10 Unforgettable Moments When Hyun-ju Shined in Squid Game Season 2

10 Unforgettable Moments When Hyun-ju Shined in Squid Game Season 2

Warning: Spoilers for Squid Game Season 2 are included in this article.

In the captivating second season of Squid Game, the character Cho Hyun-ju, portrayed by Park Sung-hoon, emerges as a standout figure. As a transgender woman, Hyun-ju enters the brutal competition not just for financial reasons, but to afford important gender-affirming care and to pursue a new beginning in Thailand, where she hopes to find acceptance. Her motivations highlight deeper societal issues of injustice and inequality that extend beyond the lethal games.

Characterized by bravery and complexity, Hyun-ju quickly becomes one of the most compelling newcomers in Season 2. A significant dynamic develops between her and Kim Young-mi (Kim Si-eun), a timid but kind-hearted contestant whom she supports throughout the harrowing challenges. Hyun-ju’s interactions are captivating, particularly during the introduction of a new game, the six-legged pentathlon, further underlining her importance in the narrative.

10 Hyun-ju Slaps Seon-nyeo

Season 2, Episode 5: “One More Game”

Hyun-ju holds up the spinning top in Squid Game season 2

During the tense six-legged pentathlon, Hyun-ju finds herself teamed with Seon-nyeo (Chae Kook-hee), who is struggling to complete the spinning top game. Overwhelmed by pressure, Seon-nyeo begins to panic and scream about their impending doom. In a pivotal moment, Hyun-ju regains the situation’s control by slapping Seon-nyeo twice, asserting that surrendering is not an option.

This tough love proves transformative as Seon-nyeo successfully wraps the rope around the top, allowing it to spin. While Seon-nyeo technically wins the game, the moment crystallizes Hyun-ju’s role as a leader—without her intervention, their team likely would have succumbed to chaos and lost. The intense close-up shots of Hyun-ju’s face during this scene accentuate her determination and commitment to her teammates.

9 Hyun-ju Teaches The Rebels How To Use Their Firearms

Season 2, Episode 7: “Friend or Foe”

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Prior to a rebellion that ultimately fails, Hyun-ju takes the initiative to instruct her fellow rebels in firearm handling. Given that many lack military experience, her previous service as a Special Forces sergeant makes her guidance not only valuable but critical for their survival against the guards.

Her dismissal from the military on account of her transgender identity adds layers to her character—she uses this knowledge for good, not to flaunt superiority, and in doing so, she challenges preconceived notions about transgender individuals. This aspect of her character development fosters a sense of camaraderie among the players.

8 Hyun-ju Gives Young-mi Courage Before The Six-Legged Race

Season 2, Episode 4: “Six Legs”

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As preparations for the six-legged race unfold, Hyun-ju notices Young-mi’s anxiety. Demonstrating compassion, Hyun-ju empowers Young-mi by acknowledging her fears while encouraging her self-belief. This encouragement is especially poignant considering that other players have shunned Young-mi due to preconceived biases against Hyun-ju being transgender.

Hyun-ju recognizes Young-mi’s potential even when she herself cannot see it. This act of empathy is partially motivated by a desire for personal safety—if Young-mi falters, it could jeopardize their team. Simultaneously, Hyun-ju’s own past of feeling like an outsider resonates, reinforcing a meaningful bond between them.

7 Hyun-ju Gives Young-mi A Life-Saving Ddakji Suggestion

Season 2, Episode 5: “One More Game”

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During the six-legged pentathlon, Young-mi finds herself anxious as she plays ddakji. When panic sets in, Hyun-ju provides a simple yet effective suggestion: to flip the orientation of the blue tile. Unlike her earlier confrontation with Seon-nyeo, Hyun-ju’s approach is gentle, allowing Young-mi to regain her focus and ultimately win the mini-game.

While Young-mi deserves recognition for this victory, Hyun-ju’s supportive advice is equally crucial. Had Young-mi not adjusted her strategy, time would have repeatedly slipped away. Notably, Hyun-ju reveals that her childhood experiences with ddakji informed her suggestion, speaking to the positive use of the past to confront current challenges.

6 Hyun-ju Helplessly Watches Young-mi Die

Season 2, Episode 6: “O X”

Hyun-ju watches horrified as Young-mi dies

Amidst several poignant deaths in Season 2, Young-mi’s demise stands as particularly tragic. During a critical stage of the Mingle game, Hyun-ju beckons Young-mi to join her in an empty room but is thwarted when Young-mi is pushed aside in the chaos and locked out before it reaches capacity. Tragically, 155 players perish in this round, leaving Hyun-ju to witness Young-mi’s last moments helplessly through the door.

This heart-wrenching experience is made even more significant by the earlier vote in which Hyun-ju opted to continue the games, while Young-mi wished to end them. Hyun-ju’s feelings of regret deepen as she reconciles her inability to fulfill her promise of protection. Park Sung-hoon’s performance in this scene vividly captures the myriad of emotions Hyun-ju experiences, amplifying the scene’s impact.

5 Hyun-ju Votes To Discontinue The Games After Young-mi’s Death

Season 2, Episode 6: “O X”

Hyun-ju votes to discontinue the games

In the aftermath of Young-mi’s heart-wrenching death, players once again face a decision to either continue or suspend the games. Previously feeling emboldened to play on, Hyun-ju’s recent loss leads her to change her stance and vote against continuing. This critical choice symbolizes a poignant tribute to Young-mi and reflects Hyun-ju’s character development.

Her switch in voting highlights not only her remorse but also an acknowledgment of the genuine connection shared with Young-mi. Despite her personal success within the games, Hyun-ju prioritizes the welfare of the remaining players, determined to prevent further tragedies like Young-mi’s from occurring.

4 Hyun-ju And Gi-hun Help A Wounded Player Reach The Finish Line In Red Light, Green Light

Season 2, Episode 3: “001”

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Hyun-ju makes a notable impact during the Red Light, Green Light game. When Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) notices Player 444 struggling due to injury, he bravely runs back to assist, and he’s soon joined by Hyun-ju, who extends her help to ensure that both players maintain their balance and avoid elimination.

Although Player 444 is shot while crossing the finish line, this moment marks a significant demonstration of Hyun-ju’s character, revealing her innate goodness and commitment to her fellow competitors. Her military background shines through as she adheres to the principle of not abandoning anyone in need, reinforcing the representation of altruism amidst the often brutal reality of the games.

3 Hyun-ju Chooses To Live In The Finale Instead Of Needlessly Sacrificing Herself

Season 2, Episode 7: “Friend or Foe”

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In a pivotal moment, Hyun-ju is compelled to retrieve much-needed ammunition after Kang Dae-ho (Kang Ha-neul) fails to return. As she secures the ammo, her instinct pushes her toward confronting the guards directly. Yet, with the guidance of Jang Geum-ja (Kang Ae-shim), who advises against this reckless choice, Hyun-ju ultimately opts for survival rather than sacrifice.

This decision illustrates the complexity of bravery; self-sacrifice is often glorified, yet in this instance, Hyun-ju’s choice to live is far more impactful and strategic. Recognizing the upcoming challenges in Season 3, she embraces life with a sense of purpose and solidarity, knowing she has allies who care for her.

2 Hyun-ju Reveals Her Emotional Backstory

Season 2, Episode 5: “One More Game”

Hyun-ju talks about moving to Thailand in Squid Game season 2

After Hyun-ju initially votes to continue the games, Geum-ja inquires about her motivations, prompting Hyun-ju to share her poignant backstory. She recounts the fallout from her transition, revealing how her family and friends withdrew their support and how she lost her military career.

This moment deepens the understanding of Hyun-ju’s character and helps forge closeness with Young-mi, Geum-ja, and others. Hearing her story evokes empathy while shining a light on the broader experiences of marginalized individuals. Hyun-ju’s vulnerability encourages her companions to understand her urgent desire to play one more game to secure her transition goals, including moving to Thailand.

1 Hyun-ju Wins The Six-Legged Race For Her Team

Season 2, Episode 5: “One More Game”

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In a climactic moment for the six-legged pentathlon, the final outcome rests on Hyun-ju’s shoulders, a fitting culmination of her journey throughout the competition. Taking on the critical task of playing jegichagi, she demonstrates remarkable skill by successfully kicking the jegi five consecutive times, securing victory for her team.

This victory resonates well beyond her immediate team, inspiring fellow contestants and providing a fleeting moment of joy amidst the darkness of their circumstances. The win underscores the strength of teamwork and resilience, binding Hyun-ju, Young-mi, Geum-ja, and Yong-sik as a formidable unit, even if future rounds might separate them. As rare moments of happiness in Squid Game often do, this victory allows characters and audiences alike to briefly escape the series’ overwhelming horrors.

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