Biography

Jung Ho-yeon

정호연 / Jung Ho-yeon

Jung Ho-yeon is a South Korean model and actress. Runner-up of Korea's Next Top Model season 4 and a Louis Vuitton global ambassador, she became a worldwide star with her acting debut as Kang Sae-byeok in Squid Game, winning a Screen Actors Guild Award for the role.

  • Model
  • Actress
  • HoYeon Jung
  • HoYeon

Profile

Jung Ho-yeon is a South Korean model and actress who spent a decade as one of Asia’s most in-demand runway models before her acting debut as Kang Sae-byeok in Netflix’s Squid Game made her a global star overnight. Her performance earned her a Screen Actors Guild Award, a first for a non-English-language series.

A Louis Vuitton global house ambassador since 2021, she balances high-fashion work with a growing screen career, including Alfonso Cuarón’s Disclaimer and her feature film debut in Na Hong-jin’s Hope.

Facts

  • She began freelance modeling in 2010 at age 16, walking Seoul Fashion Week without agency representation, and finished runner-up on Korea's Next Top Model season 4 in 2013. Wikipedia EN
  • She made her Paris Fashion Week debut in 2016 as a Louis Vuitton exclusive, and was named Louis Vuitton global house ambassador for fashion, watches and jewelry in October 2021. Wikipedia EN
  • Her SAG Award win for Squid Game (Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series, 2022) was part of the first acting wins ever for a non-English-language TV series at the SAG Awards. She was also Emmy-nominated for the role. Wikipedia EN
  • After Squid Game premiered she became the most-followed South Korean actress on Instagram, passing 20 million followers. Forbes

Works

Korea's Next Top Model (season 4) Herself
2013 / Reality show
Squid Game Kang Sae-byeok
2021 / Drama
Out of Time (The Weeknd) Lead
2022 / Music video
Cool with You (NewJeans) Lead
2023 / Music video
Chicken Nugget Hong Cha
2024 / Drama
Disclaimer Jisoo
2024 / Drama
Hope Sung-ae
2026 / Movie

Awards

Asia Model Awards Asia Star Award
2019 / Asia Model Festival
Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
2022 / SAG-AFTRA
Blue Dragon Series Awards Best New Actress
2022 / Sports Chosun
Critics' Choice Super Awards Best Actress in an Action Series
2022 / Critics Choice Association
Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism's Commendation
2024 / Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

FAQ

Who does Jung Ho-yeon play in Squid Game?
She plays Kang Sae-byeok (Player 067), a North Korean defector, in season 1 — her acting debut — with cameo appearances in seasons 2 and 3.
Is Jung Ho-yeon still modeling?
Yes. She remains a Louis Vuitton global house ambassador and continues campaign and editorial work alongside her acting career.
Which agencies represent Jung Ho-yeon?
BH Entertainment in South Korea (since January 2025) and Creative Artists Agency in the United States; for modeling, The Society Management and Elite Model Management.

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