Squid Game's HoYeon Jung isn't just an incredible actor, but a fashion model too, as evidenced by these iconic runway moments
Squid Game's HoYeon Jung has become the most-followed Korean actress on Instagram thanks to the huge success of the nine-part Netflix series, but you might actually recognise her from the fashion week runways, too.
In her breakout acting role as Kang Sae-byeok, she had us all rooting for Player 067 with all her grit, talk-back and fearlessness (not to mention those piercing eyes) - and it turns out, HoYeon is just as fierce through a fashion lens.
Let's rewind. Before auditioning for Squid Game, the 27 year-old was already one of Korea's most successful models, having walked for the likes of Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Fendi and more.
You'll be hooked.
She even appeared on Korea's Next Top Model in 2013, placing second behind Shin Hyun-ji, who also went on to have a successful modelling career.
The rising star previously told W Korea that her move from fashion to acting had come quickly - and pretty unexpectedly. "Last January, I moved to my current acting agency, and at that time I thought that they would train me to a certain extent before putting me to work," she said.
We're as excited as we are terrified.
“However, by February, a group chat including our CEO was created, and he gave me the Squid Game script and told me to film and send in an audition video. I was in New York for New York Fashion Week at the time!”
After she won the role, she revealed that she did let self-doubt affect her at first. “When my CEO told me I’d been casted, the first thing I said was, ‘Why?’,” she said. “I was so happy when I heard the news, but it was like a greater fear had taken over me. [I was like] ‘Thank you very much, but I can do this?’”
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Squid Game fans all over the world will be mighty glad she persevered. And no doubt this is only the beginning for this model-turned-actress, though it doesn't look like she's ready to hang up her catwalk heels just yet - since she's just been announced as a new ambassador at French fashion house Louis Vuitton. Swanky.
Let's look back at her epic catwalk moments over the years, shall we?
Peter WhiteGiambattista Valli S/S 2018
HoYeon was known for her red hair during her early days as a model - though something tells us she's set become our 2021 hair icon for her Squid Game crop. Here she is looking lovely in lace on the Giambattista Valli runway.
Peter WhiteFendi Haute Couture A/W 2018
She rocked a retro look in a slick beehive for Fendi's sparkling show, complete with ultra-statement black eyeliner.
Peter WhiteChanel Haute Couture A/W 2018
She's a Chanel girl, too! HoYeon sported Karl Lagerfeld's 2018 take on the tweed skirt suit (which featured zipped details that opened to the thigh, in case you're interested) for this Haute Couture show.
Peter WhiteChanel Ready To Wear S/S 2018
But for the Spring show, she was prepping for April showers in this two-piece complete with rain hat and cape. Surprisingly chic, non?
Peter WhiteJean-Paul Gaultier Haute Couture S/S 2018
HoYeon has nailed the Top Model smize, that's for sure. She was making Tyra proud with her power strut on the Jean-Paul Gaultier runway.
Peter WhiteChanel Haute Couture S/S 2018
Back in Chanel tweed, the actor-to-be looked cool-yet-classic in her netted headpiece.
Peter WhiteChanel ready-to-wear A/W 2018
It was ‘Into The Woods’ with Chanel for the A/W '18 show, which saw HoYeon in - you guessed it - another chic tweed look.
Peter WhiteTory Burch ready-to-wear A/W 2018
In the spring of 2018, HoYeon walked for the Tory Burch A/W 2018 ready-to-wear collection. She wore a gorgeous preppy look with mustard accents – perfect for autumn.
Peter WhiteJeremy Scott ready-to-wear A/W 2018
With a bright orange bob, some graphic liner and a nude base – Squid Game's HoYeon Jung looked fierce as she walked for Jeremy Scott's ready-to-wear collection in 2018.
Peter WhiteZimmermann ready-to-wear S/S 2020
In autumn 2019, the Squid Game actor walked for Australian brand Zimmermann. Showcasing their stunning SS20 collection, she modelled a shirt dress in pastel blue hues, with blue heels and a nude makeup look.
Peter WhiteLouis Vuitton S/S 2017
For Louis Vuitton's spring/summer collection, the actor looked gorgeous with a fiery hair-do and a black leather dress with matching boots.
Peter WhiteTory Burch S/S 2018
She wore a soft and floaty dress for the Tory Burch SS18 collection. In a mustard silk, she looked confident and poised as she walked the runway.
Peter WhiteLouis Vuitton A/W 2018
Another look for Louis Vuitton, but this time for their AW18 collection, she wore a midi skirt with an oversized winter coat – the perfect autumn look.
Peter WhiteSchiaparelli Haute Couture S/S 2018
In a gorgeous pink gown, HoYeon wore her red tresses framing her face as she confidently walked for Schiaparelli's SS18 Haute Couture collection.
Slaven VlasicMarc Jacobs S/S 2018
Wearing an iridescent coat and a turban for Marc Jacobs' SS18 runway, the Squid Game star kept her composure as she showcased the spring garments.
Peter White
Peter WhiteBrandon Maxwell S/S 2020
Colourblocking served her well for Brandon Maxwell's SS20 runway. Wearing mustard and peach, she donned fiery red locks once more.
Peter WhiteRedemption Haute Couture A/W 2019
For Redemption Haute Couture autumn/winter 2019, she wore a gold and blue gown that trailed behind her, paired with gold grecian-style heels.
Peter WhiteLanvin A/W 2018
For the Lanvin AW18 runway, HoYeon wore a sheer floor-length dress. With her hair pinned up, a minimal makeup look, and no jewellery, she showed off the gown beautifully.
Peter WhitePrabal Gurung S/S 2018
For the Prabal Gurung SS 2018 collection, she wore her fiery locks slicked back and into a messy bun. With a nude makeup look and a purple gown, she wore minimal jewellery but showed off the ornate pearl earrings.
