Season 2 of Netflix’s Squid Recreation Introduces the Sequence’ First Trans Character

“Squid Recreation” season 2 spoilers comply with.

One of many issues that makes the hit Netflix sequence “Squid Recreation” so compelling is the wide selection of people that have determined to join the video games. It is a intelligent means of displaying that the true villain – rampant late-stage capitalism – impacts virtually everybody who is not extraordinarily rich. As far-fetched as it might appear, many people are only one dangerous choice, accident, or sickness away from contemplating one thing like “Squid Recreation” as the one means out. It is scary, and having characters that symbolize all totally different walks of life actually drives dwelling the difficulty as a result of the viewers can relate. It additionally helps us empathize with characters who’re experiencing one thing distinctive to us; I grew as much as have lots of love for Player 067 from season 1, Kang Sae-byeok (HoYeon Jung), and it is onerous to think about the primary season with out her.

The third episode of Season 2 introduced in one other character that can attraction to some audiences whereas introducing a international idea to others: Participant 120, Hyun-ju (Park Sung-hoon), a transgender girl. Some followers (ignorant, fanatical) who fully miss the purpose of “Squid Recreation” may see it as an try to impose optimistic representations of transgender individuals on them, just like the current backlash with ‘Star Wars’ fans over trans clone trooperhowever trans individuals exist and need to be represented on display screen simply as a lot as any of us. There’s an issue, although: Park is a cisgender man taking part in a transgender girl. Let’s take a more in-depth have a look at this character who is nearly assured to be controversial each in South Korea, the present’s native nation, in addition to right here in the USA.

In a promotion video For the second season, Park portrayed Hyun-ju as a “former particular forces soldier and transgender girl” who “joins the sport as a result of she lacks cash for her gender affirmation operation.” She was kicked out of the army when she started transitioning, and sadly, her household and mates fully averted her. Though some LGBTQ identities are protected courses in South Korea and a monumental Supreme Courtroom case dominated in favor of permitting a transgender girl with younger kids to be allowed to legally change their gender In 2022, transgender individuals nonetheless face intense discrimination. So it is sensible, to some extent, that Hyun-ju would face the horrors of Squid Recreation in an effort to begin a brand new life, as a result of the life she had in South Korea was no life in any respect.

Park goes on to explain Hyun-ju in a really optimistic means, emphasizing her tenacity:

“Though she faces prejudice and troublesome conditions, she demonstrates unimaginable power, decisiveness and pure management. By means of her resilience, she breaks stereotypes and shines like a inspiring character.”

Initially, some gamers, like participant 149, Geum-ja (Kang Ae-sim), are confused about taking part in alongside a transgender girl, however ultimately understand that she is like no different. regardless of which certainly one of them. It is nice that Geum-ja finally ends up changing into mates with Hyun-ju and Hyun-ju turns into considerably heroic, however it’s nonetheless irritating that she’s portrayed by a cisgender man. Netflix has completed nice issues to assist the transgender neighborhood this 12 months, like streaming important exhibits, essential documentary “Will and Harper”, and even the “Emilia Pérez” extremely frustrating no less than options trans performer Karla Sofía Gascón within the lead. So why could not they forged a trans actor for “Squid Recreation” season 2? Nicely, in accordance with the creator of the sequence, there’s a particular motive.

In keeping with “Squid Recreation” creator and director Hwang Dong-hyuk, discovering a Korean trans actor for the position proved troublesome, if not unattainable. Speak with TV guideHwang stated it was “almost unattainable to seek out somebody we may authentically forged with,” including:

“At first we have been doing our analysis and I used to be excited about doing an genuine casting of a trans actor. Once we did analysis in Korea, there are hardly any overtly trans actors, not to mention overtly homosexual, as a result of sadly within the At present’s Korean society, the LGBTQ neighborhood, continues to be marginalized and uncared for, which is heartbreaking.”

Within the extremely important documentary “Disclosure”, Actress, author and producer Jen Richards explains why it is important to have trans ladies in trans roles:

“In my thoughts, a part of the rationale males find yourself killing trans ladies out of worry that different males will assume they’re homosexual for being with trans ladies is that their mates , the lads they worry judgment from, solely know trans individuals Girls within the media and the individuals who play trans ladies are the lads they know This does not occur when a trans girl performs a trans girl. Laverne Cox is simply as lovely and glamorous off-screen; that on display screen, seeing these ladies off display screen nonetheless as ladies, it fully deflates the concept they’re one way or the other males in disguise.”

Richards is totally proper, however the materials security of a trans actress in South Korea additionally must be thought-about as that is nonetheless a South Korean manufacturing regardless of its worldwide recognition. It is usually an indication that there’s nonetheless a lot to do to have higher and extra genuine illustration. We want trans tales on our screens greater than ever. If you wish to see one thing on Netflix about an actual trans girl that can make you giggle And cry, simply go watch “Will and Harper”. Everyone must do it.

“Squid Recreation” season 2 is now streaming on Netflix.