In 2021, the dystopian South Korean drama “Squid Game” captured global attention, becoming a massive success on Netflix and sparking discussions on various societal issues. As anticipation builds for its second season, Hwang Dong-hyuk, the series creator, aims to address themes of marginalization and acceptance, particularly within the LGBTQ community in South Korea. To this end, he plans to introduce a transgender character named Hyun-ju, who will be portrayed by actor Park Sung-hoon, drawing a mix of support and controversy regarding the authenticity and representation of transgender individuals in the media.
Hyun-ju, also known as Player 120, enters the perilous games of “Squid Game” with a personal motive: to win enough money for gender reassignment surgery. Hwang has expressed his eagerness to highlight the struggles faced by marginalized groups in South Korea. He describes the contestants of the game as individuals who have been neglected or ostracized by society, noting that the character of Ali in season one represented the plight of a foreign worker—a significant minority in Korea. Through Hyun-ju, Hwang continues this narrative, emphasizing the necessity of representation for gender minorities, whom he believes are still regarded as “out of the norm” in Korean society.
At a recent press conference, Hwang critiqued the lack of acceptance for LGBTQ individuals in South Korea and articulated his desire to raise awareness about their struggles. He acknowledged the challenges faced by gender minorities in a society that predominantly marginalizes them. By bringing Hyun-ju into the storyline, Hwang hopes to shed light on the societal issues that persist today, fostering greater understanding and empathy from audiences, particularly in a culture that has historically been less accepting of such identities.
While Hwang initially considered casting a transgender actor for the role, he ultimately chose Park Sung-hoon due to a lack of openly trans or gay actors in South Korea. Hwang’s recognition of this scarcity reflects a broader issue within the country, where the LGBTQ community remains largely invisible and unsupported. Although he expressed disappointment at this reality, he maintained his belief in Park’s ability to effectively portray the character’s complexities and struggles, which would resonate with viewers despite concerns about authenticity.
“Squid Game” first attained its monumental success after launching in September 2021, quickly dominating viewership not only in the U.S. but also in 94 other countries. It amassed an astounding 1.65 billion viewing hours within its first month. The show’s plot revolves around a divorced father who grapples with gambling addiction and overwhelming debt. He seizes a perilous opportunity to erase his financial burdens by participating in a deadly game where losing means facing gruesome consequences.
As the show progresses into its second season, the introduction of a transgender character such as Hyun-ju marks a notable step towards diversifying narratives in mainstream media. By intertwining the emotional arcs of marginalized characters with thrilling storytelling, Hwang Dong-hyuk aims to create thought-provoking content that not only captivates audiences but also propels discussions around acceptance and visibility for the LGBTQ community in South Korea and beyond.