By now, almost everyone has seen the newest Korean Netflix series 'Squid Game,' which has skyrocketed to global fame since its premiere on September 17.
It recently became the first Korean series to rank No.1 in the U.S. most-watched list and has secured one of the top two spots in more than 70 other countries on the streaming platform.
The K-drama thriller has also given birth to several memes in the Philippines featuring celebrities who many say look like the characters of 'Squid Game.'
And speaking of the characters in 'Squid Game,' did you know that the actress who portrayed player No. 067 or Kang Sae Byeok is actually a model?
That's right. Before her acting debut in 'Squid Game,' actress Jung Ho-yeon was actually a globe-trotting model, who's graced the covers of magazines and walked the runways of famous fashion houses.
Get to know more about 'Squid Game' actress Jung Ho-yeon in the gallery below.
Many know 'Squid Game' actress Jung Ho-yeon as player No. 067 or Kang Sae Byeok, a North Korean determined to win the game in order to win the prize of 45.6 billion Korean won and be reunited with her family in South Korea. But there are so much more interesting facts about her. Continue browsing to find out more.
Jung Ho-yeon was born on June 23, 1994, in Seoul, South Korea and that makes her a deeply emotional, intuitive, and nurturing Cancer.
Before her 'Squid Game' fame, Jung Ho-yeon made waves as a print and runway model. She started her modeling career at a young age of 16.
In 2013, Jung Ho-yeon finished second place in the fourth season of 'Korea's Next Top Model.'
Jung Ho-yeon made her international catwalk debut in 2016. She was reportedly selected by Louis Vuitton creative director Nicolas Ghesquière as an exclusive model for their Fall/Winter 2017 show.
Before being known for her role as player No. 067 on 'Squid Game,' Jung Ho-yeon was known in the modeling scene for her signature red hair.
Believe it or not, 'Squid Game' is actually Jung Ho-yeon's acting debut. She landed the role in the K-drama thriller only after a month of joining a new acting agency, Saram Entertainment in Korea in early 2020. Girls' Generation's Choi Soo Young and It's Okay Not to Be Okay's Park Gyu Young are also said to be part of the same agency.
Jung Ho-yeon has graced the cover of magazines like Vogue Korea, Vogue Japan, Harper's Bazaar Korea, and CR Fashion Book.
Jung Ho-yeon has walked the runway for shows of designers such as Prabal Gurung, Jeremy Scott, Tory Burch and Roberto Cavalli.
Jung Ho-yeon was ranked as one of the “Top 50” fashion models by models.com.
Jung Ho-yeon has reportedly been dating 'Reply 1988' actor Lee Dong-hwi since 2016.
Jung Ho-yeon is said to be close friends with BLACKPINK's Jennie, and the two were even pictured together hanging out on the set of 'Squid Game.' Plus, Jung Ho-yeon has worn items from NIEEH, which is a fashion brand rumored to be co-owned by Jennie.
Because of the series 'Squid Game,' Jung Ho-yeon became the most-followed Korean actress on Instagram, from 400k followers in September of 2021 to more than 22 million as of this writing in November 2022.
In an interview, Jung Ho-yeon revealed that she wanted to do more and experience different things- that's why she entered the entertainment industry and pursued an acting career.
The 28-year-old Korean actress once revealed that she wants to try bungee jumping and that she'd like to eat exotic food someday.
Korean actress Jung Ho-yeon was recently introduced as the newest ambassador of a Filipino health and wellness company.
Jung Ho-yeon's first-ever fan meeting happened in the Philippines!