Squid Game star Park Sung-hoon is facing backlash after accidentally sharing the cover art of an adult parody of the hit Netflix series on his Instagram.
The actor, who plays the transgender character Hyun-ju in the dystopian drama’s second season, posted the cover art of “Squirt Game,” an X-rated Chinese parody featuring explicit scenes, including simulated rape.
Sung-hoon immediately deleted the post and his agency, BH Entertainment, issued a statement: “Actor Park accidentally posted the image, which he received in a direct message, by mistakenly pressing the wrong button. He is deeply sorry for making such a mistake in these circumstances and promises to be especially careful to ensure it doesn’t happen again.”
The incident sparked outrage in South Korea, where Sung-hoon is a well-known actor with roles in popular dramas like The Glory and Memorials. Fans are threatening to boycott his upcoming series, The Tyrant’s Chef, directed by Jang Tae-yoo, who helmed the critically acclaimed My Love from the Star.
Read more: ‘Squid Game’ Season 2: Controversy Over Transgender Casting Explained
Squid Game itself became a global phenomenon in 2021, captivating audiences with its high-stakes game of survival. The series follows 456 cash-strapped players competing in children’s games with deadly consequences for a massive cash prize.
Sung-hoon’s casting as a transgender character in Squid Game generated mixed reactions. While the director defended the decision, citing a lack of openly trans actors in South Korea, the country still faces challenges in LGBTQ+ rights.
