The Trans Representation in ‘Squid Game’ Is Some of Television’s Best

Over the past few years, there has been an increased amount of discourse surrounding what constitutes “good” representation in television. One of the most pressing concerns from the masses is the idea of only LGBTQ+ actors playing queer and transgender characters, a concern that has fizzled out when paired with the reality that many actors would be forced to come out of the closet if this were the case. When Season 2 and 3 of the Netflix series Squid Game were announced, it was revealed that there would be the inclusion of a transgender character, Hyun-ju.

This news coincided with the casting report that cisgender actor Park Sung-hoon would play the role, a decision that drew significant criticism from fans. In an interview with TV Guide, writer Hwang Dong-hyuk detailed that despite the fact that he wanted to do “authentic casting of a trans actor,” it was almost impossible in Korea: “There are close to no actors that are openly trans, let alone openly gay.” Despite the harsh realities of Korean queer politics, and the backlash this casting would undeniably receive from western viewers, Hwang boldly proceeded to include Hyun-ju and her story. Park and writer Hwang Dong-hyuk collaborated to create a character who is not only written and portrayed with empathy, but also emerges as one of the series’ most crucial figures. In a show known for its large ensemble cast where individuals can easily fade into the background, the series has developed Hyun-ju into one of its most memorable and complex characters, challenging conventional portrayals of transgender people in modern television.