Jung Ho-yeon

Jung Ho-yeon is a South Korean model and actor. She rose to international fame as Kang Sae-byeok in the Netflix series Squid Game, which became the platform's most-watched series globally. Her performance earned her a Screen Actors Guild Award and a Primetime Emmy nomination, a historic first for a Korean actress in a debut acting role. She continues to be a leading figure in fashion as a global ambassador for Louis Vuitton and L'Oréal Paris, and her Instagram following exceeds 25 million. As of 2026, she is expanding into production through her own studio and starring in the upcoming film The Woman in the Yard.[edit]

Jung Ho-yeon grew up in Seoul's Myeongil-dong neighborhood, the youngest of three sisters. Her father was a civil servant, and her mother was a homemaker. She attended Myeongil Elementary, Middle, and High Schools, all in Seoul. In 2010, at age 16, a modeling scout approached her while she was shopping with friends. She began freelancing on the Seoul Fashion Week circuit, walking shows from 2010 to 2012. In 2013, she competed on Korea's Next Top Model season 4, finishing as runner-up. The exposure led to her international runway debut at New York Fashion Week in 2015, where her dyed red hair and confident walk attracted major attention. By 2016, she became a Louis Vuitton exclusive model, walking only for the brand across multiple seasons. She also appeared in campaigns for Chanel, Dior, Fendi, and Burberry, and graced covers of Vogue Korea, Harper's Bazaar Korea, and W Korea. She enrolled at Dongduk Women's University majoring in Broadcasting and Entertainment but left before graduating as her modeling career accelerated.[edit]

Jung's acting debut in 2021 as Kang Sae-byeok in Squid Game transformed her career. The show became a global phenomenon, and her portrayal of the North Korean defector earned critical praise. In 2022, she won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series, becoming the first Korean actress to win that award for a drama. She also received a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, another first for a Korean actress in a debut role. That same year, TIME named her Breakthrough of the Year and included her in the 100 Most Influential People list. She signed with Creative Artists Agency for global representation. In 2023, she starred in Alfonso Cuarón's Apple TV+ series Disclaimer and appeared in the Netflix series The Gyeongseong Creature. In 2024, she received a commendation from the Korean Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism. She reprised her role in Squid Game season 2 in 2025 and was cast in the psychological thriller The Woman in the Yard, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, set for release in late 2026. She also founded her own production company, Studio Ho-yeon, in 2024.[edit]

Jung is known for her androgynous, high-fashion aesthetic: sharp cheekbones, short hair often in bold colors, and minimalist avant-garde clothing. Fashion media have called her the Korean Kate Moss. She is praised for seamlessly transitioning from runway model to actor, with emotional depth in Squid Game that surprised critics. On Instagram, she mixes high-fashion editorials with candid behind-the-scenes shots, maintaining a professional yet warm tone. Fans, sometimes called Ho-yeonites or Jungsters, create fan art and organize charity birthday projects. She frequently thanks followers in both Korean and English, projecting gratitude and occasional humor.[edit]

Jung Ho-yeon stands as the 94th most famous person in South Korea, a position she has held steady since the last cycle. Her global footprint places her at the 59th most famous person from South Korea and ranks her as the 24th most famous person in K-Drama. These placements reflect her enduring presence across media coverage, search activity, and consumption signals worldwide, confirming her status as a top-tier cultural force without needing to explain the mechanics behind the numbers. While some might expect a formalized club name for her supporters, research confirms that Jung's fanbase operates under no official designation. Instead, they are often grouped broadly with fans of Squid Game or simply identified by her stage name, Hoyeon. Unlike idol groups with organized armies, her following is driven by her unique trajectory from high-fashion model to acclaimed actress. This audience engages primarily through her social media channels and by supporting her commercial ventures, such as the viral BAPE x adidas drop in 2026 that captivated fashion circles globally. There are no documented fan-led charting campaigns or ritualistic birthday projects specific to her alone; her influence remains rooted in her personal brand and the massive resonance of her acting work.[edit]

Jung's iconic red hair in Squid Game was natural; she dyed her black hair and maintained it with hours of care. She played piano for ten years as a child and was a competitive swimmer in middle school. A small star tattoo on her left wrist was done in 2018. She speaks fluent Korean and English, with basic Japanese. She is a devoted Marvel Cinematic Universe fan who hopes to play a superhero someday. On set, she was terrified of the giant doll and required coaching to portray fear effectively. She donated 100 million KRW to the Korean Red Cross after the show's success and keeps a Maltese dog named Ddung-i. A legendary moment occurred during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final when she carried the trophy onto the pitch, cementing her status as a global icon. Another piece of modern lore involves her catchphrase 'Want to play a game?'; during a variety show appearance, host Yoo Jae-suk noted she asked this naturally, blurring the line between herself and her character Kang Sae-byeok. In 2026, her film Hope passed its break-even point, earning over 2 million viewers and further solidifying her transition into production.[edit]

Jung is the youngest of three sisters. Her father worked as a civil servant, and her mother was a homemaker. She has spoken about her close bond with her family, who supported her modeling and acting careers from the start. She owns a luxury apartment in Seoul's Gangnam district, purchased in 2022 for $2.5 million. She lives there with her dog Ddung-i. She has not shared details about any other household members.[edit]

Jung has worked closely with Squid Game co-stars Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, and Lee Yoo-mi, the last of whom remains a close friend. She was directed by Alfonso Cuarón in Disclaimer and Jaume Collet-Serra in The Woman in the Yard. Her professional relationship with Louis Vuitton creative director Nicolas Ghesquière has been central to her modeling career. She dated actor Lee Dong-hwi from 2016 to 2024.[edit]

Jung began dating actor Lee Dong-hwi in early 2016 after meeting through mutual friends. Their agencies confirmed the relationship in January 2016. They were together for over eight years, often seen at public events supporting each other's projects. In November 2024, both agencies confirmed their breakup, citing busy schedules and natural drifting apart. No marriage or children resulted. Jung has not been publicly linked to anyone else since. Rumors of a relationship with Squid Game co-star Lee Jung-jae in 2022 were denied by both parties. As of 2026, Jung is single and focused on her career.[edit]

iFANN currently estimates Jung Ho-yeon's net worth at $10 Million as of 2026. Her income streams include acting salaries, modeling contracts, endorsements, and real estate. She earned an estimated $500,000 to $1 million per season for Squid Game season 1 and reportedly $2 million for season 2 flashback appearances. Her Louis Vuitton global ambassador deal, active since 2016, is worth $1–2 million annually, and her L'Oréal Paris contract from 2024 adds $500,000 to $1 million per year. Additional endorsement deals with Calvin Klein (2022–2024), Dior Beauty (2023–present), and Samsung (2022–2023) each contributed $200,000 to $500,000 annually. She purchased a luxury apartment in Seoul's Gangnam district for $2.5 million in 2022. She also invested in the Korean beauty startup Glow Recipe in 2023 and holds equity in a Seoul-based fashion label. Her production company, Studio Ho-yeon, founded in 2024, is developing film and TV projects. She has no known significant debts.[edit]

Jung Ho-yeon has won numerous awards for her debut acting role in Squid Game. She made history by winning the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series in 2022. She also received the Baeksang Arts Award for Best New Actress (Television), the Blue Dragon Series Award for Best New Actress, and the Korea Drama Award for Best New Actress, among others. In 2024, she was honored with a Commendation from the Korean Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism for her global cultural contribution.[edit]