Park Sung-hoon’s Shocking Transformation: The Real Reason the 'Squid Game 2' Director Created an LGBTQ+ Character

Director Hwang Dong-hyuk of Netflix’s global sensation 'Squid Game' revealed the inspiration behind creating the LGBTQ+ character Hyun-joo for its second season.

On the morning of December 9, the production press conference for 'Squid Game 2' took place at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) Art Hall in Seoul. Attending the event were director Hwang Dong-hyuk and cast members including Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Wi Ha-jun, Park Gyu-young, Lee Jin-wook, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-sim, Lee Seo-hwan, and Cho Yu-ri.

Park Sung-hoon introduced his character, saying, "Hyun-joo is a transgender individual who dreams of undergoing gender-affirming surgery but joins the deadly game due to a lack of funds. Unlike other participants, Hyun-joo is altruistic, courageous, and a natural leader—a character driven by a sense of justice."

Director Hwang explained the motivation behind including an LGBTQ+ character in the new season. "In Season 1, we featured characters who belonged to marginalized communities, such as Ali, the foreign worker who represented one of the most neglected groups in Korean society. For Season 2, I wanted to explore a different aspect of diversity by introducing an LGBTQ+ character."

He added, "When viewers watch the series, I believe Hyun-joo will stand out as one of the most beloved and intriguing characters in Season 2. Amid the chaos of the game, Hyun-joo symbolizes humanity and perseverance, representing the most oppressed and alienated individuals in society."