Squid Game Season 2 Faces Casting Controversy

The second season of Netflix's 'Squid Game' introduces a transgender character, Hyun-ju, played by cisgender male actor Park Sung-hoon, which has sparked significant controversy among viewers. Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk explained that the character was intended to represent marginalized groups in Korean society, similar to the character Ali from season one. Many fans criticize the casting choice, arguing that it fails to authentically represent the transgender experience, while others appreciate the visibility it brings to the trans community in a society where such representation is rare. Hwang acknowledged the difficulty of finding an openly trans actor in South Korea, citing societal marginalization of the LGBTQ community. Despite mixed reviews, the character's storyline—focused on funding gender-affirming surgery—has resonated with some viewers. The debate highlights ongoing challenges regarding representation and authenticity in media portrayals of transgender individuals.