Sometimes, reality outdoes fiction—and the release of Squid Game’s second season proves it again, reminding us that real life can be far crueler than anything on TV.
If you, like us, have already binged the new season, you probably agree that the standout character of the season is, without question, Hyun-ju, aka Player 120—a transgender woman and former special forces soldier who enters the game to win money for her gender-affirming surgery.
But here’s what many viewers don’t know: Player 120’s story is inspired by a real person—Byun Hui-su, South Korea’s first known transgender soldier, whose life ended in heartbreak and tragedy.
Byun Hui-su: The Real-Life Hero Behind Player 120 in Squid Game
Byun Hui-su was a tank driver in the South Korean army who quickly rose to the rank of staff sergeant thanks to her dedication and exceptional skills.
What should have been the start of a promising career took a devastating turn when, in early 2020, she was discharged from the military despite her exemplary record. The reason? Byun had undergone gender-affirming surgery a year earlier.
Determined to fight for her right to serve, Byun appealed her dismissal, but her efforts were met with rejection. The final decision, made later that year, left her shattered. Serving her country as a soldier had been her greatest purpose in life, and the loss of that dream plunged her into a deep depression.
In March 2021, at just 23 years old, Byun Hui-su was found dead in her home. Employees from the Sangdanggu National Mental Health Center had reported concerns after being unable to reach her for several days.
Byun’s death made international headlines, sparking outrage and conversations about transgender rights in South Korea and beyond. Shortly after her passing, a South Korean court ruled that her military discharge had been unlawful. However, it wasn’t until 2024 that the Central Committee of the Ministry of Defense formally recognized Byun’s death as occurring in the line of duty.
This landmark decision paved the way for Byun’s remains to potentially be laid to rest in a national cemetery—a final honor that Byun had always dreamed of.
The story of Byun Hui-su is one of courage, resilience, and the painful cost of systemic injustice. While Player 120 in Squid Game captivates audiences with her determination and bravery, the real-life hero behind the character reminds us of the ongoing fight for dignity and recognition faced by transgender individuals worldwide.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a difficult time in the United States, please remember that help is available. There are organizations dedicated to providing immediate support in moments of crisis:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988): Available 24/7 nationwide to provide assistance for emotional distress.
- Crisis Text Line: Text “HELLO” to 741741 for support via text messaging.
- Veterans Crisis Line (988, then press 1): A specialized support line for veterans.
