A Defining Scene and a Quiet Revolution
In the climactic moments of Squid Game season two, a quiet but powerful line delivers a seismic jolt to the series’ dystopian narrative. As protagonist Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) and his ragtag crew prepare to take down the operators of the deadly games, it’s Hyun-ju—played by Park Sung-hoon—who confidently steps up to lead. Instructing the group on how to reload submachine guns, she ends with a subtle but striking command: “Are we clear?”
Park added that line himself. The result? A group of battle-worn men immediately defer to her, confirming her authority not just in the moment but symbolically. A transgender woman, Hyun-ju emerges as the unlikely heart of the season—a decision that came with its own set of complexities for the actor who brought her to life.
The Uncertainty of Saying Yes
Park Sung-hoon is no stranger to challenging roles, but the offer to play Hyun-ju gave him pause. “I too had those concerns in the beginning,” he told Vanity Fair. “Would it be okay for me to take on this role?” As a cisgender male actor portraying a transgender woman, he worried about representation, authenticity, and public reception.
The unease wasn’t unfounded. Casting cis actors in trans roles has long been a lightning rod for criticism in global media. The concern isn’t just about performance—it’s about the underlying message that trans identity can be performed, rather than lived. Park knew he’d have to approach the role with care, humility, and intention.
A Complex Character in a Complex Society
Hyun-ju isn’t a one-dimensional trans character. She’s a former sergeant first class in South Korea’s elite Special Forces unit, roughly equivalent to the U.S. Green Berets. Her motivation for entering the Squid Game is deeply personal: she wants to fund gender-affirming surgery.
But her military background, emotional depth, and clear moral compass elevate her beyond a single-issue character. She’s brave, smart, and carries a quiet gravitas—traits that Park captured with the help of LGBTQ+ consultants and friends of friends within the trans community.
Navigating Representation in South Korea
South Korea’s LGBTQ+ visibility has been limited, with few openly trans celebrities. Harisu, a trailblazing trans singer and actress, remains one of the only public figures in that space. While Harisu hasn’t commented on Squid Game, her historical importance looms over the casting of Hyun-ju.
Park never met Harisu, but his portrayal was informed by conversations with other trans individuals and LGBTQ+ allies. “Still today, there is so much hardship, and a lot of biases and disadvantages they have to fight through,” Park said. “I hope that through the character of Hyun-ju, we can hope for a better society.”
Breaking the Mold: Park’s Career So Far
Park’s casting in Squid Game surprised some fans due to his reputation for playing villains. His breakout role in 2022’s The Glory as a sociopathic heir earned him accolades but also typecast him as a go-to antagonist. In 2024’s Queen of Tears, he again portrayed a manipulative executive.
Interestingly, he filmed Queen of Tears at the same time as Squid Game season two. “When I’m playing a villain, I find myself at times more irritable,” he admitted. “But because Hyun-ju is such a warm-hearted person, I think she affected me in a positive way.”
That duality—playing warmth and malice simultaneously—may have given Park the range needed for Hyun-ju’s layered personality. It was, however, his role as a grieving father in 2021’s Hee-su (My Daughter) that caught the attention of Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk.
From Virtual Grief to Real Empathy
Hee-su tells the story of parents using virtual reality to reconnect with their deceased child. Park’s performance captured deep, aching love and resilience—qualities that Hwang sought for Hyun-ju. “I don’t know how he saw [Hyun-ju] in that project,” Park laughed, “but he told me he wanted someone who could play altruism, justice, and leadership.”
Those values drive Hyun-ju’s journey in Squid Game, and Park was determined to honor them. “Being transgender is one of her many aspects,” he said. “She has so many different charms and appeals. I hoped that if I were as cautious and thoughtful as possible, those concerns would lift.”
Humanizing the Journey: The Power of a Monologue
One scene in particular—Hyun-ju’s monologue in episode five, titled “One More Game”—became a cornerstone of Park’s performance. In it, Hyun-ju shares the emotional toll of coming out, with a haunting line added by director Hwang: “Please add this line: ‘My mother cried a lot.’”
The moment is heartbreakingly understated. Park lets the pain hover just beneath the surface, showing how internalized grief can quietly coexist with strength. “I want those emotions to peek through, but not be over the top,” Hwang instructed.
Reclaiming Trans Representation
For a Korean drama, Hyun-ju’s portrayal is groundbreaking. Until recently, mainstream media in South Korea often treated transgender characters as jokes or plot devices. Hyun-ju, by contrast, is not just real—she is revered.
Park and Hwang were adamant from the beginning: “We didn’t want Hyun-ju to be a caricature,” Park emphasized. From costume design to script work, every choice was weighed carefully to respect her identity. “We went through countless discussions, from her outer appearance to her inner introspection.”
This attention to detail paid off. Reactions to Hyun-ju have been overwhelmingly positive, both from cis viewers and those within the trans community. Her character arc, which includes other players learning from and supporting her, strikes a rare balance of empathy and empowerment.
Fans, Feedback, and Future Impact
Despite initial apprehensions, Park’s portrayal has become one of the season’s emotional anchors. “Hyun-ju is a character who is selfless, so considerate of other people, righteous, and a born leader,” he said. “She is receiving so much more love than I ever expected.”
Viewers have praised the storyline for its tenderness and realism, and many hope it marks a turning point in Korean media. There’s still a long way to go in terms of casting trans actors in trans roles, but Hyun-ju’s presence on such a massive global platform feels like a step forward.
“I hope through Hyun-ju, people will experience a change of heart or mind,” Park added. “In the future, I definitely think there will be more transgender characters—as well as, hopefully, transgender actors in the industry.”
Conclusion: A Role That Changed Everything
Park Sung-hoon almost didn’t say yes to Hyun-ju. The fear of misrepresentation, public scrutiny, and doing injustice to the role weighed heavily. But with preparation, care, and heartfelt collaboration, he brought to life one of the most compelling characters in Squid Game’s already-iconic universe.
Hyun-ju’s story is about survival, yes—but also about identity, dignity, and the quiet power of leadership. Through her, Squid Game speaks not only to its fictional world but to ours, reminding us that bravery doesn’t always wear a mask or wield a gun. Sometimes, it simply asks: “Are we clear?”
And this time, we should all say yes.
