In Squid Game season 2, Park Sung-hoon plays the character of Hyun-ju, also known as Player 120.
Hyun-ju is a transgender woman who enters the deadly games to raise money for gender-affirming surgery.
Having lost her job as a Special Forces soldier after coming out and facing rejection from her family, Hyun-ju dreams of starting a new life in Thailand.
Hyun-ju is portrayed by Park Sung-hoon, a 39-year-old South Korean actor. While the character is transgender, Park is a cisgender man, a casting choice that sparked some controversy.
Despite this, director Hwang Dong-hyuk expressed that Hyun-ju would resonate with audiences worldwide, as transgender characters are underrepresented in Korean media.
Park Sung-hoon is best known for his roles in Queen of Tears and The Glory. His portrayal of Hyun-ju in Squid Game season 2 showcases the character’s resilience and leadership, breaking stereotypes and inspiring others in the games.
Park’s career has been flourishing in 2024, with notable roles in The Bequeathed and The Glory.
His performance as Hyun-ju in Squid Game adds to a year filled with significant milestones.
