The Shocking Truth About Park Sung-hoon: From ‘The Glory’ Villain To Squid Game’s Player 120 And Recent Controversy
The actor Park Sung-hoon has become one of the most talked-about figures in K-drama and global streaming, rocketing to international fame with his back-to-back, drastically different roles in Netflix mega-hits. As of today, December 12, 2025, the conversation surrounding him is a blend of high praise for his acting versatility in *Squid Game* and intense scrutiny following a recent, highly publicized controversy.
His portrayal of Cho Hyun-ju, or Player 120, in the highly anticipated *Squid Game* Season 2 and Season 3, has solidified his status as a compelling character actor, a stark contrast to the loathsome villain he played just a year prior. However, this artistic success is currently overshadowed by a scandal that led to his withdrawal from a major television project, making his career trajectory one of the most volatile in the industry right now.
Park Sung-hoon: Full Actor Biography and Profile
Park Sung-hoon (Korean: 박성훈) is a South Korean actor known for his commanding screen presence and ability to embody complex, often antagonistic, characters. His career began in the theater before he successfully transitioned to film and television, eventually achieving global recognition through streaming platforms.
- Full Name: Park Sung-hoon (박성훈)
- Date of Birth: February 18, 1985
- Age: 40 (as of 2025)
- Nationality: South Korean
- Agency: BH Entertainment
- Debut: 2008 (Though he had earlier roles, his official debut is often cited around this time)
- Key TV/Film Roles:
- A Frozen Flower (2008) - Film
- Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum (2018) - Film
- My Only One (2018-2019) - Drama (Won Best New Actor at KBS Drama Awards)
- The Glory (2022-2023) - Drama (Role: Jeon Jae-jun)
- Queen of Tears (2024) - Drama (Role: Yoon Eun-sung)
- Squid Game Season 2 & 3 (2024-2025) - Series (Role: Cho Hyun-ju / Player 120)
- Notable Connection: He has a theater background and a friendship with fellow *Squid Game* actor Park Hae-soo (Cho Sang-woo).
The Breakout Role: Cho Hyun-ju (Player 120) in Squid Game
Park Sung-hoon’s casting in *Squid Game* Season 2 was one of the most anticipated announcements, and his character, Cho Hyun-ju, quickly became a fan favorite. This role is notable for several compelling reasons, giving the actor a chance to showcase a profound, empathetic side that was hidden behind the sheer villainy of his previous roles.
Cho Hyun-ju, also known by her game identifier Player 120, is introduced as a former sergeant in the South Korean Special Forces. Her backstory is deeply tragic and serves as a powerful commentary on social issues within the country. The character is a transgender woman who entered the deadly competition out of desperation.
The character’s narrative arc in Season 2 and 3 is a centerpiece of the new season’s emotional core. Hyun-ju’s military background gives her a tactical edge in the games, but her vulnerability and kindness make her a target for more ruthless players. Her story is widely reported to be inspired, in part, by the real-life story of Byun Hui-su, a former South Korean soldier who was forcibly discharged after undergoing gender-reassignment surgery, a connection that adds significant weight to the character's social commentary.
Fans and critics alike have praised Park Sung-hoon for his delicate and authentic portrayal, avoiding stereotypes and bringing a complex tenderness to the role. This dramatic shift from the entitled, abusive bully Jeon Jae-jun in *The Glory* to the empathetic and fearless Player 120 demonstrates a remarkable range, solidifying his status as one of South Korea's most versatile actors.
The Scandal That Rocked His Career: Exiting 'The Tyrant's Chef'
Despite his critical success in *Squid Game* and *The Glory*, Park Sung-hoon’s career faced a major hurdle in late 2025 due to a social media controversy. This incident centered on the actor’s withdrawal from the highly anticipated tvN K-drama, *The Tyrant's Chef*, where he was set to star opposite popular actress YoonA.
The controversy ignited following backlash over a recent explicit photo he posted on social media. While the exact nature of the "adult content post" remains a subject of intense speculation and rumor, the public reaction was swift and severe. The scandal led to widespread protests and calls for his removal from the upcoming K-drama.
In response to the overwhelming negative attention and the potential impact on the production, Park Sung-hoon’s management ultimately confirmed his decision to step down from his lead role in *The Tyrant's Chef*. This event serves as a stark reminder of the intense scrutiny and high moral standards often imposed on public figures, especially in the South Korean entertainment industry, where social media missteps can have immediate and dramatic career consequences.
Park Sung-hoon’s Legacy: Versatility vs. Scrutiny
Park Sung-hoon’s recent career trajectory is a fascinating case study in modern stardom. He is an actor who thrives on contrast, moving from the terrifying antagonist in *The Glory* to a nuanced, beloved figure in *Squid Game*. His ability to transform his persona from one project to the next is a testament to his dramatic skill.
His villainous turn as Jeon Jae-jun, the color-blind bully in *The Glory*, made him an internationally recognized face of evil. This was followed by his performance as the second lead in *Queen of Tears*, further cementing his status as a master of the complex, morally ambiguous character. Yet, it is his role as Cho Hyun-ju (Player 120) that has garnered the most critical praise for its depth and social relevance, offering a powerful representation of the transgender community within a major global series.
Despite the recent scandal concerning the explicit social media content, the discussion remains heavily focused on his acting prowess. Fans are eagerly anticipating the conclusion of the *Squid Game* saga, where his character’s fate remains a key point of curiosity. The challenge for Park Sung-hoon now is to navigate the intense public scrutiny and allow his undeniable talent and the popularity of his ongoing roles to redefine his image in the global spotlight.
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