Hoyeon Jung may have reached global recognition overnight with the whirlwind success of Squid Game, a Korean dystopian survival drama, but she is no newbie to the world of fashion and entertainment. Her modeling career began almost 10 years ago through self-made success in Seol, South Korea, her hometown, but it took her to New York City for four years until being cast as Kang Sae-Byeok in Squid Game.
When the show was released in 2021, within a month her Instagram following boomed to millions of people, her name was streaming all over TikTok and she couldn't go anywhere without being recognized as her character.
Squid Game has become Netflix's most-streamed series in its history, which is no surprise, the show is horrifying but gripping and with phenomenal actors. Jung was the only breakout role, the entire cast was played by Korean Cinema legends and the director had this project underway for 10 years.
Before Squid Game, Jung experienced the high life of modeling as an ambitious tomboy from a humble family.
Jung's Humble Beginnings As A Model
Jung describes herself as always being a tomboy and despite her fame and modeling career, she prefers grungy and authentic restaurants. Possibly because her father has run a 24 hours diner for years. Before starting her career Jung recalls living in a house full of women with her mother and two sisters, Jung is the middle sister.
Her tomboyish style and personality never led her to model and fashion as a kid, but her height got attention from people on the street. She decided to challenge herself and went to castings on her own, working the industry as a self-made model in Seol.
Until she was 19 and landed a spot on Korea's Top Model, for which she placed second. That launched her career in the Korean fashion industry, but at 22 she took another leap to an American modeling agency, packing her bags and moving to New York. Aside from a location and job switch, she died her hair a vibrant ruby red, which became her trademark.
In those four years, her first time living away from home, she got the attention of designers like Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs and Chanel. Although those four years went by quickly, as fast as she began to get campaigns, the spark dwindled. She recalls a lonely time when she wasn't working, but taking classes and figuring out her next move.
That is when Squid Game creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, called.
Overnight Success With Squid Game
Director and writer Dong-hyuk had been searching for the female lead of Squid Game for three months, but he couldn't find her and the energy that he imagined for the character. Until receiving an email from Jung, a video clip that she self-recorded in her apartment reading for the character. In a whirlwind, Jung flew back to Seol and got the part in early 2020.
It was a jump to go from modeling to acting, but Jung embraced the challenge. She confides that in her career, she has always been insecure about what others think of her and jumping into a breakout project elevated that.
Her willingness to push through and reach her potential is what made the character successful, and contributed to the overall acclaim of the show. Now as award season approaches, Jung is racking in recognition along with her colleagues and team for their work.
Squid Game's success has gone global, streaming around the world it has gathered more than 142 million household views, it was one of the most popular Halloween costumes in 2021 and children are even picking up on the show's games.
After her breakthrough success, what is up next for Jung?
What Is Up Next For Jung
Before Squid Game Jung had hit a low, unsure of where she could go as brands were not interested in giving her modeling campaigns. Squid Game gave her back her mojo, her magical manifestation for her self-made career success and now the ball is in her court.
From being asked for autographs at customs when entering the U.S. to receiving her coffee with foam-art of her character on it, she can't go anywhere unrecognized. But the bright side of which will lead to more acting and modeling careers.
For now, she is enjoying the success, but surely this moment of peace will not last long as Jung is constantly on the look for her next move, project and pushing her ambition. She knows from experience that her time at the top could be short-lived, but she is okay with that as long as she always has opportunities to grow as a model and actor.
Surely, you can expect a new project from this veteran star after the awards season.
