Park Sung-Hoon, who gained attention for his role as Cho Hyun-ju (Player 120) in Squid Game Season 2, has found himself at the center of a controversy. The Korean actor came under fire after accidentally sharing an NSFW parody cover related to the Netflix series on his Instagram story. While he quickly deleted the post, the damage had already been done, igniting a wave of criticism online.
The Controversial Instagram Story
On December 30, Park Sung-Hoon mistakenly uploaded a photo of a parody cover created by a Japanese adult actor. The image, which referenced the popular Netflix series, was widely considered inappropriate. Despite being swiftly removed, screenshots of the post began circulating online, prompting a strong reaction from fans and social media users.
Netizens React
The backlash was immediate, with many expressing disappointment in Park’s actions. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) were flooded with reactions. One user commented, “Is it part of Squid Game’s contract for male actors to be problematic?” Another added, “At this point, it feels like being disgusting is a requirement to be cast in Squid Game.” Some even called for an all-female cast for future seasons, with one post reading, “Just make the entire cast women next time.”
Official Apology from Park Sung-Hoon’s Agency
Responding to the backlash, Park’s agency, BH Entertainment, issued an official statement to South Korean media outlet Newsen. The statement clarified that the actor had been reviewing his DMs when he accidentally uploaded the image. “Park Sung-Hoon received many DMs on social media and unintentionally posted it while checking messages. He is shocked and deeply apologizes for this mistake. He will ensure that such an incident does not happen again,” the agency stated.
Also Read: Squid Game Season 2 Release Date And Time On Netflix
Park Sung-Hoon’s Role in Squid Game Season 2
In Squid Game Season 2, Park Sung-Hoon portrays Cho Hyun-ju, also known as Player 120, a transgender woman seeking financial support for gender-affirming surgeries. Her character is depicted as a former sergeant in the South Korean army who takes a leadership role in an attempted rebellion led by Seong Gi-hun. Surviving the harrowing events of the latest season, Cho Hyun-ju is expected to return in Squid Game Season 3.
While Park Sung-Hoon’s role in Squid Game has been widely praised, this incident has left fans divided. As discussions continue online, the actor’s quick apology and the agency’s clarification may help mitigate some of the backlash. However, the controversy serves as a reminder of the scrutiny public figures face in today’s digital age.