The second season of Squid Game arrives with all the anticipation befitting a cultural juggernaut, solidifying its position as a landmark in South Korea’s global entertainment exports. Alongside BTS, PSY, and Parasite, Squid Game has become synonymous with the international success of Korean media. Season 2, now on Netflix, introduces audiences to new characters, including Player 120, Hyun-Ju, a groundbreaking addition as the first openly transgender character in the series—and potentially in mainstream South Korean entertainment.
‘Squid Game 2’: Is Hyun-ju/Player 120 played by a trans actor?
Hyun-Ju’s inclusion in Squid Game is significant, given the rarity of trans representation in South Korean media. Portrayed by Park Sung-hoon, Hyun-Ju’s storyline centers on her participation in the deadly games to afford gender-affirming surgery—a nuanced and poignant narrative largely absent from the country’s mainstream media. While Park Sung-hoon himself is not transgender, his casting reflects the broader challenges within the South Korean entertainment industry, where trans and openly queer actors remain scarce.
South Korea’s entertainment landscape has yet to embrace diversity in the same way as Western media. The lack of transgender actors in prominent roles is not simply a matter of oversight but a reflection of the country’s conservatism regarding LGBTQ+ rights. Openly queer public figures are exceptionally rare, with only a few notable names like Hong Seok-cheon, Holland, and Harisu breaking through societal barriers.
This conservatism contrasts sharply with neighboring nations like Thailand and Taiwan, which are more progressive in producing LGBTQ+ content. Thailand, for instance, is renowned for its BL (Boys’ Love) and GL (Girls’ Love) dramas, while South Korea only began exploring BL media in 2020 with Where Your Eyes Linger. However, even these series often remain confined to niche platforms rather than prime-time television.
While the casting choice might spark debates about representation, the presence of Hyun-Ju in Squid Game is a bold step toward visibility for transgender individuals. Her narrative introduces critical conversations about gender identity and societal acceptance, topics that rarely enter South Korea’s mainstream discourse.
Hyun-Ju’s struggle to secure funds for gender-affirming surgery within the framework of Squid Game’s critique of societal hierarchies adds depth to the show’s exploration of systemic inequalities. This inclusion, however modest, signals an effort to expand representation and foster awareness on a global scale.
Despite its advancements in technology and global influence, South Korea remains deeply conservative in its approach to human rights, including LGBTQ+ issues and gender equality. Same-sex marriage is neither legalized nor recognized, and transgender individuals often face significant societal and legal hurdles.
While Squid Game may not be able to change the status quo overnight, its widespread popularity—season one amassed over 330 million viewers—has the potential to ignite meaningful conversations about diversity and inclusion.
The introduction of Player 120 in Squid Game season 2 could mark a turning point for South Korean media. By presenting a transgender character on such a globally visible platform, the show challenges entrenched norms and highlights the need for broader representation. As Squid Game continues to capture the world’s attention, it may pave the way for a more inclusive and accepting cultural landscape, both in South Korea and beyond.