‘Squid Game’ Star Park Sung-hoon Reflects on Portraying Transgender Character in Exclusive Interview
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South Korean actor Park Sung-hoon, known for his role as Cho Hyun-ju in the hit Netflix series ‘Squid Game’, recently opened up in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE about his experience playing a transgender character. The actor shared his thoughts on the public reception of his character and the valuable lessons he has learned from the role.
In the second season of ‘Squid Game’, Park’s character Hyun-ju is depicted as a former soldier who faced discharge after coming out as a trans woman. She participates in a high-stakes survival game in the hopes of winning money to support her gender-affirming surgery and start anew in Thailand. Despite being a cisgender actor, Park expressed his concern about potentially causing offense by portraying a transgender character, stating that he was mindful of the sensitivities surrounding the role.
Acknowledging the apprehensions surrounding his casting, Park expressed gratitude towards the LGBTQ+ community for their overwhelming support and acceptance of his portrayal. The actor shared that the outpouring of love from fans was both unexpected and heartwarming, easing some of his initial concerns about taking on the role.
Looking ahead to the third and final season of ‘Squid Game’, Park admitted to feeling a mix of emotions as he anticipates viewers’ reactions to the upcoming installment. He revealed that while he is excited for audiences to witness the continuation of the storyline, bidding farewell to the beloved series is tinged with a sense of nostalgia and reluctance.
As season 3 unfolds, viewers can expect to see Hyun-ju, identified as player No. 120, reuniting with her fellow competitors following the failed uprising against the game’s organizers. Park teased that the upcoming season will delve deeper into Hyun-ju’s character development, showcasing her resilience, leadership qualities, and unwavering bravery amidst the intense challenges of the game.
Through his portrayal of Hyun-ju, Park shared that he has gained valuable insights and personal growth, emphasizing that the character’s transgender identity is just one facet of her multifaceted personality. He highlighted Hyun-ju’s altruism, compassion for others, and inner strength as defining qualities that have left a lasting impact on him as an actor.
The highly-anticipated third season of ‘Squid Game’ promises to deliver gripping twists and turns as the stakes escalate for the remaining players. With the official trailer giving a glimpse of the intense showdown to come, fans can look forward to witnessing the culmination of the characters’ fates and the ultimate resolution of the game.
Scheduled to premiere on June 27 on Netflix, ‘Squid Game’ season 3 is poised to captivate audiences with its compelling narrative and cliff-hanging suspense. As Park Sung-hoon continues to embody the complex character of Hyun-ju, his dedication and nuanced portrayal serve as a testament to his commitment to storytelling and bringing depth to his roles.