Unless you have been living under a rock, you've probably heard about the most-watched Netflix show ever: Squid Game. The series has sparked a viral fanbase for rising talent HoYeon Jung, who plays Kang Sae-byeok. Viewers quickly fell for the pickpocket with a blunt attitude and a hidden soft side. Here are five interesting facts you might not have known about the hugely popular model turned up-and-coming actor:

HoYeon Jung may be new to K Drama, but she’s a familiar face in the Korean and international fashion scene. At just 15, she started taking modelling classes. At 16, she began working as a freelance model, walking in shows at Seoul Fashion Week. In 2013, she appeared on Korea’s Next Top Model, and finished the season as runner-up. Since making her international runway debut in 2016 at Opening Ceremony’s Spring 2017 show during New York Fashion Week, she has walked runways for Chanel, Max Mara, Marc Jacobs, Fendi, and more. Most recently, the 27-year-old has become Louis Vuitton's Global House Ambassador for Fashion, Watches and Jewelry.

Squid Game was her acting debut, a career Jung decided to pursue because of the short lifespan of modelling careers. After just  three months' worth of acting lessons during her holidays, she was signed to Korean agency Saram Entertainment in 2020. Although her audition clip was actually recorded during New York Fashion Week, she was asked by director Hwang Dong-hyuk to audition again in person in South Korea, where she was given the part right away.

Ever since Squid Game, her followership on Instagram has grown massively. From having 400,000 followers when the series debuted, she now has nearly 24 million followers. According to an interview, Jung revealed how overwhelming it was to gain 800,000 followers in one day, “I lost 6 pounds in a week when Squid Game became successful. I couldn’t eat—it wasn’t stress, I just didn’t know this feeling. What’s going on out there, who am I? I was kind of losing myself.”

Jung and Jennie Kim became close friends when the two first met at Paris Fashion Week. Because Jennie’s stylist was a mutual friend of both talents, she introduced them. Since then, the duo would hang out back in Korea and have meals together. Jennie even had a coffee truck sent to the set of Squid Game to show support, earning her a mention in the end credits of the show. 

Just as glamorous off the runway, Jung is known for her impeccable taste in streetwear. She has been photographed at various fashion weeks showcasing her edgy looks. There’s not really much to say here, you can just see for yourself.