7 Things to Know About Squid Game's HoYeon Jung

All anyone has been talking about recently is the newly released Korean thriller/drama Squid Game. With its Hunger Games-esque plot, mixed with incredible acting and action, the show has grabbed the attention of Netflix viewers all over the globe. The show is even close to becoming the most popular series on Netflix of all time.

But despite its riveting storyline, it seems that all anyone has been talking about is HoYeon Jung - the leading actress of the hit show. The newly debuted actress has become Twitter's unofficial 'girl of the month', with posts about her going viral constantly. People have been struck not just by her acting ability, but her unique facial features and tomboyish charm. She has even gained a whopping 10+ million followers on Instagram since the show's release. For all the K-Drama binge-watchers out there, you may be wondering: "who is she?! I've never seen her act before!". But despite her new found acting acclaim, Jung has been successful for years now. With all that being said, here are 7 things you may not have known about Squid Game's HoYeon Jung.

1. She started her modelling career at 16.

Jung was only 16 when she made her runway debut at Seoul Fashion Week. She found her way onto the runway herself, doing it all without an agent. It was only later that she signed on with modelling company ESteem Models, and has been successful ever since.

2. She appeared of Korea's Next Top Model

In 2013, Jung appeared on the fourth season of Korea's Next Top Model, where she was only 19 at the time. The model was already signed with ESteem Models, but did so to get more exposure for her modelling career. She came second in the series, and since then, has modelled for brands such as CHANEL, Marc Jacobs, Fendi, and more.

3. She is known for her red hair

For those who knew Jung before her appearance in Squid Game, you may have been shocked to see her without her statement fiery-red hair. For years, Jung has been known for her dyed red hair, and was even nicknamed 'The Flaming HoYeon Jung".

4. She has been in many music videos

Not only is Jung known for her modelling career, she is also well known for her appearances in several music videos. She made her first music video appearance in South Korean singer Lee-Hyori's 'Going Crazy', and even more recently appeared in Pharell's 'The CHANEL Pharell Collection' in 2019.

5. She is Louis Vuitton's newest Global Ambassador

After her success on Squid Game, Louis Vuitton announced at the beginning of this month that she will be its newest Global House Ambassador for fashion, watches and jewellery. In a press release for People Magazine, she said: "It is an honor to start my acting career with Louis Vuitton, the brand I have modeled for. I look forward to all the moments with Louis Vuitton as a global ambassador,".

6. She studied fashion at university

Not just a pretty face, before starting her modelling career, Jung studied fashion at Dongduk Women's University. The university, located in Seoul, South Korea, has a large list of notable alumni, including other famous South Korean actresses, models and Kpop stars.

7. She is the most-followed South Korean actress on Instagram

Since the release of Squid Game, Jung has gained more than 10 million followers on Instagram, and now sits at roughly 14 million followers. This is a huge jump from the 400,000 followers she had before her acting debut, and now, she is classified as the most-followed South Korean actress on Instagram. What an achievement!