Hyun-ju: The MVP of Squid Game Season 2

This article contains spoilers for Squid Game season 2.

The much-anticipated second season of Squid Game introduced a new cast of characters, particularly shining a light on Cho Hyun-ju, also known as Player 120, played by Park Sung-hoon. Initially, the task of creating a fresh set of contestants fell on series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk, especially after virtually all players except for Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) perished in the first season. Hyun-ju quickly emerged as a standout character in this new, tense environment.

A Struggle for Identity

Hyun-ju’s backstory reveals her as a trans woman who entered the deadly games to finance her gender-affirming care. Prior to her transition, she served as a sergeant first class in the ROK Special Forces, but was ultimately left with no support from her peers and community when she decided to live authentically. Despite facing pressure during a critical vote about staying in the games, her determination to safeguard her teammates shines through.

Heroics Amidst Desperation

Throughout the season, Hyun-ju consistently champions her fellow contestants. Her leadership emerges prominently during the Six-Legged Pentathlon game; her encouragement directly contributes to their eventual triumph in the final mini-game, Jegi. Moreover, she becomes instrumental in Gi-hun’s rebellion against the oppressive game masters by disabling security systems and mobilizing participants to arm themselves.

A Brave Stand

Her bravery reaches a climax when she decides to follow her teammate Dae-ho (Kang Ha-neul) during a pivotal and dangerous moment. As chaos ensues in the players’ quarters, she readies herself for confrontation with the soldiers. However, another player, Jang Geum-ja (Kang Ae-shim), intervenes, urging her to prioritize her survival.

The Cost of Care

Hyun-ju’s character poignantly reflects the challenges faced by many individuals in pursuit of necessary healthcare, particularly in regions where such care is often contested. The risks she takes emphasize the broader narrative of the plight of trans individuals and the limited access to necessary resources in South Korea. Unlike other countries, South Korea still struggles with LGBTQ representation and support, evidenced by its slow progression toward same-sex marriage legalization.

Controversy in Casting

However, the show’s choice of casting a cisgender male actor in a transgender role has attracted notable critique. While Park Sung-hoon’s portrayal of Hyun-ju is commendable, the production faced backlash for not casting an openly trans actor. The situation highlights an ongoing conversation about representation in the entertainment industry. Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk acknowledged during the casting process his difficulties in finding openly trans talent, attributing this challenge to societal stigma within Korea.

Future Aspirations

Despite these challenges, Hyun-ju’s inclusion in one of Netflix’s most recognized series signals progress in representing diverse narratives, albeit imperfectly. The anticipation for her continued story in season three remains high among viewers.

All seven episodes of Squid Game season 2 are available on Netflix now.