The massive global success of “Squid Game” Season One not only redefined what international television could achieve, it also set the stage for a high-stakes and star-driven second season. Among the new faces joining the deadly competition is acclaimed actor Park Sung-hoon, whose portrayal of the mysterious and quietly commanding Hyun Joo has quickly become one of the most celebrated performances of the series. Known primarily for his villainous turns in Korean dramas, Sung-hoon’s casting signaled both a new chapter in his career and a deepening of the show’s emotional stakes.
Rather than focusing on trauma or identity, Hyun Joo is introduced without exposition or apology. She enters the game as a transgender woman who quickly proves to be among the most compassionate and strategic players. Her evolution from quiet observer to militant leader is not just unexpected, it’s thrilling. By the end of the season, Hyun Joo stands out as one of the most courageous and morally grounded figures in the series.
What makes the character so compelling is that she feels fully human, not emblematic. While her gender identity is acknowledged, it never defines her arc. Instead, her presence is felt through the choices she makes and the empathy she extends, especially to other isolated or overlooked players. That combination of strength and emotional intelligence has made her a breakout favorite among fans worldwide.
For longtime viewers of Park Sung-hoon’s work, the role might come as a surprise. He’s widely recognized for darker portrayals, including the despised Jeon Jae-joon in “The Glory,” a performance that earned him both critical praise and intense audience reactions. Earlier roles in “Psychopath Diary” and “Justice” showcased his skill at portraying morally ambiguous figures. But in “Squid Game,” he reveals a new dimension, one rooted in resilience and heart.
The casting of Sung-hoon in such a multidimensional role speaks to how “Squid Game” has grown since its debut. Season Two doesn’t just expand the world, it enriches it. Characters like Hyun Joo aren’t just players in the game. They give the story its soul.
Park Sung-hoon spoke to Awards Focus about joining the world of “Squid Game,” the responsibility of portraying Hyun Joo with care and nuance, and how the role reshaped both his image and his relationship to the stories he chooses to tell.
Awards Focus: Sung-hoon, it’s very nice to meet you. I’m Ben with Awards Focus, and it’s been a pleasure watching you in Season Two. In fact, your character has become one of the most popular in either season. I’d love to know how you came to “Squid Game.” Did the director reach out to you, and at what point did you know you would be playing a transgender character?
Park Sung-hoon: First of all, I want to say that it has been an immense personal honor to be part of such a great global project. And coincidentally, in recent years, I’ve played a lot of villains in different projects. But to have played a character like Hyun Joo—who is so good at heart and just so cool—it was almost like a gift that presented itself to me.
In the beginning, when I first heard there was going to be a second season of “Squid Game,” I would just jokingly tell my friends, “I’m going to make it. I’m going to be there.” And to know it actually came true—it was truly a dream come true.
As for the second part of your question, the director told me from the very beginning that my character was a transgender person. So I knew from day one.
AF: I don’t know how accepted the transgender community is in Korea, but certainly in the United States, they’re under a lot of fire because of our political climate. Did you have any hesitation about playing a transgender character, knowing it could be seen by some as controversial?
Sung-hoon: In the beginning, to know that I—a cisgender actor—would be portraying a transgender character, I was concerned. What if this isn’t welcomed by the transgender community? However, I do know that Director Hwang tried to find the right person within the Korean acting community for authentic casting, but he wasn’t able to do so.
In our discussions, he explained the current situation in Korea. He really encouraged me to muster up the courage. We talked about creating an amazing, awesome character that would absolutely do no harm to the community. That gave me the motivation to portray the role in a very nuanced and detailed manner. I was able to really pour my heart into it.
AF: You mentioned you often play the villain. I watched “The Glory,” and I truly hated your character—which means you did a great job. At this stage in your career, how do you decide what types of roles and projects to pursue?
Sung-hoon: As an actor, I think it’s truly a blessing to be able to go back and forth between good roles and villainous ones. While looking at the character is important, the first thing I ask myself is: is it a good show? Is it an entertaining project? What kind of message does it want to tell?
That’s what I consider first. Then I’ll look at the character—what are their traits and personality? As you mentioned, I played a villain in “The Glory,” and for a while, people knew me by that character’s name. But being able to play someone like Hyun Joo in “Squid Game” gave me the opportunity to refresh my image, which I’m very grateful for.
AF: You’ve worked on many big productions before, but what did it feel like to walk onto the “Squid Game” set and see those iconic game spaces built in real life?
Sung-hoon: As you said, I’ve done many projects, but this was my first time joining an existing universe. It felt surreal—almost like I had walked into the screen I used to watch at home.
Also, because of the nature of my character, I knew the other 455 players were waiting to see who I would be playing. Having all those eyes on me wasn’t easy.
AF: Your character becomes one of the bravest by the end of the season. I imagine the response from the transgender community globally has been amazing. Is there a specific piece of feedback or reaction that’s meant the most to you?
Sung-hoon: The most memorable comment was something I read about authentic casting. It said, “I always thought a trans character should always be portrayed by a trans actor. However, if the character is going to be this awesome, then I’m good with having a cisgender actor play it.” That made me very happy.
AF: I know we’re out of time, but just one last question—Season Three is around the corner. Without spoilers, are you satisfied with the journey your character takes from the beginning of Season Two to the end of the series?
Sung-hoon: Yes, very much so. I truly love my character, and I believe you’re in for a treat in Season Three. I think you’ll get to see a lot more sides to her—and get to know her even more awesome side.
AF: That’s great. Thank you so much, and best of luck with everything.
Sung-hoon: Thank you so much.