Park Sung-hoon reflects on his role as trans woman Hyun-ju in Squid Game, facing backlash for being a cisgender actor. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk defended his casting choice. Sung-hoon expressed his fears about playing a trans character, questioning the acceptability of a cisgender actor in that role. He aimed to create an authentic portrayal, focusing on the character's inner qualities and avoiding reduction to stereotypes. The character of Hyun-ju became a fan favorite for her depth and motives related to gender-affirming surgery.
When I first heard that I was going to play a trans woman in Squid Game, I thought it was a very good challenge for me as an actor to take up. But at the same time, I questioned myself. Would it be acceptable for me as a cisgender actor to play a trans woman character? So I had my worries. I had my concerns.
But I was determined to make her into a character who is not a caricature. I did not want to reduce her to stereotypes. I really wanted to focus on the inner qualities that she has, the traits that are so redeeming.
Player 120 was the real winner, no matter what anyone says. She was the strongest, the smartest, and the kindest. She felt truly human, someone willing to sacrifice herself for the safety of others.
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