Squid Game Season 2 Newcomer Apologizes for Offensive Parody Video: “I Experienced Regret & Self-Blame”

WARNING: The following article discusses sensitive topics related to sexual assault.

Park Sung-hoon Issues Apology Over Controversial Instagram Post

Park Sung-hoon, a star of the widely-acclaimed series Squid Game Season 2, has publicly apologized for sharing a provocative image from an adult parody of the hit Netflix show. Portraying the character Hyun-ju/Player 120, Park faced immediate backlash after posting the sexually explicit content to his Instagram account in December. Although he promptly deleted the image, the incident ignited considerable controversy and prompted a statement of disappointment from the series creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk.

Park’s Reflection on the Incident

In a recent interview with the Korea Economic Daily (cited via Koreaboo), Park expressed genuine regret regarding his actions. He highlighted his concern for the impact his mistake might have on the dedicated team behind the show:

I came here with a heavier and more nervous heart than ever before. I am truly sorry that I might have caused damage to the production made by the hard work of so many people, including the team, staff, and actors.

Park elaborated on how he came across the inappropriate image, stating that he received it via direct message. He had intended to share it with the production team but mistakenly uploaded it to his Instagram story instead:

I found a problematic photo in my DMs as I was rushing to go out around lunchtime. It was during the beginning of the show’s release, and I thought it could cause problems. While exchanging thoughts about the show’s reactions, I mistakenly posted it to my story.

He also clarified that he had not seen the original video from which the image was sourced, nor did he have a private account to which he could have intended to post:

I, of course, did not watch the video. I also do not have another account, so it wasn’t a mistake to try to upload it to a different account. I regretted my actions and blamed myself for the inconvenience my mistake caused. I will carry on with my acting career with a heavy heart and be more mindful of my words and actions to prevent similar incidents.

Implications for Squid Game Season 2

Beyond Park’s Controversy

Park Sung-hoon as Player 120 in Squid Game Season 2

The backlash from Park’s Instagram post is just one of several controversies surrounding Squid Game following the debut of its second season. Initial casting decisions raised eyebrows, particularly regarding the choice of a cisgender male actor to portray a transgender character, along with growing criticisms in Vietnam over perceived inaccurate portrayals of South Korea’s involvement in the Vietnam War.

Additionally, the explicit nature of the image shared by Park, alongside the disturbing elements of its source video—including simulated sexual assault—exacerbated the public’s outrage, especially given South Korean laws against pornography.

While Park’s apology may help contextualize his actions, it is uncertain whether it will mitigate the ongoing criticism. The situation has already impacted his career, leading him to withdraw from the upcoming K-drama The Tyrant’s Chef amid the controversy.

Future Prospects for Squid Game amidst Controversies

Netflix Remains Committed to the Franchise

Gi-hun and The Front Man in Squid Game season 2

Despite the challenges facing Squid Game Season 2, it appears unlikely that Park’s misjudgment or subsequent apology will disrupt Netflix’s ambitious plans for the franchise. The third season has already been confirmed and filmed back-to-back with the second, and there are indications that an American adaptation helmed by David Fincher is also in the works.

As fans process Park’s apology, it remains to be seen how these controversies will affect audience reception moving forward. Nonetheless, Netflix’s strategy to expand the Squid Game brand is poised to continue unabated.

Source: Korea Economic Daily (via Koreaboo)

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