Actor Park Sung-hoon who played Hyun-joo in "Squid Game" Season 2. Courtesy of Netflix

Actor Park Sung-hoon, 39, who played the transgender character Hyun-ju in "Squid Game" Season 2, has apologized after facing backlash for sharing an explicit parody image related to the drama.

The incident occurred on Dec. 30, four days after the show's release, when Park uploaded an image from a Japanese adult film parodying "Squid Game" to his Instagram Story before quickly deleting it.

During a press interview at a cafe in Jongno, Seoul, Wednesday, Park said, "I'd like to briefly explain what happened that day," detailing the process that led to the controversial post.

Park said, "I came across the image in a DM (direct message) on Instagram while preparing to head out for a scheduled activity arond lunchtime. It was just a few days after the 'Squid Game' Season 2's release, and I was in the middle of exchanging audience reactions with the team."

He continued, "I was shocked by the image and thought it could cause issues. While attempting to forward it for review, something must have gone wrong. I still don't fully understand how it happened, but when I looked back later, I realized it had been posted on my Story. I deeply regret the error."

Upon discovering the image, he immediately contacted the person in charge to discuss the seriousness of the issue, he said. The image was promptly deleted, and he clarified that he never watched the video.

"Some have suggested that I might have intended to upload it to a secondary account, but I don't even own a secondary account — I only use the one I currently have," he said.

Park became emotional as he acknowledged the impact of his mistake during a time when both the drama and his character were receiving significant attention. "I feel deeply sorry for my team and everyone affected," he said, tearing up.

Actor Park Sung-hoon as Hyun-ju in the second season of "Squid Game" / Courtesy of Netflix

Park reiterated his remorse, saying, "Although it was my mistake, I firmly acknowledge it as a wrongdoing. Over the past few days, I've reflected deeply, blaming and regretting my actions."

He pledged to be more cautious in the future, "I am fully aware of the seriousness of this matter and will ensure that such an incident does not occur again."

Director Hwang Dong-hyuk also addressed the controversy on Jan. 2, saying he had not yet spoken to Park about the incident. "I also want to know why he made such a mistake," Hwang said.

Hwang said that similar adult content had surfaced overseas during Season 1. "It's frustrating because these things originate abroad, and we can't prevent them. It's upsetting and completely distorts the meaning of the work," Hwang said.

Park's character Hyun-ju in the second series of "Squid Game" is a transgender woman and former special forces soldier who joins the game to raise money for gender confirmation surgery. The role has been one of the most striking and talked-about characters in the series.

Hyun-joo (played by Park Sung-hoon) from "Squid Game" Season 2 is portrayed as a righteous and selfless character. Courtesy of Netflix

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.