HoYeon Jung

HoYeon Jung: From Seoul's Runways to Global Stardom

Early Life and Education

HoYeon Jung (정호연) was born on June 23, 1994, in Myeonmok-dong, Seoul, South Korea. She has two sisters, and her parents are restaurateurs. Jung attended Hyewon Girls' High School, focusing on modeling, and later graduated from Dongduk Women's University College of Performing Arts, majoring in modeling. 

Modeling Career

Jung began her modeling career at the age of 16, working as a freelance model in 2010 and participating in Seoul Fashion Week shows for two years. In 2013, she competed in the fourth season of "Korea's Next Top Model," finishing as a runner-up. 

Her international breakthrough came in 2016 when she debuted at New York Fashion Week, walking for Opening Ceremony. Her distinctive red hair became her signature look. She subsequently walked for major brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Fendi, and was named a global ambassador for Louis Vuitton in 2021. 

Acting Debut and "Squid Game"

In January 2020, Jung signed with Saram Entertainment to pursue acting. She made her acting debut in 2021 as Kang Sae-byeok in Netflix's "Squid Game," portraying a North Korean defector. Her performance received critical acclaim, earning her the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series and a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. 

Subsequent Projects

Following "Squid Game," Jung appeared in The Weeknd's music video "Out of Time" in 2022 and in NewJeans' "Cool With You" music videos in 2023. In 2024, she made a cameo in the Netflix series "Chicken Nugget" and starred in Alfonso Cuarón's Apple TV+ series "Disclaimer." She is set to make her feature film debut in the A24 film "The Governesses" and has joined the cast of Na Hong-jin's upcoming film "Hope." 

Personal Life

Jung began dating actor Lee Dong-hwi in 2015. The couple announced their separation in November 2024 after nine years together. 

Public Image and Influence

Jung's portrayal in "Squid Game" led to a significant increase in her social media following, making her the most-followed South Korean actress on Instagram in 2021. She has been recognized in various accolades, including being listed in Forbes' "30 Under 30 Asia" and Business of Fashion's "BoF 500." 

HoYeon Jung continues to captivate audiences worldwide with her talent and versatility, solidifying her status as a global icon in both the fashion and entertainment industries.