Park Sung Hoon opens up on controversy over his transgender role in Squid Game 3.
Park Sung Hoon faced backlash for playing transgender woman Hyun Joo in Netflix’s Squid Game 3. He addressed the controversy in a recent interview with InStyle.
Park admitted Korean media has mishandled transgender characters before, saying the role came with heavy responsibility to avoid stereotypes.
He explained,
“There have been transgender characters in Korean media before, but they were often flat or even caricatured.”
Park highlighted his effort to portray Hyun Joo sensitively without exaggeration.
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.
— Park Sung Hoon
The actor’s portrayal gained praise worldwide, helping make Hyun Joo a well-rounded, beloved character amid Squid Game’s global success.
In a June 21 Today News interview, Park expressed gratitude for acceptance from the transgender community despite initial resistance to his casting as a cisgender male.
The controversy began when Squid Game 2 introduced the transgender character, sparking debate over casting choices. Park’s recent statements are part of ongoing attempts to handle the sensitive subject responsibly.
“Squid Game 2” Transgender Character Sparks Major Reactions Amid Controversial Casting
