Park Sung Hoon, known for playing transgender character Hyun Joo in Squid Game 3, recently spoke openly about the poor representation of transgender people in Korean media. The actor shared his thoughts in an interview with InStyle, explaining how he worked hard to avoid stereotypes while playing his groundbreaking role.
Park Sung Hoon Calls Out Problematic Transgender Depictions
Park did not hold back when discussing how Korean dramas and films have often failed transgender characters. He pointed out that many past portrayals were shallow or even mocking.
“There have been transgender characters in Korean media before, but they were often flat or even caricatured,” he said.
He made it clear that he wanted Hyun Joo to be different—a fully developed person, not just a stereotype. His approach focused on her emotions, struggles, and humanity rather than exaggerated traits.
“I believed Hyun Joo should never be trivialized that way. I consciously avoided exaggerated gestures or vocal tones. I focused on her inner self, her sincerity, and how she treated others.”
How Park Sung Hoon Prepared for His Role as Hyun Joo
Playing a transgender woman was a big responsibility for Park. He worked closely with the Squid Game team to make sure Hyun Joo was realistic and respectful.
He avoided changing his voice too much or using over-the-top mannerisms, which are common pitfalls when cisgender actors play transgender roles. Instead, he focused on Hyun Joo’s personality—her strength, fears, and dreams.
The character, a former special forces soldier, joins the deadly games to fund her gender-affirming surgery. Park wanted viewers to see her as a hero, not just a “transgender character.”
“I wanted to convey a sense of unease beneath Hyun Joo’s strength and determination. Rather than portraying her as just strong and unwavering, I thought adding layers of her own worries and prevailing leadership would make her appear more multidimensional.”
Transgender Community’s Response to Park’s Performance
Many fans and LGBTQ+ advocates praised Park’s performance. His careful approach helped Hyun Joo become one of the most loved characters in Squid Game 3.
In a June interview with Today News, Park thanked the transgender community for supporting him despite being a cisgender actor in the role. He acknowledged the initial concerns but was happy his work was well-received.
Why This Role Was a Big Step for Korean Media
Korean TV and movies have been slow in representing transgender people fairly. Most past characters were either jokes or side roles with no depth.
Park’s performance in Squid Game 3 is seen as progress. The show’s global reach means millions of viewers now see a transgender character treated with respect and complexity.
The character was partly inspired by Byun Hee-soo, South Korea’s first openly transgender soldier, who faced discrimination before her tragic death. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk told Park he had her in mind when creating Hyun Joo.
“After I joined the project, Director Hwang told me he had Byun Hee Soo in mind while writing the character. However, I didn’t attempt to mimic. Instead, I built Hyun Joo’s character layer by layer, thinking about the disadvantages and hardships she must have faced throughout her life.”
What’s Next for Park Sung Hoon?
After Squid Game 3, Park’s career has reached new heights. Fans now call him “Hyun-joo Unni” (big sister Hyun-joo), showing how much they love the character.
He previously played a villain in The Glory, but this role has proven his range as an actor. With more projects likely coming, Park has become one of Korea’s most talked-about stars.
Source: Nate News
