The Controversy And Biography Of Cho Hyun-ju: Everything About Squid Game’s Transgender Character (Player 120)
The Actor Behind Player 120: Park Sung-hoon Biography and Profile
The role of Cho Hyun-ju is played by the popular South Korean actor Park Sung-hoon. His casting was announced as part of the ensemble for *Squid Game* Season 2, immediately drawing intense scrutiny due to the nature of the character he was set to portray.Park Sung-hoon: Quick Profile
- Full Name: Park Sung-hoon (Korean: 박성훈)
- Date of Birth: February 18, 1985
- Age (as of December 2025): 40 years old
- Nationality: South Korean
- Occupation: Actor
- Known For: His villainous role as Jeon Jae-joon in the hit Netflix series *The Glory* (2022–2023), *Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum* (2018), and *My Only One* (2018–2019).
- Role in *Squid Game*: Cho Hyun-ju (Player 120), a transgender woman.
Cho Hyun-ju (Player 120): Motivation and Role in the Game
Cho Hyun-ju, or Player 120, is introduced in *Squid Game* Season 2 as a new contestant vying for the enormous cash prize. Her character is a former soldier who was discharged from the military after coming out as a trans woman, a narrative point that immediately highlights the real-world struggles of LGBTQ+ individuals in South Korea. Her primary, deeply personal motivation for entering the deadly competition is to secure the funds necessary to complete her gender-affirming care. This storyline provides a poignant, high-stakes reason for her participation, grounding the fantastical violence of the game in a very real, human desire for self-determination and a better life. The desperation of her situation reflects how marginalized communities are often pushed to extreme measures due to systemic barriers and lack of financial support. Early reports and character breakdowns suggest that Hyun-ju quickly becomes a standout figure. She is described as having a fierce moral compass and often acts as a leader and a kind, protective presence among the desperate players, contrasting sharply with the brutality of the games. Her character arc is expected to be central to both Season 2 and Season 3, making her one of the most significant new additions to the series' cast of players.The Global Debate: Cisgender Casting and Director’s Response
The decision to cast cisgender actor Park Sung-hoon as Cho Hyun-ju became the single most controversial element of the *Squid Game* Season 2 announcements. This debate is part of a larger, ongoing global discussion about authentic representation in media.The Two Sides of the Casting Controversy
The reaction from the global audience, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, was sharply divided:
- Criticism: Many fans and critics argued that casting a cis male actor for a trans female role perpetuates the harmful practice of denying opportunities to qualified transgender actors. They contend that this choice undermines the very representation the show is trying to achieve, especially when the character's identity is so central to her story and motivation.
- Praise/Support: Others were simply excited about the inclusion of a trans woman character in a major South Korean drama, viewing it as a massive step forward for visibility in a country where LGBTQ+ issues are often marginalized. The character’s visibility in a global phenomenon like *Squid Game* was seen as a powerful statement regardless of the actor's identity.
Hwang Dong-hyuk’s Explanation
In response to the backlash, *Squid Game* creator and director Hwang Dong-hyuk offered a detailed explanation, which centered on the socio-cultural realities of South Korea.
He stated that he anticipated the criticism but found it "near impossible" to cast a trans actor for the role due to the severely marginalized status of the LGBTQ+ community in Korea, which limits the pool of openly working and experienced trans actors. The director explained that the casting choice itself is a reflection of how the LGBTQ community and gender identity are treated in South Korea. He reportedly apologized for not being able to cast a trans actor, but emphasized that the character was written with the intention of highlighting the struggles of the transgender community.
The director's comments suggest a narrative choice: using a high-profile actor to ensure the character's story—and the issue of gender-affirming care—receives maximum global attention, while simultaneously acknowledging the systemic hurdles that prevent authentic casting in the Korean entertainment industry.
Topical Authority: Trans Representation in the *Squid Game* Universe
While Cho Hyun-ju is the only trans character in the original drama series, the *Squid Game* universe has seen other LGBTQ+ representation, further solidifying the franchise's topical authority on diverse narratives.Kevin Ninh (Player 187) in *Squid Game: The Challenge*
In the reality competition spin-off, *Squid Game: The Challenge*, one of the most memorable contestants was Kevin Ninh, known as Player 187. Kevin came out as a transgender woman, sharing her personal journey with other players and viewers. This inclusion in the reality format provided unscripted, real-world representation, complementing the fictional narrative of Cho Hyun-ju in the drama series. The reality show also featured other queer contestants, such as Sam (Player 016) and Phalisia (Player 229), demonstrating a commitment to diverse casting across the franchise.
The Significance of Hyun-ju’s Story
Cho Hyun-ju's role in the main series remains critically important. Her character is one of the few trans characters to appear in a major Korean drama, and her story—fighting for gender-affirming care—is a direct commentary on the lack of social and financial support for transgender people globally. Whether the portrayal by Park Sung-hoon is ultimately viewed as a success or a missed opportunity, the character of Player 120 has undeniably forced a necessary and challenging conversation into the mainstream. The depth of her character, and her survival into Season 3, suggests a commitment to giving her narrative the weight and time it deserves.
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