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Actor Park Sung Hoon recently opened up about one of the most emotionally demanding days of his career, revealing the intense toll of filming two character deaths in a single day. In a newly released video titled “A Hide-and-Seek Scene That Makes You Want to Grab Myung Gi by the Collar,” the Squid Game Season 3 cast came together to reflect on key moments from the series. Joining Park in the discussion were fellow actors Im Siwan, Kang Ae Sim, and Jo Yu Ri. Among the scenes they revisited was the final appearance of Park’s character, Hyun Ju, one that left an indelible impact on viewers and castmates alike.
Hyun Ju, a transgender contestant in the twisted survival game, emerged as one of the show’s most compelling and vulnerable figures. Their emotional depth and strength resonated deeply, making the character a standout across seasons two and three. As the cast rewatched Hyun Ju’s final scene, Park shared behind-the-scenes insights that revealed just how taxing the moment was to perform. “The director asked if I could drop a single tear before collapsing, and we got it in the first take,” he said, highlighting the emotional precision required.
Despite the heavy subject matter, the cast found moments to lighten the mood. Im Siwan, who played Myung Gi, reacted in disbelief to his character’s betrayal, joking, “Why did Myung Gi have to do that?” Park responded with humor, saying, “Because you agreed to be in the show,” prompting laughter from the group. Still, the weight of the scene lingered. Kang Ae Sim appeared visibly emotional, while Jo Yu Ri admitted, “It’s truly brutal.”
The emotional intensity didn’t stop there. Park went on to reveal that the same day he filmed Hyun Ju’s heartbreaking exit, he had to rush to another location to shoot yet another death scene—this time as Yoon Eun Seong in Queen of Tears (2024). “It happened to fall on the same day. The emotional exhaustion from both scenes was overwhelming,” Park said, recalling the transition from Daejeon to Jeongseon in a matter of hours. The confession stunned his co-stars. Kang Ae Sim’s eyes welled up with tears, responding, “It really must have been so difficult.” Jo Yu Ri also noted how emotionally jarring it was to watch, even after being part of the production.
Park’s experience underscores the intense emotional labour that actors often endure behind the scenes. While viewers may only see the polished final product, the truth is that many of these performances come at a personal cost. In Park Sung Hoon’s case, the emotional demands of Squid Game and Queen of Tears converged into a single unforgettable day, one that showcased not only his range as an actor but also the deep well of emotional commitment he brings to his craft.