'Squid Game 2' Divided Opinions on a Role—Why This Korean Drama Faces Backlash Overseas Over Casting Choice

Netflix’s highly anticipated 'Squid Game' Season 2 has once again become the center of attention with the release of its character introduction video. Among the new faces, actor Park Sung-hoon’s portrayal of Hyun-joo, a transgender former special forces soldier, has sparked significant discussion.

The casting has elicited contrasting reactions from domestic and international audiences, highlighting differing cultural perspectives on representation. On December 5, Netflix unveiled a promotional video introducing the main characters of 'Squid Game' Season 2, accompanied by posters featuring their contestant numbers.

In the video, each actor shared insights about their character’s backstory, showcasing their dedication to the roles. Park Sung-hoon, in particular, drew attention for his role as Hyun-joo, a trans woman who joins the deadly game to fund her gender-confirmation surgery.

Hyun-joo’s character poster depicts her with bold makeup and a radiant smile, symbolizing the complexity of her persona. In an interview, Park described Hyun-joo as "a resilient and strong leader who confronts societal prejudices head-on." He promised to deliver a powerful and inspiring performance, aiming to break stereotypes through this role.

However, the casting of a cisgender actor in a transgender role has sparked criticism, especially in Western media and social platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Many international viewers questioned why the role wasn’t offered to a transgender actor, with some expressing disappointment and anger. The debate reflects broader discussions in Western media about authentic representation and the importance of giving marginalized communities a platform to tell their own stories.

A Cultural Divide in Representation

Western audiences often prioritize the authentic representation of underrepresented groups on-screen, with the transgender community emphasizing the need for roles that reflect their lived experiences to be played by transgender actors. Past controversies surrounding cisgender actors portraying transgender characters have fueled ongoing conversations about tokenism and exploitation in storytelling. The debate over 'Squid Game' Season 2 fits squarely within this context.

In contrast, Korean audiences generally place greater emphasis on an actor’s performance and the overall quality of the production. Discussions about representation, such as those surrounding LGBTQ+ communities, tend to carry less weight in casting decisions. Additionally, the portrayal of transgender characters is still relatively rare in Korean media, making 'Squid Game' Season 2’s inclusion of such a character both groundbreaking and challenging to navigate.

The role of Hyun-joo is a reminder of the complexities in creating stories that resonate across cultures, and it underscores the challenges of inclusivity and diversity in global entertainment. As 'Squid Game' Season 2 approaches, all eyes are on how this groundbreaking series will continue to shape conversations around representation and storytelling.