Squid Game Creator Reflects on Casting Controversy and Commits to Authenticity
- Jun 21, 2025
- 3 min read
21 June 2025
When Netflix’s global juggernaut Squid Game returned for Seasons 2 and 3, fans were introduced to a standout character: Hyun‑ju, a transgender woman and former special forces soldier who enters the brutal competition to fund her gender‑affirming surgery. Played by cisgender actor Park Sung‑hoon, the character resonated deeply with many viewers yet it also sparked fierce debate in the U.S. over casting choices.
The controversy centers on the sensitive decision to cast a cisgender male actor in a transgender role. Hwang Dong‑hyuk, creator, writer, and director of the series, addressed these concerns in a candid interview with Entertainment Weekly, explaining that South Korea’s conservative societal landscape leaves few openly transgender actors available for casting. He described the casting as largely driven by practical limitations: authentic representation was a guiding principle, but finding a transgender actor with the necessary profile and experience for a major Netflix production proved nearly impossible.
Hwang called the situation “heartbreaking.” Despite wanting to cast a transgender actress, he and his team could find almost no openly transgender actors capable of taking on such a complex, leading role . He noted the larger context: South Korea’s LGBTQ community remains marginalized and largely hidden. Actors often remain closeted, afraid of social and career repercussions. For that reason, Hwang trusted Park Sung‑hoon, a seasoned performer with a track record of sensitive portrayals to bring empathy and nuance to Hyun‑ju.
Park himself said he initially hesitated at the opportunity. He knew how important this role was, both for the show and for representation. To prepare, he consulted transgender individuals and worked diligently to avoid caricature or exaggeration. He focused on conveying the depth, strength, and authenticity of Hyun‑ju as a person, not just a trans woman, with a measured portrayal that respected her lived experience.
The character’s arc strikes a balanced tone. She is a formidable presence in the deadly games, yet her vulnerability is equally visible. She is not defined solely by identity, but by leadership, compassion, and agency. Viewers witnessed her command during a chaotic rebellion, showing her resilience and capability. The decision to flesh out Hyun‑ju beyond the usual tropes helped avoid tokenism and earned praise from fans and critics who found her storyline powerful and empathetic .
Still, criticism emerged, particularly from Western voices calling for transgender actors to play transgender roles. Skeptics argued that even the best intentions fall short, and that South Korea ought to confront its inclusion deficit rather than accept it. Hyun‑ju’s casting reignited broader debates: are practical constraints an excuse or a challenge to overcome? Hwang’s openness about his motivations helped frame the decision not as avoidance, but as an initial step toward better inclusivity.
A notable moment eased tensions. A transgender YouTuber from the U.S. admitted initial skepticism, but later praised Park’s performance as sincere and emotionally resonant, describing it as “beautiful” and saying it moved her to tears . Hwang expressed relief and optimism, suggesting that thoughtful acting and storytelling can create connection, even when important authenticity questions remain unresolved.
Hwang explicitly acknowledged this experience as a learning opportunity. He pledged that future roles involving transgender or other marginalized identities would see “authentic casting” with actors from those communities on screen. He emphasized hope that East Asian societies become more inclusive, enabling open career opportunities for LGBTQ individuals.
For now, the inclusion of Hyun‑ju marks a significant moment in Korean streaming. It brings LGBTQ narratives from sexual orientation to gender identity onto a widely viewed platform. The Superpower of Squid Game lies in its blend of entertainment and cultural reflection. Introducing a transgender character as complex, central, and heroic continues that evolution.
Ultimately, Hyun‑ju exists at the intersection of creative intent and societal challenge. She embodies the show’s thematic DNA: human resilience amid brutality, and the global reach of inequality. Park Sung‑hoon’s performance and Hwang’s transparency created an opportunity to spark visibility even as they acknowledged existing limitations.
As Squid Game approaches its final season, audiences will see Hyun‑ju’s story unfold further. The narrative stakes are higher than ever, and the choices made in production offer clues about the series’ values. Will Season 3 include more authentic representation? Will Korea’s media industry diversify its talent pool? The finale may answer those questions.
In the end, this dialogue transcends entertainment. It fuels ongoing global conversations about representation, cultural context, and artistic responsibility. Squid Game may be a violent metaphorical battlefield, but behind the camera, its greatest challenge lies in crafting narratives that reflect society’s richest complexity with honesty, humility, and an open heart.
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