025, on Netflix, and it promises to bring more intense drama and heart-pounding moments. With Park Sung-hoon’s portrayal of Cho Hyun-ju, the character continues to break new ground in terms of representation in television.
His role has opened up important discussions about the LGBTQ+ community and how actors from different backgrounds can play characters that are vastly different from themselves. Park’s journey with this role has been both challenging and rewarding, and he looks forward to the next chapter of Squid Game.
