'Squid Game' director found it 'near impossible' to cast a trans actor for season 2—here's why
Hwang Dong-hyuk, the creator and director of the hit Netflix series Squid Game, spoke up following controversy over the decision to cast a cisgender man for the role of a trans woman.
In an interview with TV Guide, Hwang emphasized that he "did anticipate such discussions to arise" from the moment he created the character Hyun-ju.
In case you didn't know, Sung-hoon will play the Hyun-Ju or Player 120 in the series. His character is a former special forces soldier and a transgender woman who joins the deadly game because she's short on money for her gender-affirming surgery.
"Even though she faces prejudice and tough situations, she shows incredible strength", decisiveness, and natural leadership," the South Korean actor said as he described his character in a promotional video for Netflix's hit series.
He also highlighted that through Hyun-ju's resilience, she "breaks down stereotypes and shines as an inspiring character."
'Still marginalized, neglected'
During his research with his crew, Hwang considered casting a trans actor to play the role. However, "there are close to no actors that are openly trans, let alone openly gay" in South Korea. The LGBTQ community in the country is "rather still marginalized and more neglected," according to the director.
"It was near impossible to find someone we could cast authentically," he added, leading him to cast Park.
"I have watched his work ever since his debut, and I had complete trust in him that he would be the right person in terms of talent in portraying this character."
Queerness in Korea
In South Korea, there is no legal acknowledgment of LGBTQ partnerships. In fact, in a November 2023 Pew Research poll, 56% of South Koreans oppose legalizing same-sex marriage, and 41% are in favor of it.
However, in July 2024, South Korea's supreme court upheld a ruling that a same-sex partner was eligible for spousal benefits from state health insurance. This move was described by as "a win for LGBTQ rights in a country that has lagged others in the region."
Gender advocates in the country lauded this as a "stepping stone for progress" towards marriage equality.
"It's going to be a very hopeful ruling for same-sex couples living in South Korea," Harim Yi, an activist at the LGBTQ campaign group Marriage For All, said.
While progress has been made and homosexual activities are legal in South Korea, prejudice and societal pressures persist.
By numbers, 72% of South Koreans said they do not want LGBTQ individuals in their neighborhoods or workplaces. In June, the Seoul Queer Culture Festival (SQCF) said that the city denied them permits to host the Seoul Queer Parade at Seoul Plaza for the second year in a row. However, approximately 150,000 participated in the event despite authorities denying the event's venue.
