Netflix’s blockbuster hit, Squid Game, is back for its much-anticipated second season, but it’s the inclusion of LGBTQ+ representation that's igniting fierce debate among fans. The introduction of Hyun-Ju, a transgender character played by Park Sung-hoon, has polarized audiences—while many laud the effort toward inclusivity, others argue it detracts from the storytelling.
Hyun-Ju joins the infamous games to raise funds for gender-affirming surgery, stirring up discussions around representation and narrative integrity. Critics claim the character’s presence diminishes the show’s gritty realism, labeling it as prioritizing 'woke ideals' over authentic storytelling. "I thought wokeness was only in western countries... I guess I was wrong," tweeted one viewer, expressing frustration with the show's shift.
On the other hand, advocates welcome the progressive move, pointing out the glaring lack of LGBTQ+ representation within Korean media. Supporters argue it's about time mainstream narratives reflect diverse experiences, especially when it pertains to marginalized communities. “Not much fkn diversity, seeing as they’re all Koreans,” one critic noted sarcastically, calling for more thorough representation.
At the heart of the backlash is the creative decision to cast Park Sung-hoon, a cisgender male actor, instead of choosing openly trans women for the role. Show creator Hwang Dong-hyuk defended this by expressing the difficulties of casting authentically within Korea’s marginalized LGBTQ+ community. “When we researched in Korea, there are close to no actors who are openly trans,” said Hwang, emphasizing the existing societal hurdles.
Fans’ critiques also come on the heels of the season’s official release on December 26, 2024, across 180 countries on Netflix. Initial audience reactions reflect mixed feelings, with some lauding the scale and intensity of the storytelling—while others echo sentiments of discontent. The storyline follows Ki-hoon (Lee Jung-jae), who returns to the deadly games eager for revenge, leading to a clash with the enigmatic Front Man (Lee Byung-hun), setting the stage for wild exploitation of power and moral depravity.
Media outlets have been divided as well. The New York Times criticized the season for not significantly progressing its narrative, describing it as “stagnant.” Similarly, USA Today commented on the season’s lack of originality, labeling it “disappointing” when compared to its predecessor.
Despite the dissent, some criticism also came with compliments. Variety praised the second installment for its immersive storytelling and recognized how it sheds light on contemporary socio-economic issues, including class disparity and moral corruption. Rotten Tomatoes currently reflects this mixed reaction with critic scores sitting at 83% versus Season 1's 90%.
One of the significant shifts audiences will notice this season is the depth of character exploration. While the first season was marked by adrenaline and shock, Season 2 opts for introspection and emotional complexity. Gi-hun embarks on his own moral quest, grappling with the traumatic remnants of past actions, leading viewers to examine not just the violent games, but the more nuanced emotional landscapes of its players.
While past seasons showcased flamboyant visuals and intense violence, Season 2 integrates these visuals with more subdued palettes and slower narratives, enhancing the emotional depth. Former BigBang member T.O.P makes waves with his engaging performance as Thanos, swiftly becoming one of the most compelling characters. Park Sung-hoon's portrayal of the trans character has also garnered attention for its sincerity, with critics noting the depth he brings to the role.
Still, criticism doesn't appear limited to the narrative alone. Some parents have taken issue with the presence of LGBTQ+ characters, questioning their appropriateness for children viewing the violence and dark thematic elements without any objection. "Conservative parents complaining about a trans character on Squid Game 2. Like...?" remarked one viewer, highlighting the contradiction of outrage over one portrayal amid the broader violent and adult themes pervasive throughout the series.
Overall, Squid Game Season 2 finds itself balancing between ambitious storytelling, retrospective character arcs, and the growing pains of representation. Whether it enhances or detracts from its predecessor's legacy remains hotly debated. This complex narrative leaves the viewers with more questions than answers, compelling them to reflect on societal constructs surrounding identity, privilege, and survival—an exploration of humanity itself.
