Mon Dec 30 09:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Squid Game Season 2 Introduces Controversial Transgender Character
**Seoul, South Korea** – Netflix’s highly anticipated *Squid Game* season 2 has premiered, introducing a new character sparking both excitement and controversy. Hyun-ju, Player 120, a transgender woman played by cisgender actor Park Sung-hoon, is central to the new season’s narrative.
Hyun-ju, a former Special Forces soldier who lost her job after coming out, participates in the deadly games to fund gender-affirming surgery and a new life in Thailand. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk stated his hope that Hyun-ju’s portrayal will resonate with audiences worldwide, particularly given the limited representation of transgender characters in Korean television.
The casting choice, however, has proven controversial, reigniting the ongoing debate about cisgender actors portraying transgender roles. Despite the pre-release announcement of Park Sung-hoon’s casting, the decision continues to generate discussion among viewers.
Despite the controversy, Park Sung-hoon has described Hyun-ju as a resilient and inspiring leader who defies stereotypes. The actor’s busy 2024 also included roles in the popular K-dramas *Queen of Tears* and *The Glory*, solidifying his presence in the South Korean entertainment industry.
*Squid Game* season 2, now streaming on Netflix, sees the return of familiar faces like Lee Jung-jae, Gong Yoo, and Wi Ha-joon, alongside a host of new players. The season continues the high-stakes competition, forcing players into brutal life-or-death games based on traditional Korean children’s games. While the show’s success remains to be fully analyzed, the introduction of Hyun-ju has already made it a talking point.
First Piper 