Who Is HoYeon Jung? Facts About the Squid Game Actress

She Is the Most-Followed South Korean Actress on Instagram

Before Squid Game premiered, HoYeon had around 400,000 followers on Instagram, according to SocialBlade. Now, with the show's success, she has over 14 million followers, which is a pretty major change over such a short time. In fact, she's now the most-followed South Korean actress, according to NME.

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She's New to the Acting Game

Despite seeming like a veteran actress based on her portrayal of Kang Sae-byeok, it turns out that Squid Game is HoYeon's first acting gig. In fact, she was incredibly shocked and nervous when she found out Netflix had cast her in the role. She told W Korea that a "fear had taken over" and she wondered if she could pull off acting.

HoYeon was able to channel some of her modelling experience into her role on Squid Game, since she experienced a lot of loneliness while modelling overseas, and she felt her character could relate to that loneliness. HoYeon told W Korea about her similarities to Sae-Byeok, saying, "Feelings of loneliness while trying to live and persevere isn't all that different."

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She's an Expert at Street Style

HoYeon is just as glamorous off the runway as she is on it. She's known for her impeccable taste in streetwear, and makes the whole "model off-duty" thing look like a total breeze. We'll definitely be looking to her for style inspiration.

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She Was a Runner-Up in Korea's Next Top model

Back in 2013, HoYeon participated in Korea's Next Top Model and finished the competition as a runner-up. Since entering the modelling world, she's walked in shows for Chanel, Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton, and more.

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She's a Graduate of Dongduk Women's University

HoYeon graduated from Dongduk Women's University in Seoul. The university has multiple departments and majors, and HoYeon majored in modelling, which certainly looks like it's paid off!

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She's Good Friends With Jennie From Blackpink

Aside from her Squid Game co-=stars, HoYeon has some recognisable friends you might already know. The model/actress is close with Jennie from the K-pop group Blackpink, and Jennie even visited HoYeon while she was filming Squid Game.

"Jennie was happy for me ever since I told her I was cast in Squid Game," HoYeon said in an interview, as translated by Soompi. "She sent me a coffee truck, and she actively cheered me on by even uploading to her social media."

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