The Controversy And Significance Of Squid Game’s Trans Character, Cho Hyun-ju (Player 120)
The highly anticipated second season of Netflix's global phenomenon, Squid Game, has arrived, and with it comes a major, groundbreaking inclusion: a transgender character named Cho Hyun-ju. This addition, confirmed in news and creator interviews throughout late 2024 and into 2025, marks a significant, yet complicated, moment for LGBTQ+ representation within the conservative landscape of South Korean drama. The character's narrative—a former soldier entering the deadly games to secure funds for gender-affirming care—is a powerful, heartbreaking reflection of the struggles faced by marginalized minorities in the country, immediately sparking both praise for its bold inclusion and intense controversy over its casting.
As of December 2025, the conversation surrounding Cho Hyun-ju is one of the most talked-about elements of the new season. The creators have pushed boundaries by including a character whose core motivation is directly tied to her identity, but the choice to cast a cisgender male actor in the role has ignited a fierce debate about authenticity, opportunity, and the challenges of progressive storytelling in the Korean entertainment industry. Understanding this character requires a deep dive into her profile, the actor, and the cultural context surrounding her debut.
The Complete Profile of Cho Hyun-ju (Player 120)
The character of Cho Hyun-ju, known within the game as Player 120, represents a new layer of social commentary in the Squid Game universe, focusing on the financial and societal burdens faced by transgender individuals seeking essential medical transition. Her biography is deliberately crafted to highlight a life of service and sacrifice followed by a desperate need for acceptance and care.
- Character Name: Cho Hyun-ju
- Player Number: 120
- Gender Identity: Trans Woman (Transgender Female)
- Occupation/Background: Former Soldier in the ROK Special Forces
- Core Motivation: To win the prize money to afford gender-affirming care (GAC) and complete her transition.
- Actor: Park Sung-hoon (a cisgender male actor)
- Significance: One of the few openly transgender characters in the history of mainstream Korean television.
- Series Debut: Squid Game Season 2 (and potentially Season 3)
Hyun-ju’s backstory as a former Special Forces soldier provides a compelling contrast to her current vulnerability. It suggests a life spent serving her country in a traditionally masculine role, only to find herself forced into the deadly game because society—and its financial barriers—denies her the means to live authentically. This narrative choice, according to commentators, adds profound depth to the show's critique of systemic inequality.
The Casting Controversy: Park Sung-hoon and the Creator’s Apology
While the inclusion of Cho Hyun-ju was widely celebrated as a step forward for diversity, the casting decision immediately overshadowed the positive news. The character of Hyun-ju is portrayed by the cisgender Korean actor Park Sung-hoon.
Why a Cisgender Actor Was Cast
The decision to cast a cis male actor in a trans female role sparked significant backlash, with critics arguing it was a missed opportunity to provide employment and visibility for transgender actresses, and that it perpetuated harmful stereotypes.
In response to the controversy, Squid Game creator and director Hwang Dong-hyuk addressed the public outcry. He explained that the casting choice was made due to the extreme difficulty of finding an openly transgender actor in the South Korean entertainment industry.
“It was near impossible to cast a trans actor in Korea,” Hwang Dong-hyuk stated, highlighting the severe lack of openly LGBTQ+ representation and the societal pressures that prevent performers from being open about their gender identity.
The Director’s and Actor’s Responses
Hwang Dong-hyuk publicly reflected on the backlash, acknowledging the validity of the concerns. He expressed that he "really did not want to offend anyone" and that the difficulty in casting a trans actor was a regrettable reality of the current cultural landscape in South Korea.
Park Sung-hoon, the actor playing Hyun-ju, also spoke out, reflecting on the responsibility and sensitivity required for the role. He emphasized his intention to portray the character with respect and dignity, while also acknowledging the delicate nature of the casting.
This situation itself became a major talking point, exposing the very systemic issues of representation and visibility that the character of Cho Hyun-ju was meant to highlight. The controversy, therefore, became an integral part of the character's narrative and cultural impact.
The Cultural Significance of Trans Representation in Korean Drama
Cho Hyun-ju's presence in Squid Game Season 2 is not just a plot point; it is a cultural earthquake. South Korean media, particularly mainstream dramas and films, have historically lagged in authentic and positive LGBTQ+ representation.
A First Step Towards Inclusivity
The inclusion of a trans woman character in a global blockbuster like Squid Game is seen by many as a powerful, albeit imperfect, first step towards greater inclusivity. It forces a mainstream audience—both in Korea and internationally—to confront the realities of the transgender experience.
The character's motivation—the desperate need for money for gender-affirming care (GAC)—is a direct commentary on the lack of social safety nets and the high cost of essential medical services for trans individuals in South Korea. By making her struggle the reason she risks her life, the show is utilizing its massive platform to shed light on a marginalized community's plight.
Entities and Topical Authority in the Discussion
The discussion around Cho Hyun-ju is rich with topical entities that establish the article's authority:
- Gender-Affirming Care (GAC): Her primary goal, which frames her participation in the deadly competition.
- ROK Special Forces: Her past military service, highlighting a contrast in her public and private life.
- Hwang Dong-hyuk: The creator whose vision and subsequent apology are central to the debate.
- Park Sung-hoon: The cisgender actor at the center of the casting controversy.
- Player 120: Her designation within the game, linking her to the show's core mechanics.
- Korean Drama Diversity: The broader context of representation in K-dramas.
- Marginalized Minorities: The group Hyun-ju is created to represent, alongside other characters like Ali Abdul.
The character’s narrative arc is expected to explore themes of identity, sacrifice, and the lengths people will go to achieve self-acceptance. It is a powerful narrative that uses the high-stakes environment of the games to explore deeply personal and political issues.
The Future of LGBTQ+ Representation Beyond Squid Game
Regardless of the casting debate, the introduction of Cho Hyun-ju has irrevocably changed the conversation about diversity in South Korean media. It has set a precedent that future productions will be measured against. The controversy itself serves as a crucial learning moment for the industry, emphasizing the need for authentic casting and better opportunities for LGBTQ+ actors.
The global success of Squid Game ensures that Hyun-ju’s story—and the debate surrounding it—will be seen by hundreds of millions worldwide. This immense visibility provides a platform for dialogue on transgender rights and acceptance far beyond what a smaller, independent K-drama could achieve. As the series progresses, viewers will be watching closely to see how the character’s storyline unfolds and whether her portrayal lives up to the immense cultural weight it carries. The hope is that this bold step, even with its imperfections, paves the way for a more inclusive and representative future in Korean entertainment.
Ultimately, Cho Hyun-ju is more than just a player; she is a symbol of a community fighting for visibility and basic human rights, her presence in the game a desperate plea for the chance to simply be herself.
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