Park Sung Hoon to portray transgender woman in ‘Squid Game 2’; Makers tease new cast

After a three-year wait, the highly anticipated second season of Squid Game will premiere on December 26. It will pick up right where the first season ended.

To build excitement, the makers recently unveiled a ‘Meet the Cast’ video on its K-Content channels, introducing returning and new characters in the survival drama. Among the newcomers, Park Sung Hoon's role as Hyun Ju has captured significant attention for its depth and uniqueness.

In the video, Park Sung-Hoon reveals that his character, Hyun Ju, is a transgender woman and a former special forces soldier. Known as Player 120, Hyun Ju enters the deadly survival game with a dream of undergoing gender-affirming surgery but faces financial constraints. Her motivation reflects not just survival but the pursuit of her identity and dignity in a challenging world.

Park described Hyun Ju as a determined character who has endured immense prejudice and adversity but remains strong, decisive, and a natural leader. Despite stereotypes and societal challenges, she emerges as a symbol of courage and determination.

The teaser also reintroduced key characters from the original cast, including Lee Jung Jae, Lee Byung Hun, and Wi Ha Jun, alongside new faces such as Yim Si Wan, Kang Ha Neul, and Jo Yu Ri. The video provides glimpses into the characters’ motivations for joining the game, setting the stage for another gripping season of drama and suspense.

It’s a known fact that ‘Squid Game’ is one the most loved series and ETimes rated the first season with a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. Our review read, “ONE HELL OF A GAME SHOW! Have you ever wondered if you were just a pawn in the game of life? Where you are thrown into situations beyond your control and challenged to survive? Squid Game begins by introducing us to some of the main leads of this series – each of them, cash-strapped, struggling through desperate situations and some even hoping that a little gambling can change their fortune. One can watch this show in Korean, with English subtitles, or opt for English as the preferred audio. However, watching it in Korean does justice to the gripping performances of the main characters. This is a series that needs to be experienced, not discussed or analysed. It is one that will stay on in your mind long after you’ve watched it.”