Squid Game fans now criticize its new trans character’s representation in its latest season, with many stating they are unsure how to feel about it.
The highly anticipated return of the South Korean thriller “Squid Game” has captivated fans once again, making its debut on Thursday, December 26, after a three-year hiatus.
The new season brings back the beloved character Seong Gi-hun, portrayed by Lee Jung-jae, and introduces a host of new contestants willing to risk everything for the tantalizing cash prize.
A New Contestant: Hyun-Ji’s Journey
Among the fresh faces in this season is Hyun-Ji, played by Park Sung-hoon, a trans character who enters the deadly competition with the goal of winning money for her gender-reassignment surgery.
This inclusion has prompted a mixed response from LGBTQ+ fans and the broader audience alike.
While some viewers have praised the series for its “well-written” depiction of a trans woman, others have raised concerns about the casting of a cisgender actor in this role.
One viewer expressed frustration, stating, “Squid Game 2 is surprisingly good but did they HAVE to cast a cis guy to play a (clockable) trans woman?”
Another echoed this sentiment, questioning, “Could they not cast an actual transgender woman… This is gonna p**s me off.”
Critiques and Defenses of Representation
Beyond the casting controversy, critiques have emerged regarding the character’s role in the story. Some fans feel that Hyun-Ji’s presence in the show is underwhelming.
“The trans character in Squid Game gets so little to do lol,” one viewer commented.
“For the first four episodes, she just kind of walks around quietly while other characters make jabs at her.
It’s the kind of mealy-mouthed ‘representation’ that does nothing for anyone other than check off a box.”
Conversely, other viewers have defended the character, arguing that Hyun-Ji is portrayed with depth and care.
One fan remarked, “It’s the way this show put an old woman, a pregnant woman, and a trans woman together and outright said they are all valid as women that moved me to tears.”
Another added, “Watching the new season of Squid Game, I absolutely adore the trans character; the writers wrote her with so much love and care.”
Creator’s Perspective on Casting Choices
In response to the backlash regarding the casting of Hyun-Ji, “Squid Game” director and creator Hwang Dong-hyuk addressed the controversy in an interview with TV Guide.
He explained that the decision to cast a cisgender actor was influenced by the challenges of finding openly trans actors in South Korea.
“I did anticipate such discussions to arise from the first moment I began creating the character,” Dong-hyuk stated.
“In the beginning, we were doing our research, and I was thinking of doing an authentic casting of a trans actor.
When we researched in Korea, there are close to no actors who are openly trans, let alone openly gay, because unfortunately, in Korean society, the LGBTQ+ community is still marginalized and more neglected, which is heartbreaking.”
Conclusion: A Complex Narrative
As “Squid Game 2” continues to unfold, it serves as a platform for important conversations around representation and the complexities of casting in a society where LGBTQ+ individuals often face significant challenges.
The reactions to Hyun-Ji’s character highlight the ongoing struggle for authentic representation in media, prompting viewers to reflect on the meaning of inclusivity and the narratives we choose to amplify.
As fans engage with this new season, the dialogue surrounding these issues is likely to evolve, making “Squid Game 2” not just a thrilling watch, but also a critical cultural moment.
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