Park Sung-hoon, who rose to international prominence for his portrayal of Cho Hyun-jun (Player 120) in the global sensation Squid Game, has officially confirmed his next television project. The announcement comes after a turbulent period earlier this year, when Park lost a leading role due to controversy, but now signals a fresh chapter in his career with the romantic comedy Efficient Dating for Singles.
From Controversy to Comeback
Earlier in 2025, Park was set to star in the anticipated K-drama The Tyrant’s Chef. However, he exited the project following public backlash over an explicit parody image he posted online during a national mourning period for the late South Korean president Moon Jae-in. The incident led to Park and his agency issuing public apologies, and the production team decided to recast his role.
The New Project: Efficient Dating for Singles
Park’s next series, Efficient Dating for Singles, is based on a popular webtoon and marks his return to the romantic comedy genre. He will play Song Tae-seob, a woodworking studio owner with aspirations of finding love and starting a family. The cast also includes Han Ji-min, Jung Hye-sung, Kim So-hye, and Lee Ki-taek.
Key Details:
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Genre: Romantic comedy
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Role: Song Tae-seob, a “good guy” character
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Co-stars: Han Ji-min, Jung Hye-sung, Kim So-hye, Lee Ki-taek
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Premise: Explores the intersection of practicality and genuine connection in modern dating
Impact of Squid Game on Park’s Career
Park’s role as Hyun-jun in Squid Game was groundbreaking, as he played a transgender woman competing in the deadly game in the hope of funding her gender-affirmation surgery. The character was praised for its depth and multidimensionality, with Park reflecting on the importance of moving beyond stereotypical portrayals of LGBTQ+ characters in Korean media. He described the role as a “challenging role” and expressed hope that it would open doors for more nuanced representation on screen.
“We had a lot of flat, one-dimensional stereotypical transgender characters in Korean cinema and on Korean TV shows. So I’m so excited that we have this character. I think Hyun-ju is going to open up doors for more multi-dimensional LGBTQ+ characters going forward.”
What to Expect from Park’s New Role
Park noted that, after a string of villainous roles, Efficient Dating for Singles will allow him to showcase a different side of himself. His new character, Tae-seob, is described as tough on the outside but gentle on the inside—traits that reflect Park’s ability to portray multi-dimensional characters, much like his role as Hyun-jun in Squid Game. The series promises to blend humor with emotional depth, offering viewers a fresh take on the complexities of love and relationships in contemporary society.
