I was very surprised and honored that Director Hwang cast me for the role of Hyun-ju.
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Were there any doubts about how this role could change your image in the industry?
Park Sung-hoon as Hyun-ju in Squid Game Season 2Netflix
And how did you end up working through that with him?
PARK SUNG-HOON:No, I dont think I had any concerns about my image in the entertainment industry.
Does it feel like a giant weight that has been lifted off your chest?
Hyun-ju (left) and Young-mi (right) inSquid GameSeason 2Netflix
PARK:Yes, of course.
So many of you out there love Hyun-ju so much.
Im just filled with a lot of gratitude.
Compared to other players, Hyun-ju thinks of other people and is also altruistic and fierce.
I think all of those things are why people love her so much.
But I think the response has been even greater than I ever expected.
So, as someone who portrayed this wonderful character, I feel very proud.
DEADLINE: Hyun-ju is a very nuanced character.
She risks her life to save others but also votes to stay in the games.
How do you view her?
So, I would say that thats what drives her in terms of those actions.
But after they say that, Hyun-ju goes up and she votes to stay.
Then she comes back, and theres that monologue where she explains to Geum-ja why she chose to stay.
That particular scene is very layered and nuanced.
So, going into it and preparing for the scenes, I was quite concerned about portraying that.
DEADLINE: What were your favorite and most challenging scenes to film?
I really love that moment.
For the most challenging aspect, Ive played a lot of villains in the past.
However, Hyun-ju is someone who is good at heart, and she has a sweet proposition.
It made me quite uncomfortable having to film those scenes.
DEADLINE: Talk about that battle scene.
She had to handle the mission herself.
Is she going to beat him up inSeason 3?
But that was a joke between us.
DEADLINE: Geum-ja stops Hyun-ju from going out in a blaze of glory.
Was that the right decision for that character to make?
Whats your take on that scene?
I think there is some truth to that.
But also, you see so many Pink soldiers barging in at that moment.
DEADLINE: Talk more about building a relationship with your coworkers on set.
We would eat together; we would sometimes share drinks after the day was over.
So, its really wonderful to have that.
