Meet Park Sunghoon, Jo Hyeon-ju (#120): The Transgender Heroine of Squid Game Season 2

Below is an informational overview of the fictional character Jo Hyeon-ju (Player #120) from the Squid Game series and the actor who portrays her, Park Sunghoon, including key background, controversies, and additional insights.

1. Character Profile: Jo Hyeon-ju (#120)

1. Name: Jo Hyeon-ju
2. Gender Identity:MTF Transgender Woman
   • Formerly served in the Republic of Korea Army Special Forces.
   • Entered the game to fund her full gender confirmation surgery in Thailand, along with plans to settle in a more supportive environment for other trans individuals.
3. Personality & Traits:
   • Portrayed as courageous and capable of demonstrating leadership under intense pressure.
   • Balances vulnerability—due to her struggle to afford life-changing surgery—with a determined desire to reshape her future.

Role in Squid Game (Season 2)

• Jo Hyeon-ju’s motivations center on winning the prize money to pay for gender-affirming procedures and to secure a new life abroad.
• The narrative highlights her resilience as a trans woman in a harsh survival game, underscoring both physical prowess (thanks to her special-forces training) and emotional fortitude.

2. The Actor: Park Sunghoon

1. Birth Name: (Fictional Data)
2. Date of Birth: February 18, 1985 (Age 39)
3. Birthplace: Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea
4. Height / Blood Type: 183 cm, A
5. Family: Parents, two older sisters; owns a miniature pinscher named “Box.”
6. Education:
   • Gwacheon Foreign Language High School (French major)
   • Dong-Ah Institute of Media and Arts (Film Studies)
7. Military Service: Completed service in the ROK Army, discharged at the rank of sergeant.
8. Management: BH Entertainment

Acting Career Overview

• Debut (2008): A Frozen Flower (Ssanghwajeom) — film
• Spent formative years on the theater circuit, where he became known as an “idol of the stage” for his strong on-stage presence.
• Gained mainstream recognition in K-dramas, notably:
  • 2018: My Only One (KBS) – Broke out in the role of Jang Go-rae
  • 2019: Justice – Portrayed a hidden psychopath, Tak Soo-ho
  • 2019: Psychopath Diary – Another villainous role, expanding his range
  • 2020: Into the Ring (KBS) – First lead role as Seo Gong-myung
  • 2022: The Glory (Netflix) – Opposite Song Hye-kyo, playing Jeon Jae-joon
  • 2024: The Queen of Tears (tvN) – Appeared as Yoon Eun-seong
  • 2024: Squid Game 2 – Cast as Jo Hyeon-ju (#120), a former special forces soldier turned trans woman

3. Controversies and Incidents

3.1. Joseon Exorcist (조선구마사) Controversy (2021)

• Park Sunghoon played a leading role (Prince Yangnyeong) in SBS’s historical-fantasy drama Joseon Exorcist.
• The show faced immediate backlash due to allegations of serious historical distortion, resulting in cancellation after only two episodes.
• Advertisers and sponsors withdrew, and the sudden termination risked damaging the cast’s public image.
• Agency Reaction:
  • The head of BH Entertainment posted a cryptic social media message that many interpreted as dismissive of critics’ concerns, intensifying controversy.
  • Park Sunghoon later issued a handwritten apology, acknowledging viewers’ grievances.

3.2. Squid Game-Themed Adult Video Cover Repost (2024)

• On December 30, 2024, Park Sunghoon unintentionally posted an explicit Squid Game parody AV cover to his personal SNS feed.
• Agency Statement:
  • BH Entertainment explained that Park Sunghoon accidentally shared the image while reviewing direct messages (DMs).
  • The actor deleted the post quickly and expressed regret over the mishap.

4. Additional Activities & Trivia

1. Stage Work & Nickname:
   • Park Sunghoon’s background in theater earned him a reputation as a multifaceted performer, skilled in dramatic and comedic roles.
2. Versatile Villainy:
   • His portrayals of psychopathic antagonists (Justice, Psychopath Diary, The Glory) have garnered critical and popular praise, highlighting his wide acting range.
3. Transgender Representation in K-Drama:
   • By taking on the role of Jo Hyeon-ju, Park Sunghoon became one of the few mainstream Korean actors to depict a trans woman in a high-profile series, marking a step toward LGBTQ+ visibility in Korean media.

5. Summary

Jo Hyeon-ju (#120) stands out as a character who merges backstory elements—ex-special forces, MTF transgender identity, financial hardship—within the life-or-death setting of Squid Game 2. Portrayed by Park Sunghoon, the role resonates with viewers for its emotional depth and representation.

Off-screen, Park Sunghoon’s career has seen impressive highs, from lead roles in popular dramas to acclaimed theater performances. However, it has also been punctuated by controversies—including the abrupt cancellation of Joseon Exorcist and the accidental repost of an adult parody cover. Despite such setbacks, his portrayal of Jo Hyeon-ju reaffirms his status as a compelling actor unafraid to tackle challenging or unconventional characters.

Final Note

While Jo Hyeon-ju remains a fictional figure in the Squid Game universe, her storyline addresses significant social themes: acceptance, transition, and resilience. As Korean media increasingly acknowledges diverse narratives, Park Sunghoon’s part in portraying a transgender character has stirred important conversations about representation and inclusivity in entertainment.