'The Glory' actor Park Sung-hoon to play as a transgender character for 'Squid Game' Season 2
South Korean actor Park Sung-hoon is stepping into the role of a transgender character for the second season of Squid Game.
In a promotional video for Netflix's hit series, Sung-hoon took the time to delve into his character of Hyun-ju or Player 120, and why she decided to join the new round of deadly children's games to win a hefty prize money.
"Hyun-ju is a former special forces soldier and a transgender woman. She joins the game because she's short on money for her gender-affirming surgery," Sung-hoon explained.
"Even though she faces prejudice and tough situations, she shows incredible strength, decisiveness, and natural leadership," he added.
He highlighted that through Hyun-ju's resilience, she "breaks down stereotypes and shines as an inspiring character."
This would be the first time that Sung-hoon portrays a transgender character in any of his projects. He kickstarted his career in showbiz through a small role in the film A Frozen Flower before going on to land supporting roles in Three Days, Six Flying Dragons, and Don't Dare to Dream.
He finally rose to prominence after starring in popular projects such as Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum, My Only One, The Glory, and Queen of Tears.
Sung-hoon joins Squid Game as one of its new characters, along with Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Jo Yu-ri, Lee Jin-wook, Yang Dong-geun, and more. Returning to reprise their roles in the continuation are Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon, and Lee Byung-hun.
Squid Game follows the story of 456 individuals, who are buried in financial debt, playing a series of thrilling, deadly games to win the jackpot prize of 45.6 billion Korean won (P2 billion).
The first season premiered in October 2021 and has become one of Netflix’s hit series, garnering nods and historic wins in prestigious awards shows like the Emmys in 2022. It also spawned video game and reality show adaptations.
Show creator Hwang Dong-hyuk said that the second season is bound to be "more intriguing" than the first one.
"In Season 2, Gi-hun, who survived Season 1, returns to the games—not to win this time around, but to put an end to these games," he teased.
"There is going to be a larger number of characters this time and more intriguing games that are all worthy of a lot of the viewers’ love and support," continued Hwang.
Squid Game 2 will be available on Netflix on Dec. 26.
