Meet HoYeon Jung’s Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Jung

HoYeon Jung, the South Korean model and actress who captivated audiences worldwide as Kang Sae-byeok in Squid Game, has become a symbol of talent and perseverance.

While her journey from Seoul’s fashion scene to international stardom is well-documented, the quiet strength behind her success lies in her family, particularly her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jung. Though they maintain a low profile, their unwavering support and dedication as hardworking restaurateurs played a crucial role in shaping HoYeon’s remarkable path.

Born on June 23, 1994, in Myeonmok-dong, a modest neighbourhood in Seoul, HoYeon grew up as the second of three daughters in a close-knit household. Her parents ran a family business, Oori Nara, a 24-hour roadside diner serving traditional Korean dishes like bone-broth stews and rice meals. Their work ethic and resilience became the foundation of their children’s upbringing. While their full names remain private, their roles as restaurateurs offer insight into the grounded and industrious environment that shaped HoYeon’s character.

Mr. Jung, the driving force behind Oori Nara, exemplifies perseverance, managing the diner around the clock to stabilise his family. HoYeon has credited him as a source of inspiration, revealing that watching his tireless dedication instilled a deep appreciation for hard work in her. Mrs. Jung, the heart of the household, nurtured their children’s ambitions with emotional support and encouragement, ensuring they had the confidence to pursue their dreams.

HoYeon’s journey into modelling began in her teenage years when her striking features and towering height set her apart. At 15, she was interested in the fashion industry, and her parents immediately supported her ambitions. Mr. Jung made a pivotal decision by purchasing a ticket for her to attend the MBC Academy in Seoul, where she developed the skills to launch her career. This investment proved worthwhile when HoYeon started freelancing at Seoul Fashion Week in 2010, fearlessly walking runways without an agency—an early sign of her determination.

Mrs. Jung’s support was just as vital, though more subtle. As the family’s emotional anchor, she provided encouragement during the uncertainties of a competitive industry. HoYeon has reflected on her mother’s faith in her abilities, recalling that she continued to believe in her even during moments of self-doubt. She took bold risks with their support, from competing on Korea’s Next Top Model, where she finished as runner-up in 2013, to later transitioning into acting.

HoYeon’s rise to global fame saw her go from local runways to becoming an international sensation, with milestones like representing Louis Vuitton as a global ambassador and earning critical acclaim for Squid Game. Through it all, her parents remained steadfast in their support.

When she decided to pivot from modelling to acting in 2020 by joining Saram Entertainment, they trusted her instincts despite the uncertainty of such a drastic career shift. Their belief in her was rewarded when she landed the role that defined her career, earning accolades such as the Screen Actors Guild Award.