Stay put and keep quiet; this article reveals crucial details about season 3, episode 2 of “Squid Game.” Proceed with caution if you don’t want spoilers ruining your viewing experience!
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but appreciate the chilling twist in “Squid Game,” the globally adored Netflix series by Hwang Dong-hyuk starring Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun. In this captivating show, contestants engage in traditional childhood games with an unsettling twist. In the third season’s second episode, the competitors are divided into a “red team” and a “blue team.” The catch? Blue team members must hide, while red team players have knives… and orders to kill at least one blue team member. Failure to comply means elimination from the game.
In our initial encounter, we came across Cho Hyun-ju, also known as Player 120 in this round of the games, during season 2. This was after Gi-hun’s triumphant return to the arena following his victory in the first games depicted in season 1, where he aimed to dismantle the entire organization. Portrayed by Park Sung-hoon, Hyun-ju is a South Korean ex-soldier who transitioned and requires funds for her gender-affirming surgery. Having lost several friends in the games shown in season 2, Hyun-ju forms an alliance with Kim Jun-hee (Jo Yu-ri) and Jang Geum-ja (Kang Ae-shim), Players 222 and 149 respectively. Due to their vulnerabilities – Jun-hee being pregnant and Geum-ja being elderly – Hyun-ju uses her military training to safeguard them in the games.
Initially, all three participants joined the blue team during Hide and Seek. Regrettably, Hyun-ju met a fatal end after engaging in a fight, a sacrifice she made for an incredibly noble purpose. For now, let’s delve into why Hyun-ju was such an exceptional character to begin with.
Hyun-ju’s actor caused some controversy after season 2 of Squid Game aired
It’s undeniable that the portrayal of transgender characters in movies and TV shows is scarce and regrettably so. Hyun-ju, portrayed exceptionally well by Park Sung-hoon in “Squid Game,” stands out significantly not just within this series but across the broader television spectrum. She’s bold and self-assured about her identity, and she openly discusses her financial needs to live as a woman. However, it’s worth noting that Park is a cisgender male, which means the trans character isn’t portrayed by a transgender actress. This could be a point of discussion regarding authentic representation.
In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk addressed some valid criticisms he received. Although it’s not a new issue that cisgender male actors like Eddie Redmayne, Jeffrey Tambor, and Jared Leto have been honored for portraying trans characters, Hwang noted that the concerns about this practice were more pronounced in the Western world, particularly in the United States. In Korea, however, where the cultural perspective may be different, there were fewer such concerns about the representation of trans characters in Squid Game.
In Korea, it’s quite rare to find openly transgender or gay actors in the industry, and there are very few who have publicly come out. Consequently, finding an appropriate transgender actor for this role was challenging physically, and in practical terms, it was almost impossible.
Later on, Hwang recounted an incident involving a trans fan and YouTube personality who was enthusiastic about “Squid Game”, but had initial concerns about Park taking on the role. However, they ended up appreciating Park’s portrayal and even grew fond of the character, like many others worldwide.
As a fan, I initially found myself puzzled when a straight actor took on the role of Hyun-ju. However, as the performance unfolded, I must admit that I was deeply touched by Park Sung-hoon’s portrayal of this character. The beauty and sincerity in his acting moved me to tears. It was truly an exceptional performance.
In the end, Hyun-ju’s death was incredibly honorable — and moving
In the game of hide and seek, Hyun-ju, Jun-hee, and Geum-ja form a tight unit, with Hyun-ju acting as their guardian due to her exceptional combat abilities across various forms (as observed in the Season 2 finale of “Squid Game” during the player uprising). Hyun-ju effectively takes down numerous members from the red team. However, an unforeseen hurdle arises when Jun-hee unexpectedly goes into labor.
In a cramped room, clutching a pilfered blade and keys that unlock various doors, I stand vigilant as Geum-ja assists Jun-hee in childbirth, an event that miraculously goes smoothly. Just when I, wounded but still breathing, manage to pinpoint the exit and signal the others for our escape, my face twists with dread. You see, Player 333 – Lee Myung-gi (Im Si-wan), a crook dealing in cryptocurrency and Junhee’s ex, plunges a knife into someone wearing a blue vest, not realizing he’d just slain the woman who safeguarded his child during its mother’s labor. This tragedy only deepens the divide between Myung-gi and Jun-hee, leaving Geum-ja and Jun-hee heartbroken as they watch their guardian and comrade breathe her last breath before their very eyes.
As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but feel the weight of Hyun-ju’s heroic sacrifice, even as it’s clear she went out in glory. Yet, her departure still leaves an ache that’s hard to shake off… and with the show concluding after its third season on Netflix, she truly left behind a remarkable and iconic legacy. “Squid Game” is now streaming on Netflix, and I can’t wait for you all to witness it too!
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2025-06-27 20:30