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Park Sung-hoon plays Hyun-ju in Squid Game season two. Hyun-ju is a transgender woman; Park is a cisgender man.
Who is Hyun-ju?
Hyun-ju is a former South Korean Special Forces soldier who enters the games seeking money for gender-affirming surgery. Vanity Fair describes her as a former sergeant first class and discusses a scene in which she draws on her military experience to teach fellow contestants to handle submachine guns. Vanity Fair’s interview with Park Sung-hoon and SBS Star’s account of his role describe her background and motivation.
Is Hyun-ju played by a trans actor?
No. The Associated Press and Vanity Fair identify Park as a cisgender actor portraying Hyun-ju, a transgender woman. The character’s gender is distinct from the actor’s.
Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk told the Associated Press that the production had researched authentic casting but was unable to find a suitable performer. He also acknowledged that casting a trans actor would have been ideal. This is Hwang’s explanation of the production’s casting decision, not a general claim about the availability of trans performers or the South Korean acting industry. The Associated Press report covers his comments.
#1 Best Overall
- Build the Show: Replica Staircase set from the Netflix original show Squid Game
- Recreate the Moment: Build this collector set and relive the iconic scene
- Always Watching: Includes Front Man figure and dashboard, which can be displayed separately or with the Staircase
- Motion Features: Turn the crank to see the workers march up the stairs
- Build your Fandom: This set is a stunning display piece for fans and collectors
What did Park say about preparing for the role?
In a January 28, 2025, interview with Vanity Fair, Park said he initially had concerns about playing a transgender woman. He said he spoke with transgender people and consultants while preparing, and that he and Hwang wanted to avoid depicting Hyun-ju as a caricature. Those comments describe Park’s preparation and intentions; they do not stand in for trans viewers’ perspectives.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- ONE Blind Bag Included – Each purchase contains one sealed blind bag with a 5" collectible bag clip featuring a surprise character from the series.
- Official Licensed Merchandise – Authentic character designs made with high-quality sculpting, bold colors, and durable foam material built to last.
- Display or Clip Anywhere – Attach to backpacks, keychains, totes, lanyards, or display at home or work to showcase your fandom.
- Perfect for Fans & Collectors – A fun surprise for collectors of blind bags and mystery figures, and a must-have for fans of the featured series.
- Gift-Ready & Fun to Trade – Great for birthdays, holidays, party favors, or conventions—collect the full wave or trade with friends to complete the set.
Rank #2
- Brand: Squid Game
- Character: Gi-hun
- Manufacturer: Hot Toys
- Type: Action Figure Sixth Scale Figure
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