When Squid Game first hit Netflix in 2021, it wasn’t just a chilling survival drama—it was a cultural phenomenon. Hailing from South Korea, the series tackled economic inequality, social desperation, and moral ambiguity through a bloody and brutal competition that felt both dystopian and alarmingly familiar. But beyond the carnage, creator Hwang Dong-hyuk ensured that each character stood for something more.
Season 3 takes that a step further, introducing one of the series’ most important characters yet: Hyun-ju, a transgender woman portrayed by actor Park Sung-hoon. In a franchise known for elevating underrepresented voices, Hyun-ju’s inclusion isn’t just symbolic—it’s a turning point for LGBTQ+ representation on a global stage.
A Transgender Character at the Center of the Narrative
Hyun-ju isn’t a background figure or a stereotype. She’s a central part of the narrative—a strong, complex woman who faces prejudice, earns respect, and protects others amid the chaos of the game. Her arc echoes real-life trans experiences of resilience, survival, and the long road to social acceptance.
“She had to fight against a lot of bias and prejudice,” Park said during an exclusive interview with Gayety. “Geum-ja didn’t like her at first, but then she warms up to her and brings her into the fold. That’s what I hope for viewers, too—that they start to see people like Hyun-ju differently.”
The Actor Behind the Role: Park Sung-hoon’s Commitment
Portraying a transgender character as a cisgender man is not a choice without controversy. Park was aware of the weight of the role and the conversations it would stir. But rather than shy away from it, he embraced the responsibility with thoughtfulness and care.
“I knew there would be questions about a cis man playing this role, and that’s valid,” Park said. “That’s why I made sure to meet with transgender individuals, to get their advice and listen to their stories. I wanted to understand their experiences deeply and avoid reducing this character to a caricature.”
His preparation involved not just reading scripts or watching portrayals on screen, but engaging in heartfelt conversations with members of the transgender community. Park’s goal wasn’t just to “act” the role of Hyun-ju—it was to honor the emotional, social, and cultural realities of trans women, especially those in Korea, where representation is still painfully rare.
Why This Matters in South Korean Media
South Korea remains a deeply conservative society when it comes to gender identity and LGBTQ+ issues. While younger generations are increasingly pushing for inclusivity, institutional and societal barriers remain significant. The tragic death of a transgender soldier, Byun Hee-soo, in 2021 sparked national and international outrage after she was dismissed from the military and died by suicide. Her story became a rallying cry for trans rights in South Korea—and a stark reminder of the country’s systemic issues.
Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk acknowledged this in his decision to include Hyun-ju. “In Season 1, I highlighted characters like Ali, a migrant worker, and Sae-byeok, a North Korean defector—people marginalized in Korean society,” he said. “For Season 3, I felt it was time to spotlight the trans community, who are often among the most marginalized.”
For Hwang, creating Hyun-ju wasn’t about tokenism. It was about shifting public perception through powerful, empathetic storytelling.
A Partnership Built on Trust and Respect
Hyun-ju forms one of the most moving relationships of the season with fellow player Geum-ja, portrayed by veteran actress Kang Ae-sim. The characters develop a bond that reflects mutual respect and emotional depth—a rarity for trans representation in mainstream media.
“He portrayed Hyun-ju so flawlessly,” Kang said. “I could see in his eyes how sincere the character was. It came naturally for me to trust her, and we became a strong team.”
Their partnership in the game echoes the importance of solidarity—something often seen in real-life queer communities, especially among those fighting for safety and dignity.
Challenging Tropes and Expanding Representation
Trans characters in global media, especially in East Asia, have long been subject to misrepresentation—if they appear at all. Often portrayed as comic relief, victims, or social outcasts, they’re rarely granted the complexity and dignity of their cisgender counterparts. Park’s performance and Hyun-ju’s narrative push back on these tired tropes.
“We tend to see a lot of transgender characters reduced to caricatures,” Park said. “We don’t want that anymore. We want nuanced, layered transgender characters—because all people are layered and deserve respect.”
This sentiment reflects a growing demand for authenticity in storytelling—one where trans lives are not merely represented, but celebrated in all their complexity.
A Message for Viewers Around the World
In many ways, Hyun-ju’s character operates on multiple levels. She’s a compelling player in the game, a fierce protector of others, and a mirror to the biases and growth of the characters around her. But more than anything, she’s a symbol of possibility—for greater empathy, more inclusive narratives, and ultimately, more visibility for transgender people in entertainment.
Park hopes that viewers come away from the show changed. “If someone sees the show and feels like Geum-ja did at first—hesitant, skeptical—I hope they, too, can grow to see Hyun-ju for who she really is. That’s how change starts.”
Jo Yu-ri, who plays Jun-hee, a mother fighting to protect her child within the brutal game, shared her personal reflections on Hyun-ju’s impact. In both her performance and personal view, she chose not to focus on Hyun-ju’s gender identity, but on her strength and compassion. “None of that crossed my mind in how I approached her character,” Yu-ri said. “To me, she was simply a protector—someone I felt gratitude and love toward.” Her sentiment reflects one of the season’s most powerful themes: that trans women, often portrayed as outsiders, are equally capable of heroism, love, and leadership. In portraying Hyun-ju as a central figure of protection and solidarity, Squid Game flips the script on how trans identities are often framed in mainstream media.
The Power of Storytelling in a Global Franchise
It’s worth emphasizing that Squid Game is not just a Korean show—it’s a global phenomenon. With millions of viewers across the world, its messages about inequality, morality, and human connection reach far and wide. Including a transgender character at the heart of such a widely watched series is not just a creative decision—it’s a political and cultural one.
Netflix has increasingly invested in diversity, but shows like Squid Game demonstrate how that diversity can go beyond token gestures. By embedding meaningful representation into the very structure of the story, the series makes it harder to ignore or dismiss the lived realities of marginalized groups.
As the season concludes, the emotional toll on both characters and audiences is undeniable. Kang Ae-sim reflected on the intense scenes and the supportive environment that allowed her to tap into those emotions. “There were moments I worried I couldn’t pull it off,” she said. “But the atmosphere on set, especially thanks to Director Hwang, was so calming. That helped us all go deeper emotionally.”
For Park Sung-hoon, the takeaway is clear: representation should never be an afterthought. It should be central to storytelling—an opportunity to reflect the world as it is, and the world we want to build.
“I hope we continue to see more trans characters,” he said. “Not just in survival games or tragic arcs, but in love stories, comedies, everything. We all deserve to be seen.”
