Squid Game 2 faces backlash for casting male actors with controversial pasts

Squid Game 2 under fire as casting of male actors with troubling histories sparks widespread public criticism.

Actor Park Sung-hoon, known for his role in Netflix’s Squid Game 2, faced significant backlash after accidentally posting explicit content on his social media on December 30, 2024. According to Maeil Business News, the post, part of an adult video parody series, was quickly deleted. Park's agency, BH Entertainment, explained that the upload occurred unintentionally while he was managing direct messages. "It was a mistake made while the actor was checking DM (direct messages)," the agency stated.

Squid games & it's disgusting & disturbing men - A thread pic.twitter.com/eK2HUuijBb

— Ely is Ely (@Elyyisan) December 30, 2024

The incident prompted mixed reactions, with many expressing disappointment given Park’s portrayal of Hyun Joo, a transgender ex-special forces soldier, in the show. Critics questioned the professionalism of the casting process, with comments like, "The amount of problematic men in this show needs to be studied." Others called for accountability, saying, "They need to fire whoever is responsible for the male casting." However, some defended Park, attributing the error to human oversight and urging viewers to separate personal incidents from professional achievements.

The backlash against Squid Game 2 extends beyond Park. Several male cast members have faced controversies. Former K-pop star T.O.P was involved in a drug scandal in 2017, resulting in a suspended sentence. Lee Jung-jae has a history of DUIs and fraud allegations. Lee Jin-wook faced sexual assault accusations in 2016, though the charges were later dropped. Veteran actor Lee Byung-hun was accused of blackmail in 2009. Critics argue these histories raise questions about the vetting process for high-profile productions.

The seven-episode sequel premiered on December 26, 2024, on Netflix. While its gripping narrative continues to captivate audiences, the controversies have sparked a larger discussion about accountability and ethical standards in casting practices.