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The 5 Biggest Shockwaves Park Sung-hoon Caused In Squid Game Season 2 (And His Controversial Role)

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The buzz surrounding Park Sung-hoon's involvement in the highly anticipated *Squid Game Season 2* has become one of the most talked-about topics in global entertainment. As of today, December 21, 2025, the actor, globally recognized for his chilling villain turn in *The Glory*, has taken on a role that is not only central to the new season's plot but also one that has ignited a fierce debate across social media and media outlets: the character of Cho Hyun-ju, a transgender woman and former soldier. This casting decision and his subsequent performance are setting the stage for a dramatic, complex, and controversial return to the deadly games.

The decision by creator Hwang Dong-hyuk to cast the cisgender actor in the role of Hyun-ju—a player striving to win the prize money for her gender-affirming journey—has placed Park Sung-hoon squarely at the center of a cultural conversation about representation in K-dramas and Hollywood at large. Despite the controversy, early reactions to the character's emotional depth and fearless demeanor have positioned Player 120 as a fan-favorite, cementing Park Sung-hoon's status as one of the most compelling actors of his generation.

Park Sung-hoon: A Complete Biography and Filmography Profile

Park Sung-hoon (Korean: 박성훈) is a South Korean actor who has built a reputation for his versatility, excelling in roles ranging from charming romantic leads to chilling, complex antagonists. His career spans over a decade, starting with small roles before achieving widespread recognition.

  • Born: February 18, 1985
  • Nationality: South Korean
  • Education: Dong-ah Institute of Media and Arts (DIMA)
  • Agency: BH Entertainment
  • Career Start: Park Sung-hoon began his acting career in 2008 with a minor role in the historical film *A Frozen Flower*.
  • Breakthrough Role: His career gained significant momentum with the K-drama *My Only One* (2018–2019), but his global recognition skyrocketed following his performance as the wealthy, sadistic bully Jeon Jae-joon in the Netflix series *The Glory* (2022–2023).

Selected Filmography (K-Dramas and Movies)

Park Sung-hoon has an extensive body of work, showcasing his range across various genres:

  • Notable K-Dramas:
    • *The Glory* (2022–2023) as Jeon Jae-joon
    • *The King: Eternal Monarch* (2020) as Jo Eun-seop / Jo Yeong
    • *Into the Ring* (2020) as Seo Gong-myung
    • *Psychopath Diary* (2019–2020) as Seo In-woo
    • *My Only One* (2018–2019) as Jang Go-rae
    • *Black Knight: The Man Who Guards Me* (2017–2018) as Park Gon
  • Notable Films:
    • *Forbidden Dream* (2019) as Yi-Hyang
    • *High Society* (2018) as Jason
    • *Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum* (2018) as Sung-hoon
    • *A Frozen Flower* (2008) (Minor Role)

1. The Controversial Casting as Cho Hyun-ju (Player 120)

The biggest news surrounding Park Sung-hoon and *Squid Game* is his casting as Cho Hyun-ju, also known as Player 120, a new key contestant in *Squid Game Season 2* and, according to some sources, *Season 3*.

Hyun-ju is portrayed as a former soldier who was discharged from the military after coming out as a transgender woman. Her motivation for entering the deadly competition is deeply personal: she needs the prize money to afford her gender-affirming surgery and transition. This storyline immediately injects a powerful, topical, and emotional narrative into the high-stakes survival drama.

However, the casting decision itself—a cisgender male actor playing a transgender female character—was met with a mixed and often critical response from the LGBTQ+ community and critics globally. Many argued that the role should have gone to a transgender actress to ensure authentic representation and provide opportunities for marginalized performers.

2. Hwang Dong-hyuk's Defense of the Casting Choice

In response to the backlash, *Squid Game* creator and director Hwang Dong-hyuk addressed the difficulty of the casting process. He explained that finding an openly transgender actress in South Korea who could handle the demands of a major, high-profile production like *Squid Game* was "near impossible." The creator emphasized that the decision was not a slight against the trans community but a reflection of the current, complex realities of the Korean entertainment industry.

Park Sung-hoon himself spoke about his approach to the character. He stated that he did not want Hyun-ju to be a "caricature" and focused on portraying her with the utmost sincerity and respect, emphasizing her humanity, courage, and desperate situation rather than sensationalizing her identity. This commitment to a sensitive portrayal was crucial in mitigating some of the initial criticism.

3. Player 120's Immediate Impact and Fan Reception

Despite the initial controversy, the character of Cho Hyun-ju quickly resonated with viewers upon the season's release. Reports and fan discussions online, particularly on platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), have labeled Player 120 as the "Real MVP" of *Squid Game Season 2*. Her backstory as a former soldier who faces societal discrimination adds layers of empathy and strength to her character, making her a compelling figure in the brutal games.

The character's fearlessness and emotional vulnerability, as portrayed by Park Sung-hoon, have been praised for bringing a poignant, much-needed perspective to the series. The audience is rooting for Hyun-ju's survival, not just for the money, but for the chance to complete her personal journey and achieve self-affirmation.

4. The Post-Squid Game 2 Social Media Scandal

In a very recent and sensitive development that further complicated Park Sung-hoon's public image, the actor was embroiled in a controversy related to a social media post following the release of *Squid Game Season 2*. The incident involved him sharing a controversial, highly sensitive, and arguably pornographic parody version of the show on his Instagram story.

This social media misstep led to immediate and intense public scrutiny. The backlash was severe, particularly given the sensitive nature of his role as Hyun-ju. The controversy was so significant that it reportedly led to him having to withdraw from a planned lead role in an upcoming K-drama. This incident highlights the intense pressure and scrutiny faced by high-profile actors in the era of viral social media.

5. Park Sung-hoon's Immediate Career Trajectory Beyond the Game

Despite the controversies, Park Sung-hoon's career trajectory remains strong, largely fueled by the massive global exposure from *Squid Game 2* and his previous success in *The Glory*. His ability to embody complex, often morally ambiguous characters has made him a sought-after talent in the industry.

His next major confirmed project is the K-drama *Efficient Dating for Singles* (also known as *Efficient Dating of Single Men and Women*). In this romance drama, he is set to star alongside actress Han Ji-min. He is confirmed to play Song Tae-seob, the owner of a woodworking studio, a role that promises a return to a gentler, more romantic persona after his run of intense, villainous, or controversial characters.

The success of Player 120 has ensured that Park Sung-hoon will remain a fixture in the global K-drama landscape, with fans eagerly anticipating his performance in *Squid Game Season 3* and his subsequent projects.

park sung-hoon squid game
park sung-hoon squid game

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