If you’ve watched Netflix’s revenge masterpiece The Glory, you probably spent a good chunk of it wanting to reach through your screen and slap Jeon Jae Jun. Hard. He was loud, he was crude, and he was undeniably violent. But there’s a reason why, even in 2026, we’re still talking about Park Sung Hoon’s performance as the color-blind villain who basically redefined what a "rich bully" looks like in K-Dramas.
Most people see Jae Jun as just a two-dimensional brute. Honestly? That’s missing the point of why the character worked so well.
Why Park Sung Hoon in The Glory Was a Game Changer
Before The Glory, Park Sung Hoon was already a veteran of the stage, often called a "theater idol" in Korea. But playing Jeon Jae Jun required something different. It wasn't just about being a bad guy; it was about portraying a specific kind of unchecked privilege that feels visceral. You’ve seen the "chaebol" villain a million times, but Jae Jun felt dangerous because he was so impulsive.
One of the most surprising things about his portrayal was the way he balanced pure evil with these weirdly human, almost pathetic moments. Think about his obsession with his biological daughter, Ye-sol. He wasn't doing it out of some grand redemption arc. He did it because he viewed her as a piece of property he owned—a legacy. It was a selfish kind of love, which is way more realistic for a character like that than a sudden change of heart.
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The Style Behind the Sin
You probably noticed his hair. Park Sung Hoon actually pushed for that specific long, slightly unkempt hairstyle to make Jae Jun look "rougher" and more weighty. He didn't want the polished, slicked-back look of a typical CEO. He wanted to look like someone who could—and would—get into a fistfight in a school hallway at any moment.
He also did an insane amount of costume fittings. Every outfit was designed to scream "I have more money than you, and I don't care if you know I'm a terrible person." It worked.
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The "Villain" Curse and Breaking Out
After the show blew up, Park Sung Hoon admitted in interviews that playing Jae Jun was draining. The character’s constant screaming and high-octane arrogance took a toll. Interestingly, the public's reaction wasn't just pure hate. People found him "entertainingly trashy." He became the subject of countless memes, mostly because of his explosive temper and his hilarious inability to distinguish colors, which he treated like a deep, dark secret.
But then came the transition. In 2024 and 2025, we saw him take a massive risk. He went from the hyper-masculine, aggressive bully in The Glory to playing Cho Hyun-ju in Squid Game Seasons 2 and 3.
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From The Glory to Squid Game: The Ultimate Flip
If you haven't caught up, his role in Squid Game was a complete 180. He played a transgender ex-special forces soldier. It was a move that sparked a lot of conversation—some of it controversial regarding the casting of a cisgender man in a trans role—but critics largely praised his sensitivity.
- The Contrast: Jae Jun was all about external noise; Hyun-ju was about internal quiet and resilience.
- The Preparation: He actually met with members of the transgender community to ensure he wasn't just playing a caricature.
- The Result: It proved that Park Sung Hoon isn't just "the guy who plays villains." He's a chameleon.
What Really Happened with That Ending?
Let's talk about the fate of Jeon Jae Jun. In the world of The Glory, every villain got a poetic ending, but Jae Jun’s was particularly dark. Getting pushed into a pit of wet cement while blind? That’s some old-school noir justice right there.
Some fans felt it was too sudden, but looking back, it was the only way it could end. His eyes—the thing he was most insecure about—were what eventually led to his downfall. It wasn't Moon Dong-eun who pushed him; it was Ha Do-yeong, the man who represented the "refined" power Jae Jun always lacked.
Beyond the Bully: What's Next?
If you're looking to see more of him that isn't just him being a menace, you should check out Efficient Dating for Singles (2026). He's finally playing a "good guy"—a woodworking studio owner who just wants to find love. It’s a far cry from the luxury store owner who used to assault people in fitting rooms.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Aspiring Actors:
- Watch the nuance: Next time you re-watch The Glory, pay attention to his eyes during the scenes with Ye-sol. He portrays a man who is literally incapable of empathy but is trying to mimic it.
- Explore his range: If you only know him as Jae Jun, watch Memorials (Into the Ring). He plays a rule-abiding civil servant and the chemistry is actually great.
- Appreciate the stage roots: His "theater idol" background is why his vocal projection in The Glory was so much more intense than his co-stars. It’s a masterclass in using your voice as a weapon.
Park Sung Hoon managed to take a character that could have been a cliché and turned him into one of the most memorable figures in modern television. He didn't make us like Jae Jun—he made us obsessed with watching him fail.