Actor Park Sung-hoon (40) joined 'Squid Game' as a transgender character, meeting audiences worldwide.
The Netflix series 'Squid Game' Season 2, released on the 26th of last month, depicts the fierce competition between Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae), who returns to participate in the game seeking revenge, and the Front Man (played by Lee Byung-hun), as well as the real game that begins anew. Park Sung-hoon plays the role of Jo Hyun-joo, a transgender woman with a background in special forces.
Within just 11 days of its release, 'Squid Game' Season 2 recorded 126.2 million views (the number of views divided by the total running time of the work), ranking second in Netflix's all-time most popular non-English series.
In an interview at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 8th, Park Sung-hoon expressed his feelings about playing a transgender character, saying, "I was amazed and surprised to be given the role of Hyun-joo. On the other hand, it was also a burden. I thought it would be a new and significant role for me as an actor. I wanted to create a character that is cool, attractive, and likable to everyone," adding, "I was worried because I knew that many people were dissatisfied with a non-transgender person playing a transgender role. I made sure that Hyun-joo's character was emphasized over her being transgender."
He also stated, "Both the director and I thought that Hyun-joo should not be caricatured. We were cautious about exaggerated gestures and focused on her just and considerate nature. I also deeply contemplated the discrimination Hyun-joo might have faced while living as a transgender person outside."
He continued, "I still think that Hyun-joo's femininity came through somehow. Even if she takes hormones, I heard that her voice doesn't change much during the transition process. I read the script with the director in various tones and thought this tone seemed appropriate. In dramatic situations, I believe that Hyun-joo's original voice would come out instinctively, so I expressed and acted that way."
Regarding the positive response to the Hyun-joo character overseas, he said, "I haven't had the luxury to look for such reactions recently because I've been very busy. I saw the domestic reactions right after the release, and it was amusing to see comments referring to me as Jae-jun in 'Squid Game.' I hope that Hyun-joo's good character can help reduce prejudice against LGBTQ minorities."
Park Sung-hoon shared his thoughts on the five-on-six game in the series, saying, "During our reading, we were given props for the game, and mine was a jegichagi (a traditional Korean game). We were told to practice a lot since we still had filming time, so I practiced even during the shoot. It was more difficult because my left leg was tied to someone else's. I practiced by tying my leg to my manager's. I'm not very athletic, but I did my best to practice whenever I could."
When asked what he would have done if he had participated in 'Squid Game,' he replied, "I would have gone home after the first round. I'm not as brave as Hyun-joo. So, I'm grateful to the director for giving me such a cool character."
Park Sung-hoon also expressed his respect for Lee Jung-jae and Lee Byung-hun in 'Squid Game 2.'
He said, "They are seniors I have always admired, and just seeing them on set was overwhelming. As expected, there is a reason why they have maintained their top positions. Their character and personality are excellent. I felt a lot from their ability to lead the project as lead actors and their relaxed demeanor while interacting with the staff."
He added, "If I ever get to lead a project, I thought I should do it this way. I wondered how they take care of each individual, and it was moving beyond respect."
In the Netflix series 'The Glory,' Park Sung-hoon showcased a strong villainous performance and is now often referred to by his character's name, Jeon Jae-jun.
He said, "I sometimes wonder if people are deliberately calling me Jeon Jae-jun. I don't necessarily want to distance myself from that name quickly," adding, "I hope more people will start calling me Hyun-joo."
He continued, "I often hear people suggesting that I should change my stage name to Jeon Jae-jun or legally change my name, but I don't feel the need to do that. I just want to become the most famous Park Sung-hoon."
Recently, he faced controversy after posting and quickly deleting an adult film cover photo themed around 'Squid Game' on his Instagram account, and he expressed regret during this interview.
He stated, "I sincerely apologize for causing discomfort and concern to many people due to my significant mistake. I believe it was my fault, and I recognize that it was wrong. I have been reflecting and regretting for several days, and I still feel that way. I fully understand the seriousness of the situation and will carry a heavy heart to ensure that such mistakes do not happen again, being cautious with my words and actions as I continue my acting career."
He added, "I have been grateful for the overwhelming love I have received. I haven't felt proud or elated, and while I am experiencing this due to my mistake, it has been a time to refocus on my original intentions and reflect on my influence as an actor. Since I can impact overseas as well, I realize I need to be very careful. It has made me more aware."
[Yang So-young, Star Today Reporter]
