‘Squid Game’ Creator Responds to Backlash Over Cisgender Actor Playing Transgender Role

The global success of Netflix’s “Squid Game” has brought renewed attention to representation and authenticity in casting, particularly following the introduction of Hyun-ju, a transgender woman and former special forces soldier, in the latest seasons. Portrayed by Park Sung-hoon, a cisgender male actor, the character’s depiction has sparked widespread debate within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond, especially as the series prepares for its third and final season premiering June 27, 2025.

Following the release of season 2, many viewers expressed disappointment that Hyun-ju—a character whose storyline centers on competing to win money for gender-affirming surgery—was not played by a transgender actor. The backlash was particularly pronounced among Western audiences, where the movement for authentic trans representation in media has gained significant momentum in recent years.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly and other outlets, series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk described the casting decision as a product of “misunderstandings.” He explained, “I do understand that there has been some concerns from the Western world, from the U.S., but in the case of Korea, we didn’t have as many concerns because of the Eastern or Asian culture.” Hwang continued, “In Korea, there are really not many transgender [people] who have come out and are actors, and there’s just a couple of gay [actors] who have come out publicly. So it was physically difficult to find a transgender actor who could really play the role. It was, realistically speaking, nearly impossible”.

Park Sung-hoon, who plays Hyun-ju, also addressed the controversy in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the show’s season 3 premiere in New York City. Park acknowledged the apprehension surrounding his role, stating, “I really did not want to offend anyone” and describing the experience as one that offered significant learning. He added, “I knew that there were worries. But when season 2 dropped, the LGBTQ+ community gave me lots of love and support, which I am eternally grateful for”.

Hyun-ju’s storyline—her discharge from the military after coming out as a trans woman, and her fight to secure funds for gender-affirming surgery—has resonated with many viewers. Yet, the choice to cast a cisgender actor in the role continues to prompt broader conversations about the need for trans actors to portray trans characters, particularly in projects with the international reach of “Squid Game”.

Hwang Dong-hyuk’s remarks highlight the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in South Korea’s entertainment industry. Publicly out transgender actors remain exceedingly rare, as do openly gay performers, creating significant barriers to authentic casting. Hwang emphasized, “Going forward, I will try my best to do authentic casting for not just transgender [people], but other sexual minorities as well”.

While Hwang’s explanation provides cultural context, advocates argue that global productions must still strive for meaningful inclusion, especially given the impact such casting decisions have on visibility and employment opportunities for transgender actors. The debate has reignited calls for increased support and pathways for LGBTQ+ performers in South Korea and across the entertainment industry.

As “Squid Game” prepares for its final chapter, the controversy underscores the ongoing evolution of representation in global media. The show’s immense popularity has ensured that the conversation around authentic casting and LGBTQ+ visibility will remain a focal point well beyond its finale. Both Hwang and Park have signaled a willingness to listen and learn, with Hwang pledging greater efforts toward inclusivity in future projects—a commitment watched closely by LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.