@hoooooyeony
South-Korean model and actress HoYeon Jung skyrocketed to fame for her debut in Netflix’s survival K-drama series “Squid Game.” Long before she would appear on-screen, HoYeon graced the runways for several designers. It’s safe to say that her modeling career and success as a breakout actor have made her a household name.
If you’re itching to know more about the talented South-Korean beauty, here’s 10 interesting facts about HoYeon Jung:
Her “Squid Game” Debut Gave Her a Lot of Anxiety
Netflix’s “Squid Game” was HoYeon’s first acting gig.The process of auditioning for the role happened pretty fast for her. HoYeon plays Kang Sae-Byeok also known as Player #067, a North Korean defector and skilled pickpocket who joins the game to win the money in hopes of reuniting with her brother and mother.
Less than a month after signing with her agency, Jung was asked to send in an audition tape and immediately fly to Korea to audition in person. HoYeon was candid about how the role of Sae-Byeok stirred up feelings of anxiety. Once she accepted the role, she felt like she “had gotten herself into trouble and felt a rush of pressure and fear.”
In an interview with Herald POP, HoYeon recalls opening up to the director about her feelings. She said, “I think I wanted to feel certain about why he chose me. Then the director said to me, ‘I picked you because you’re already perfect as Sae-Byeok.’ That one phrase made me think that even if I’m not that great at acting, it would be problematic if I’m not able to do what I normally can do because of my nervousness and uneasiness, and I was able to overcome it.”
Hoyeon Is the First Korean to Appear on Vogue
HoYeon is no stranger to the fashion industry, however, her successful acting debut launched exciting opportunities for the South-Korean model. In February 2022, she appeared on the cover of American Vogue as the first Korean to appear solo on the magazine.
In the Vogue article by Monica Kim, HoYeon discusses her rise and fall and rise again. She recalls her success as an up and coming model in the fashion world, the isolation she felt when gigs became scarce and her overnight fame brought on by the success of “Squid Game.”
Top Model Alumni
Another fact that people may not know about Jung is that she began modeling when she was 16 years old. In 2013, HoYeon appeared on season four of Korea’s Next Top Model. She was eliminated by episode two and brought back by episode five. She would eventually finish the competition as a runner up. Her success on the show opened her up to a world of opportunities. She was appearing in magazines and walking for big labels like Louis Vuitton and Opening Ceremony after the show.
Instagram Sensation
The model turned actress became an overnight sensation and her Instagram followers reflect that. “Squid Game” had 111 million viewers in its first month and many rushed to follow the breakout star on her social media. Prior to the release of the show, HoYeon had about 410,000 Instagram followers. That number shot up to 18 million instantaneously and made her the most followed South Korean actress on Instagram. Jung currently has about 23.7 million followers on her Instagram.
Besties In High Places
BLACKPINK’s Jennie Kim and HoYeon are really good friends. Jung met the K-pop singer at Paris Fashion Week and they instantly clicked. In a Teen Vogue article, HoYeon revealed that the two were introduced to each other through Jennie’s stylist who knew the both of them. She mentioned that Jennie was “fully supportive” of her new acting career and believes that she is “a true angel.” Jennie showed her support for her bestie by sending a food truck to the set of “Squid Game.” We love women supporting women.
Her Beau Is Also An Actor
Not much is known about HoYeon’s dating history but it was revealed that she’s been in a relationship with South Korean actor Dong-hwi Lee since 2016. Lee is famous for the TV show “Reply.” HoYeon mentioned that Lee is “very proud of the success of ‘Squid Game.’” She added, “Since he’s also an actor, he’s a good senior, a good friend and a good person. He cheers me on a lot, and he worries for me as well. He’s sort of like a dad.”
Louis Vuitton’s Newest Global Ambassador
HoYeon goes way back with French luxury brand Louis Vuitton. She made her Paris Fashion Week debut as an exclusive in Louis Vuitton’s 2017 spring ready-to-wear show. In 2021, she was named Louis Vuitton’s newest Global House Ambassador for fashion, watches and jewelry. The announcement came after her impressive on-screen debut. HoYeon shared her excitement and said, “It is an honor to start my acting career with Louis Vuitton, the brand I have modeled for. I look forward to all the moments with Louis Vuitton as a global ambassador.”
Acting Accolades
If her overnight success wasn’t enough praise for her acting debut, HoYeon won a SAG Award for outstanding performance by a female actor in a drama series. Her co-star Lee Jung-jae also won the award for outstanding performance by a male actor in a drama series. In a teary-eyed acceptance speech, Jung mentioned how she always dreamed of becoming an actress. With a translator at her side, HoYeon said, “I have sat many times watching you on the big screen dreaming of one day becoming an actor. I just want to say thank you so much.” She also gave a special shout-out to her “Squid Game” crew.
Cameo In The Weeknd’s “Out of Time” Music Video
The “Squid Game” starlet has a cameo in The Weeknd’s music video for his single “Out of Time” from his album Dawn FM. It is HoYeon’s first on-screen appearance since the Netflix series. The “Out of Time” music video takes inspiration from Sofia Coppola’s film “Lost in Translation.” Abel and HoYeon meet in an elevator and hit the karaoke bar. The rest of the video we see them running around and singing with a small amp and microphones. Her appearance in the video makes the song just that much better once you’ve watched the music video.
Further Acting Endeavors
Opportunities appear to keep pouring in for the successful HoYeon Jung. It was announced in April 2022 that she landed a role in an upcoming Hollywood film “The Governesses” directed by Joe Talbot which is based on a 2018 novel of the same name by Anne Serre. The film will be produced by A24 and BBC Film and filming will take place in Spain. Jung will star alongside Lily-Rose Depp and Renate Reinsve to play one of the lead roles.
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