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The Squid Game series became a huge hit around the world because of its powerful story and amazing acting. After the show’s release, the actors sat down for an interview with InStyle magazine. During this, actor Park Sung Hoon opened up about how he played his character Hyun Ju in Squid Game Season 3, and why this role was so special to him.
In the series, Hyun Ju is a transgender woman who has not yet finished her transition. She wants to win the deadly games to earn money for her remaining medical procedures and then move to Thailand to live a happy life. However, in her home country, she has faced a lot of judgment and unkind behaviour from people around her.
Park Sung Hoon shared that he felt a deep sense of responsibility to portray Hyun Ju truthfully and respectfully. In many Korean dramas and movies, transgender characters in the past have often been shown flatly or exaggeratedly, almost like a joke. Park said clearly, “Transgender characters we’ve had in Korea before were written like a caricature, and I thought Hyun Ju shouldn’t be like that at all.”
Park Sung Hoon avoided stereotypes while filming Squid Game 3
He made a strong effort to stay away from stereotypes. That means he didn’t want to act in a way that made fun of or overdramatised Hyun Ju’s identity. Instead of using loud gestures or a changed voice, he focused on Hyun Ju’s feelings, dreams, and kindness. He wanted to show her as a real, full person, not just as someone playing a role.
Park Sung Hoon also shared something very touching. He said he didn’t want people to just say, “He acted well as a transgender woman.” Instead, he hoped viewers would say, “She was a hero.” That’s how much love and respect he had for Hyun Ju’s character.
Fans were moved by his careful and thoughtful performance. Many praised him online, calling Hyun Ju “our eternal queen” and “forever a hero.” Because of this, people say this role might be one of the most important in Park Sung Hoon’s career, just like his role in Queen of Tears.
By playing Hyun Ju with heart, care, and honesty, Park Sung Hoon helped bring more awareness to transgender stories in Korean drama, and gave fans a character they will never forget.