Fans divided over Park Sung-Hoon's role as a trans character in Squid Game

In late December 2024, Netflix's popular South Korean series began airing its anticipated second season, which introduced a transgender character portrayed by Park Sung-hoon, a straight, cisgender male actor. This decision sparked significant backlash from various viewers and activists within the LGBTQ community, who argued that casting a cisgender actor in a transgender role undermined authentic representation in the media. Critics lamented that this choice disregarded the voices and opportunities of actual trans actors, especially at a time when visibility and representation for the transgender community are crucial issues, particularly in conservative societies like South Korea. The controversy has highlighted a longstanding issue within the film and television industry regarding the representation of marginalized communities. For many, the casting choice felt like a symbolic dismissal of the struggles trans individuals face, particularly in a country where transgender people often experience discrimination and are underrepresented in popular culture. Despite the show's creators' claims of working with LGBTQ consultants during production, many viewers expressed disappointment that the series did not remain steadfast in seeking genuine representation, thereby missing a valuable opportunity to elevate the visibility of trans narratives. Fans have voiced mixed reactions to the character's portrayal, with some expressing that while the storyline attempts to raise awareness surrounding gender identity and the challenges trans individuals face, it ultimately falls short. Many have stated that the character's development is lacking, noting that he mostly appears passive while other characters engage in derogatory jokes about her identity. This depiction weakens the narrative impact, leading to feelings that the representation is insufficient and almost tokenistic. Moreover, discussions around the casting choice prompted larger conversations about the disparities in representation for racial and sexual minorities in media. John Cho, an anthropologist specializing in gender and sexuality studies, remarked on how the selection of a cisgender actor to play a transgender role presents a stark disparity in representation. Cho emphasized that this kind of casting not only perpetuates structural inequalities but also denies trans individuals the visibility they deserve as full citizens with their shared experiences and narratives. Overall, while the introduction of a transgender character in a high-profile show is an important step forward, many agree that it is crucial for such roles to be played by actual transgender actors to ensure authenticity and respect for the community's struggles.