From runner-up on Korea’s Next Top Model to the horror of Squid Game on Netflix, Jung HoYeon is quickly becoming the ‘supermodel of the modern era’. In Spring/Summer 2023 runways, Jung has once again returned to her roots by opening the Louis Vuitton show.
Born in 1994 in Seoul, South Korea, Jung HoYeon has quickly rose to stardom as both a model and actress since her runway debut in the mid-2000’s.
Her brooding role as Kang Sae-byeok on Squid Game produced by Netflix in 2021 rocketed her into international fame almost overnight. While she might be new to the acting scene, Jung is an old-timer when it comes to modelling.
After being the 2011 runner-up on Korea’s Next Top Model with her flaming red hair, Jung has walked for every major fashion house you could think of. If walking for Chanel, Miu Miu, Emilio Pucci, Bottega Veneta and Burberry (plus at least 15 more!) wasn’t enough, Jung has been Louis Vuitton’s Global House brand ambassador since 2021. Her 2016 debut to the runway was actually at Vuitton’s Spring 2016 show as the executive model.
Appearing again as the opener to Vuitton’s show this Spring/Summer Season in Paris, Jung has stunned us with a monochrome look as she strutted down the runway.
While Jung has been a self-described ‘tomboy’ since early childhood, her height at 5’9” and her ambition to take on a challenge is what pushed her into fashion and modelling.
As Nicolas Ghesquière’s (director of Louis Vuitton) long-time muse, Jung is now an icon among the runways of Paris every year. As Ghesquière told Vogue “We were drawn to her energy, her professionalism, and, of course her personality. Hoyeon was so very special. She was super generous and friendly. We all fell in love with her.”
Her Instagram followers, now at a whopping 22.7 million, get to see a glimpse into the fashion-filled fantasy that is Jung’s life. Showcasing both her portfolio of runway, campaign work and of course, acting promos, Jung has become an impressive force in the creative industries.
The best part of her Instagram? The small profile pic of Ariel from The Little Mermaid that pays homage to where it all started, with her fire-engine hair on Korea’s Next Top Model. Check it out on her Instagram @hoooooyeony!
Subscribe to FIB’s Weekly Breaking News Report for your weekly dose of music, fashion and pop culture news!