The <em>Squid Game</em> sensation, Park Sung-hoon, has officially announced his next television series following his recent exit from a previous role this year. Park gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Cho Hyun-jun, also known as Player 120, in the second and third seasons of the acclaimed series created by Hwang Dong-hyuk. His character joined the deadly competition with hopes of financing her gender-affirmation surgery, highlighting critical themes of identity and desire for acceptance in contemporary society.

Earlier in the year, Park was set to take on the lead role in the upcoming K-drama, The Tyrant’s Chef. However, he stepped away from the project due to a controversy involving an explicit image he shared online, which ignited significant public backlash and scrutiny. This incident marked a turbulent period in his career, prompting a reevaluation of his public image.

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Park Sung-hoon has confirmed his exciting new role in Efficient Dating for Singles. He took a moment to reflect on his previous experiences playing villainous characters and discussed how his role as Hyun-jun, a heroic figure in the globally popular Netflix series, has influenced his acting trajectory. He expressed enthusiasm for portraying “a good guy” in his upcoming K-drama. Below is his insightful commentary on how Squid Game has shaped his career:

For the first part of the question, as I mentioned earlier, there were numerous flat, one-dimensional stereotypical transgender characters in Korean cinema and television. I am thrilled that we finally have a character like Hyun-ju. I believe Hyun-ju will pave the way for more multi-dimensional LGBTQ+ characters in the future.

Regarding the second part of your question, I have played many villains lately, so Korean audiences primarily recognize me for those roles. However, thanks to Hyun-ju, I have had the opportunity to reveal a different side of myself — the more positive aspects of my character. Because of Hyun-ju, I am currently in production for another series [Efficient Dating for Singles], and this time, I am portraying a good guy.

The Significance of This New Role for Park Sung-hoon

The Impact of Squid Game on Park Sung-hoon’s Career Journey

Squid Game not only catapulted Park to international fame, introducing him to a diverse audience across the globe, but the series also represented a transformative moment in his career, allowing him to explore a different facet of his acting abilities. Beyond the sensational Netflix series, Park is also recognized for his role as Jeon Jae-joon, the formidable antagonist in the gripping South Korean revenge thriller The Glory.

During the same interview, Park candidly shared the challenges of portraying a transgender woman as a cisgender male in Squid Game. He acknowledged that this role was a “good challenge,” emphasizing that with Hyun-jun, he strived to deliver a nuanced performance that captured her “inner qualities.” This dedication significantly contributed to Hyun-jun’s popularity as one of the standout characters in Squid Game.

Park’s involvement in the forthcoming K-drama further illustrates how the dystopian Squid Game has played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of his career, despite the controversies he has faced.

Insights on Park Sung-hoon’s Role in Efficient Dating For Singles

Parallels Between His New Character and Hyun-jun

Efficient Dating for Singles, inspired by a popular webtoon, features Park Sung-hoon in the role of Song Tae-seob, a woodworking studio owner who aspires to find love and establish a family. He stars alongside an ensemble cast that includes Han Ji-min, Jung Hye-sung, Kim So-hye, Lee Ki-taek, and more. The series delves into the themes of practicality and efficiency contrasted with the search for authentic connection in today’s modern dating scene.

While specific details about the plot remain under wraps, it is evident that Park’s new character shares traits similar to those of Hyun-jun from Squid Game. Like Hyun-jun, Tae-seob presents a tough exterior yet possesses a gentle and caring nature underneath. Fans who are still processing the events surrounding Player 120 in Squid Game season 3 may find solace in Park’s portrayal of this character in the upcoming K-drama.

Source: THR