K-netizens Have a Lot of Opinions on Park Sung Hoon Playing a Transgender Woman on Squid Game 2
So there is a whole new set of characters other than returning male lead Lee Jung Jae playing the game in Squid Game 2, obviously cuz everyone else died in the first season lol. The most attention has been on Park Sung Hoon starting from that longish bob wig and then now the reveal that his character is a transgender woman who was formerly a special forces soldier now playing the game to win the money to pay for their/her gender affirming surgery. Some netizens think this topic shouldn’t be in the drama, others don’t like Park Sung Hoon playing the role and thinks it should go to a transgender actress, and others are happy the drama is taking on a current news issue and humanizing it. It’s for sure the big talking point in SG2 promos so far but when the drama airs I’m sure conversation will turn to the various games and other twists and turns.
It does seem unnecessary. However, as long as the character is not there to be ridiculed, I am OK.
I can’t understand people who judging things they didn’t watch yet. It looks like a trend of last years “judging without watching / checking information”. Because PSH’s character is a transgender woman, it doesn’t mean he won’t be interesting, or his character existing in the show just for woke culture. People need at least to watch that season to say that.
And saying transgender character should be played by transgender person is a stupid. I saw some ridiculous topics before “only gay person can play gay character”, and all of this are so stupid. First, can’t believe it’s need to be explained, but actor doesn’t should play himself, his character CAN have nothing similar to do with him. This is why it’s calling ACTING. You’re not being himself on screen, you playing someone else. Otherwise by that incredible logic only pregnant actress, or actress who was pregnant before, can play pregnant character.
26 yo korean actress Lee Yeon played teenage boy in Juvenile Justice and no one even noticed because she was good in her role. Because this is acting.
Second, if they suggesting transgender actress for SG, can they name at least one Korean transgender actress for that role? Not just some person, but an actress, and a good actress. They should be grateful such good actor as Park Sung Hoon playing such complex character, his acting for sure won’t be a weak part of the plot.
And, Gosh, Park Sung Hoon are so lucky with crazy people and their demands from him. First, that zombie sageuk got a harsh hate and was cancelled during airing. Second, people who can’t separate his villains roles from the actor. Now this, transphobic people hating his character before watching the drama, woke people hating casting for not being woke enough in their eyes. Funny, both sides don’t care about his acting skills.
I hope after drama will air, no matter if his character would be interesting or not, people won’t push their expectations/disappointment on the actor (as I know no matter if criticism will be or not, his acting skills won’t be a reason).