“Squid Game 2” Criticized Overseas for Casting Choice “Is This Really a Controversy?”
Among the new characters, the spotlight is on the transgender character “Hyun-joo” (played by actor Park Sung-hoon). However, this casting has sparked sharply divided reactions domestically and internationally.
On December 5, Netflix unveiled promotional materials for “Squid Game” Season 2, including a video introducing key characters and posters featuring their participant numbers. In the video, the actors described the backstories of their characters, revealing their dedication to the project. Park Sung-hoon’s character Hyun-joo, an MTF (Male-to-Female) transgender individual who joins the deadly game to afford gender-affirming surgery, drew significant attention.
Hyun-joo’s poster depicts her wearing heavy makeup and smiling brightly, symbolizing the multifaceted nature of the character. In an interview, Park Sung-hoon described Hyun-joo as “a strong and leadership-driven individual who defies societal prejudice” and promised to showcase her as a character that breaks stereotypes.
Following the casting revelation, criticism emerged on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Some international viewers expressed disappointment, questioning, “Why wasn’t the role given to an actual transgender actor?” Others outright stated that the casting decision angered them. In Western media environments, there is a strong emphasis on the rights and representation of marginalized communities, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. Many argue that opportunities to portray transgender characters should be reserved for transgender actors.
In Western cultural contexts, ensuring that various communities can authentically represent themselves on screen has become a critical issue. The transgender community, in particular, has long criticized the practice of casting non-transgender actors to play transgender characters, which they view as commodifying their lived experiences. The casting controversy surrounding “Squid Game 2” reflects this ongoing discourse.
This debate has also reached major online communities in Korea, where the response has largely been one of confusion. Many Korean netizens struggle to understand the uproar, as casting decisions in Korea are typically based on an actor’s performance skills and the overall quality of the production. Social messaging, such as representation for minority communities, tends to play a less significant role in casting discussions.
Furthermore, transgender characters are rarely depicted in Korean dramas, and the introduction of such a character is evaluated differently in Korea compared to Western countries. Korean audiences appear less focused on the cultural and social implications of the casting choice and more on the actor’s ability to portray the role effectively. Some even attribute the controversy to cultural differences.
As a global project targeting an international audience, “Squid Game 2” faces the complex challenge of addressing diverse cultural sensitivities in every aspect of production, from casting to storytelling. The debate surrounding Park Sung-hoon’s character underscores the broader question of how global content should approach diversity and inclusivity.
Source: Wikitree
