HoYeon Jung

Acting is something I had been thinking about all the time, though not seriously.

Working on 'Squid Game' was so fun and worth it.

I learned more English because I wanted to actually learn acting.

In my modeling days, I never faced situations where I had to really think about others, or my family and friends. I didn't have a sense of responsibility; it was more about my well-being and goals.

Working just in Korea, I was more focused on being recognized and how others viewed me, but it was the years I spent overseas that led me to wonder, 'What things do I like?'

Even though I was based in New York, I would travel all over the world, meeting so many different types of people, and that's really when my understanding of diversity deepened.

The time that I spent overseas working as a model, all of those experiences influenced my personality and personal taste.

First of all, I find everything very astonishing. The astonishment that things can change so much over such a short span of time. And I also feel grateful that so many people worldwide love Sae-byeok as much as I love her.

Whenever I was alone while modeling overseas, I would always think about who I was and what it meant to be a human being and I personally think this is what eventually triggered my desire to act, and brought me to sign with my acting agency.

I didn't think I grafted the competitive and strong-willed versions of myself from 'Korea's Next Top Model' to Sae-byeok's character. But thinking of it now, maybe I still have those aspects within me, which helped me understand the role.

The most powerful lesson I learnt was to have faith in humanity.

Korea achieved economic development in a short span of time, which is why competition can be more intense here than in other countries.

My life so far tells me the best way to prepare for the future is prioritizing my current work. If I work hard to complete the current work, it paves the way for my next job.

Some say a model's tenure is relatively short compared with other careers. But I disagree. Models of all age groups are needed, so I think modeling can be a lifelong career.

I had worked as a runway model for six years in Korea before I flew to New York.

I couldn't follow the speed of the growth of the 'Squid Game' success because since COVID, I think everything is faster and even online, it happens just so quick. It was hard to follow.

The last scene with Sae-byeok, I was nervous. But I had to do it.

Now, I feel very comfortable with the 'Squid Game' team, so I can slowly get used to this success with people. But when I was at home by myself watching this growth, I was like, 'What?'

I am cautious about becoming lazy.

I told my colorist, 'I think a little redder than usual,' since there were still three weeks before Fashion Week. It turned out super red. But really, it suits me so well!

Taking care of yourself inside and outside is what's key.

When my skin is irritated, I'll use an aloe mask pack for its soothing effects.

Drinking two liters of water a day, washing your face only with water when it's morning, don't touch your face often with your hands, and make sure to wear sunscreen!

I think Korean beauty seems to be more focused on skincare than makeup!

I try not to give my skin a strong stimulation and I try to protect the fluids and oils that come from my body as much as possible!

During Fashion Week, my skin becomes sensitive, so I always put on a sheet mask before I go to bed.

I applied for 'Korea's Next Top Model 2' when I was a freelance model, but I dropped out right after making it to the top 30. It left a resentment in my heart.

I may waver a lot, but I'll work really hard and keep going.

I didn't know that Americans don't like to watch movies with subtitles.

When I was acting for the first time in 'Squid Game,' I listened to a lot of music. I listened to a lot of music by Sanulrim, Yoo Jae-Ha and Kwang-seok. In particular, I listened to the song 'Reminiscence' by Sanulrim a bunch. Listening to that song assisted me emotionally.

The world doesn't revolve around English.

I try not to dwell too much on the success of 'Squid Game.'

I tried many ways to become the real Sae-byeok.

All that I have and will experience, even in the most minuscule way, will influence my acting.

In a way, I think Sae-byeok lived her life to the fullest, so her desperate need to win was different from the others, and she didn't necessarily have to earn the cash prize.

To tell you the truth, people might think going from a model to a North Korean defector would've been difficult in appearance. For me, the focus was not on the external but internal side of things, to fully understand Sae-byeok's life.

I'm not a huge fan of horror movies, but I like a few within the genre.

In a way, Instagram is a space where I edit and show what I want to show. But at some point, I thought, 'Am I really this person?' People like my shiny look, but to me, I'm a much different person than her.

I had a hair colorist that I knew, so I went to her and had my hair colored, and fortunately, this helped me achieve a very successful modeling career. But, it's very difficult to maintain red hair.

Squid Game' came at a moment where I was really thinking seriously about my acting career, so I wanted to put this into action finally.

I was modeling overseas but, during the holiday seasons, summer and winter, I came back to Korea for some time and I took acting lessons for about a month at a time.

I used to hear people say that models have very short careers, which I don't really agree with... I think that even when you grow old, you can still continue modeling if you have that willingness.

As time went on, I felt that Sae-Byeok and I were becoming closer. I found joy in our synergy. The time I spent playing her was worth every second.

Squid Game' is a story about human nature that most people can already relate to, yet everything is communicated through easy-to-follow childhood games.

When I'd travel by myself on airplanes and stay at hotels, I spent most of my days just watching movies.

I want to improve every day and maintain a steady pace without ever losing my resolve to work hard.

I relieved my loneliness with movies and books, and I had a strong desire to express what I felt through acting.

In 2016, I left Korea to further my modelling career overseas, and I spent a lot of time alone. At the time, the emotion that I felt the most was loneliness.

To be honest, I think music is such an important part of life, not just for acting.

I want to meet my fans for a long time, as a real actor.