Have you heard about the unexpected controversy surrounding a transgender character in “Squid Game” Season 2? The global community had massively criticized “Squid Game” Season 2 for casting Park Sung Hoon as the series’ transgender character, but Director Hwang Dong Hyuk finally puts an end to all the wild speculations. So, what’s the story behind this “Squid Game” Season 2 transgender character controversy? And why did Hwang Dong Hyuk PD decide to cast Park Sung Hoon?
The Unexpected Controversy Against “Squid Game” Season 2 Transgender Character Cast
Approaching its upcoming release date, “Squid Game” Season 2 has gained massive attention, not only because of its unexpected Golden Globes Nomination but also all the shocking controversies happening to several members of the cast.
And yet, nothing has caused more commotion in the global K-drama community than the casting controversy of the “Squid Game” Season 2 transgender character.
Previously, the production team revealed that Korean actor Park Sung Hoon was selected to play a transgender character in “Squid Game” Season 2 named Hyun Ju. In the upcoming season of this Korean phenomenon series, Hyun Ju is a transgender woman who enters the game because she’s “short on money for her gender-affirming surgery.”
Hence, the casting of Park Sung Hoon resulted in a huge backlash. Why? Because instead of choosing a real transgender actor to play Hyun Ju, the production decided to just go with another cisgender actor.
Global fans and advocates feel that the role should have gone to an authentic transgender actress. They argued that casting a cis actor takes away from the authentic representation, which is the whole point of this character.
The Real Story and Reason Behind the Transgender Character Casting
As the controversy escalated rapidly in the community, “Squid Game” Season 2 director Hwang Dong Hyuk eventually addressed the issue.
During an interview with American media TV Guide, Hwang Dong Hyuk PD revealed that the controversy surrounding “Squid Game” Season 2 transgender character Hyun Ju was always something he had expected.
Yet, the truth is finding openly transgender actors in South Korea is incredibly difficult, given the country’s social stigma around the LGBTQ+ community.
According to Hwang Dong Hyuk, he was originally planning on casting an authentic transgender actor for Hyun Ju. However, it was almost impossible to find actors in South Korea who were openly gay and trans.
“I had a feeling this kind of discussion might come up from the moment I started creating the character Hyun Ju.
Initially, we planned to cast a transgender actor to stay true to the role. We researched and explored all our options, but finding someone suitable for the part in Korea was nearly impossible.
Ultimately, that’s how we ended up casting Sung Hoon for the role.”
Hwang Dong Hyuk.
Why Did Hwang Dong Hyuk Pick Park Sung Hoon for Hyun Ju in “Squid Game” Season 2?
Further in the statement, Hwang Dong Hyuk PD also shared that he had wanted to tell Hyun Ju’s story with respect and authenticity.
Therefore, he believed that actor Park Sung Hoon, with his impressive skills and personality as shown in previous works “The Glory” and “Queen of Tears,” would be able to flawlessly portray Hyun Ju’s character.
“I’ve been following his work since his debut, and I had full confidence in his talent. I knew he was the right choice to bring this character to life.”
Hwang Dong Hyuk.
"Through her resilience, she breaks down stereotypes and shines as an inspiring character" The way Park Sung Hoon talks about his Squid Game 2 character ah pic.twitter.com/L6ugP9IDBU
— Andrew (@PsychoKolour) December 4, 2024
Progress or Problem: Your Thoughts?
Finally, as the curtain rises for “Squid Game” Season 2 on December 26, this transgender character controversy highlights a bigger conversation about representation in media. This is especially a big deal in places where LGBTQ+ visibility is still a work in progress.
And yet, considering all the challenges the production team faced, bombarding the show and its brilliant actors with criticism even before it airs doesn’t seem fair against all the hard work they’ve put in.
Still, at the end of the day, all the controversy only proves just how massive “Squid Game” is and its influence on the global entertainment community. Don’t you think so too? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
In the meantime, here’s the trailer for the upcoming season of this amazing series.
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Source: TV Guide.
