'Squid Game': Park Sung-hoon on Hyun-ju's Shocking Season 3 Exit and Shifting Motivations

Park Sung-hoon, the actor behind the complex character of Cho Hyun-ju in Netflix's "Squid Game," is opening up about the surprising fate of his character in Season 3. Hyun-ju, a trans woman who quickly became a fan favorite in Season 2, met an untimely end in the second episode of the new season, sacrificing herself to save others. Park discusses the emotional weight of the scene and Hyun-ju's evolution in an exclusive interview with Variety.

Hyun-ju's death, occurring so early in the season, was unexpected and impactful. Park revealed that he successfully captured the emotional depth of the scene in a single take, surprising even himself. "Director Hwang [Dong-hyuk] gave me a direction saying, 'When Hyun-ju slips away from the camera, could you have one tear roll down your face?' And I thought it would be hard, but I actually did it in one take," Park explained. "So when I finished it, the staff all clapped and cheered for me."

A Cool Character Gone Too Soon

Despite the professional success of the scene, Park expressed sadness at having to say goodbye to the character. "Recently, I've played a lot of villain characters, so I was so lucky to be able to play Hyun-ju, who is such a cool character," Park said. "It was very hard for me to say goodbye to her, because I thought she would last longer. I think she died earlier than she should have, so it's a shame."

Hyun-ju's Evolution: From Personal Goals to Selfless Sacrifice

In Season 2, Hyun-ju was driven by the desire to win the game's prize money to fund her gender-affirming surgery. However, according to Park, Season 3 sees a shift in her motivation. "In Season 2, her main motivation was to get the money so that she could get her gender affirmation surgery, go to Thailand and start over. But in Season 3, her big motivation became protecting the weaker woman here, Geum-ja, and Jun-hee's newborn baby as well," Park explained. This change in focus culminates in her ultimate sacrifice, choosing to save others over her own life.

Expert Perspective: The Significance of Hyun-ju's Journey

Dr. Emily Carter, a media studies professor specializing in LGBTQ+ representation in film and television, comments on the significance of Hyun-ju's arc. "Hyun-ju's character, while ultimately tragic, provided a rare and valuable glimpse into the life of a trans woman facing unique challenges," Dr. Carter notes. "Her initial focus on gender affirmation surgery was realistic and relatable, but her subsequent selflessness added another layer of depth, challenging stereotypical portrayals of trans characters."

Filming the Death Scene: A Holy and Sacred Thing

Park described the emotional intensity of filming Hyun-ju's death scene, particularly in relation to the birth of Jun-hee's baby. "The scene when Jun-hee gives birth was so special to Hyun-ju because the birth of a life is such a holy and sacred thing. Especially as a trans woman, I think Hyun-ju would have lots of emotions swirling inside of her watching that happen," he said. He also revealed that the script contained a specific direction for the moment of Hyun-ju's death: "'Hyun-ju's soul leaves her eyes.' So I tried to stay true to the script."

Action and Choreography: Balancing Violence and Compassion

Before her death, Hyun-ju demonstrates her military training in several violent scenes, killing other players in self-defense. Park discussed the preparation that went into these scenes, including training at action school and learning complex choreography. "The important thing when I was filming that scene was that Hyun-ju really wanted to protect Geum-ja and the newborn baby, and in order to do that, she had to kill these people. But she is actually a very warm-hearted person, and has a very good moral compass, so I thought that she would hate to kill these people, even if she has to," Park said.

Historical Context: LGBTQ+ Representation in Hollywood

The portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters in Hollywood has evolved significantly over time. Early representations were often stereotypical or negative, reflecting societal biases. However, in recent years, there has been a growing push for more authentic and nuanced portrayals. "Squid Game's" inclusion of a trans character like Hyun-ju, with her own complex motivations and backstory, represents a step forward in this ongoing evolution.

Looking Ahead: The Impact of Hyun-ju's Legacy

While Hyun-ju's journey on "Squid Game" has come to an end, the impact of her character is likely to resonate with audiences for some time. Park Sung-hoon's portrayal of a strong, capable, and ultimately selfless trans woman has contributed to a more inclusive and representative landscape in the entertainment industry.