“…He carried the whole K-Drama…”
Koreaboo
Netizens reacted to the transgender character in Squid game 2 which initially sparked controversy due to the casting.
One of the new stars was The Glory AND Queen of tears actor Sung Hoon Park.
She plays one of the new characters introduced in Squid Game 2. Her character, Hyun Ju (also romanized as Hyun Joo, is a transgender woman who joins the Squid game contest to win money for gender affirmation surgery.
After the announcement, a heated debate broke out.
While many thought the role should have gone to a real transgender actress, others anticipated the transgender portrayal and criticism a real transgender star would receive for playing the role, especially in parts of Korea that have traditional views on gender and sexuality.
Transgender character in ‘Squid Game 2’ sparks heated debate
Yet, when the series aired on December 26, netizens couldn’t stop praising Sung Hoon’s performance. Fans believed that she did justice to the role and character of Hyun Ju, with many saying that the character “carried” the show (which received criticism).
Tweet of appreciation to Park Sunghoon for playing this role with so much grace and standing out among the bravest and best. my girl, you are so loved #SquidGame2 pic.twitter.com/3FBJtzTZV2
— 𓅪 (@alfiyastic) December 26, 2024
Player 120 현주 is my favorite #SquidGame2 They actually created some good background and character development for her and #ParkSungHoon portrayed her effectively, as expected 👏👏👏
(But this season pales in comparison to the first, imho)pic.twitter.com/oQx30JDYJb
—Karie ✴︎ (@karie_202) December 26, 2024
Player 120 is the only character I rooted for. People judged her at first, but she actually helped her team win a game and ultimately assisted in the execution of their plan. #ParkSunghoon he nailed this role again! Never disappoints! 😭👏🏻#SquidGame
— ann🍄 (@anythingkworthy) December 27, 2024
My favorite character from S2 of #SquidGame2
He gave his all from start to finish in the rounds of each match; Her story moved me and she survived because her grandmother stopped her.
PD: The incredible and talented actor that you are #ParkSungHoon and carried the whole K-drama forward. pic.twitter.com/iTqpgECpNN
— StayWithMeS2 🤍💫 | #TheTaleOfLadyOk was ♥️🌹❤️🔥 (@lalisalvr22) December 26, 2024
Along with Sung Hoon’s acting, netizens praised the narrative and details behind the character, including the development and portrayal in the show, along with the difficulties.
// Squid Game Season 2 Spoilers
it’s the way this show put together an older woman, a pregnant woman, and a trans woman and flat out said they’re all valid as the women moved me to tears, holy shit
— fish bowl 🇻🇪 | Wrioluc’s disease (@chewy_bunni) December 27, 2024
the only character this season who was fully developed and stole the screen in every scene she was in. we Stan Hyunju (player 120) in this house 🙏 #parksunhoon pic.twitter.com/1IkTIrzzf4
— b (@jongwoojanu) December 27, 2024
Hyunju (player 120) is definitely the best character this season.#SquidGame2| #SquidGame pic.twitter.com/Icbgx2grDK
— Ramiya 2.0 (@yehtuhogaaa) December 26, 2024
“You’re beautiful too, grandmas”
This is my favorite team… I liked Hyun Ju’s arc so far and the way Yong Mi, Yongsik and her mother interact and collaborate with her 😭💜🌈#SquidGame2 pic.twitter.com/S6PL9FcYwR
— Lee Yun (@LeeYunnes) December 26, 2024
Below you can read the comments on the director’s character.
“Squid Game 2” director directly addresses controversial casting of transgender character
