Every Hoyeon Movie and TV Show to Watch Right Now

Hoyeon Jung transitioned from being a global fashion icon to a worldwide acting sensation almost overnight. While many fans first encountered her as the stoic Kang Sae-byeok in the Netflix phenomenon Squid Game, her career has since expanded into prestigious international television and highly anticipated feature films. This guide explores her complete filmography, including her early television appearances, her breakout streaming hits, and the upcoming cinematic projects that mark her rise as a major force in global entertainment.

The Global Phenomenon: Squid Game (2021)

The cornerstone of Hoyeon Jung's acting career remains the 2021 Netflix original series, Squid Game. This series did more than just break viewership records; it fundamentally changed the landscape of non-English language media on global streaming platforms.

Playing Kang Sae-byeok (Player 067)

In Squid Game, Hoyeon took on the role of Kang Sae-byeok, a North Korean defector who enters the deadly tournament to secure money for her younger brother and to help her mother escape the North. Her portrayal was characterized by a raw, guarded vulnerability. To prepare for the role, Hoyeon practiced the Hamgyŏng dialect with actual defectors and maintained a daily character diary to internalize the isolation felt by someone living on the fringes of society.

The character of Sae-byeok became the emotional heart of the first season. Her dynamic with Lee Jung-jae (Seong Gi-hun) and her tragic friendship with Ji-yeong (Lee Yoo-mi) provided a human contrast to the mechanical violence of the games. For this debut performance, Hoyeon made history by winning the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series, becoming one of the first Korean actresses to receive such high-level individual recognition from the Hollywood industry.

Rumors Surrounding Squid Game Seasons 2 and 3

Following the massive success of the first season, questions regarding her return in Squid Game Season 2 and Season 3 have persisted. While her character met a definitive end in the first season, industry reports and production notes suggest potential appearances in the form of flashbacks or guest roles. As the series expands its universe, the impact of Player 067 continues to loom large over the narrative, ensuring that her presence is felt even in the sequels.

Transitioning to Hollywood: Disclaimer (2024)

After the global acclaim of Squid Game, Hoyeon made a significant leap into English-language prestige television with the Apple TV+ psychological thriller Disclaimer. Directed by Academy Award winner Alfonso Cuarón, the series represents her first major venture into Western production.

The Role of Kim/Jisoo

In Disclaimer, Hoyeon plays the role of Kim (also referred to as Jisoo in some production notes), an ambitious and hardworking assistant to a prominent television documentary journalist, played by Cate Blanchett. Working under the direction of Cuarón, Hoyeon was tasked with navigating a complex, multi-layered narrative where secrets and shifting perspectives define the tension.

This role was crucial for her career as it demonstrated her ability to perform in English alongside heavyweights of the industry like Kevin Kline and Cate Blanchett. The production required a high level of technical precision, characteristic of Cuarón’s long-take cinematography style. Her participation in Disclaimer solidified her status not just as a viral star, but as a serious actress capable of handling sophisticated, dramatic material on a global stage.

Exploration of Korean Television and Cameos

While expanding her international reach, Hoyeon has remained connected to the South Korean television industry, appearing in experimental and high-profile projects.

Chicken Nugget (2024)

One of the more unique projects in her portfolio is the 2024 Netflix series Chicken Nugget (Dakgangjeong). Directed by Lee Byeong-heon, known for his sharp comedic timing in Extreme Job, this series is a surreal fantasy comedy. Hoyeon makes a special guest appearance as Hong Cha, a highly acclaimed food columnist and the former girlfriend of the character played by Ahn Jae-hong.

Her role in Chicken Nugget showcased a different side of her acting range—moving away from the grim survivalism of Squid Game into the realm of deadpan comedy. Although her screen time was relatively brief, her performance added a layer of comedic sophistication to the show’s eccentric premise.

Soundtrack #1 (2022)

Hoyeon also made a brief cameo appearance in the Disney+ music drama Soundtrack #1. Starring Han So-hee and Park Hyung-sik, the series focuses on the thin line between friendship and romance. Cameos like these serve as a nod to her immense popularity within the Korean entertainment industry, where her presence alone can generate significant buzz for a domestic release.

Upcoming Film Projects and Cinematic Debuts

The next phase of Hoyeon’s career is focused on the big screen. She has several high-profile films in various stages of production, ranging from sci-fi thrillers to period dramas.

Hope (2026)

One of the most anticipated projects in her lineup is the film Hope, directed by Na Hong-jin, the visionary behind The Wailing. This sci-fi thriller marks Na's return to the director's chair after a long hiatus and features an international cast including Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander.

In Hope, Hoyeon plays the character of Sung-ae. The film’s plot revolves around the inhabitants of a remote harbor town who make a mysterious discovery. The project is being developed with an international audience in mind, and Hoyeon’s role is central to the mystery unfolding within the town. This project is expected to be a major cinematic milestone, further bridging the gap between Korean auteur cinema and Hollywood.

The Governesses

Hoyeon is set to star in The Governesses, directed by Joe Talbot and produced by A24, a studio known for its artistic and critically acclaimed independent films. Based on the novel by Anne Serre, the film follows three governesses who upend the household they work in.

Hoyeon stars alongside Lily-Rose Depp and Renate Reinsve. This project is particularly significant as it places her within the "Indie Hollywood" circuit, working with a director known for his distinct visual style (The Last Black Man in San Francisco). It signals her interest in diverse, avant-garde storytelling rather than just mainstream blockbusters.

The Hole

Adding to her growing list of international thrillers is The Hole. In this project, she is cast alongside Theo James. Directed by Kim Jee-woon, a master of South Korean genre cinema, the film is an adaptation of a novel and explores themes of isolation and psychological trauma. Hoyeon plays the role of Sandy, a character caught in the web of a husband’s mysterious accident and the subsequent consequences.

Other Future Projects: Deli Love and Watermelon Farmer

Industry databases like IMDb and MyDramaList also associate Hoyeon with projects titled Deli Love and Watermelon Farmer. While details on these projects remain sparse, they indicate a highly active production schedule for 2025 and 2026. Deli Love is rumored to be a romantic drama, while Watermelon Farmer is expected to be a domestic Korean production, showing her commitment to maintaining her roots in the Korean film industry while pursuing global fame.

Reality Television and Variety Appearances

Before she was a household name for her acting, Hoyeon was a prominent figure in the fashion world, and her early television career reflects this.

Korea's Next Top Model (2013)

The show that first brought her into the public eye in South Korea was Season 4 of Korea's Next Top Model. As a contestant, she was known for her "fiery" red hair and her fierce competitive spirit. She ultimately placed as a runner-up. This reality show experience was her first taste of the television industry, teaching her how to navigate the cameras and build a public persona—skills that would later prove invaluable during the global press tours for Squid Game.

Variety Show Guest Spots

Since her rise to stardom, Hoyeon has appeared on several iconic South Korean variety shows. These appearances offer a glimpse into her professional personality outside of her scripted roles.

• Yoo Quiz on the Block: In her guest appearance, she discussed the sudden shift in her life following the success of Squid Game and her transition from the runway to the screen.
• The Manager (Omniscient Interfering View): This show provided a behind-the-scenes look at her life as a global ambassador for brands like Louis Vuitton, documenting the intense pace of her international career.
• The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: Her appearance on American late-night television was a landmark moment, signaling her arrival as a mainstream celebrity in the United States.

Music Videos as Short Films

In the modern entertainment era, music videos often serve as a platform for actors to showcase their range in a condensed, visual format. Hoyeon has starred in several high-budget music videos that are often cited by fans as essential parts of her "watch list."

The Weeknd: "Out of Time" (2022)

Hoyeon starred alongside Jim Carrey in the music video for The Weeknd's hit "Out of Time." The video features her in a karaoke-themed romance with Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd). Her performance here was praised for its charm and natural screen presence, proving she could hold her own in a stylized, cinematic music video production.

NewJeans: "Cool With You" (2023)

In a collaboration that bridged the worlds of K-pop and prestige acting, Hoyeon starred in the music videos for NewJeans' "Cool With You" (Side A and Side B). Playing a modern interpretation of Cupid (or Eros), she delivered a silent, emotive performance that many critics compared to a short film. The music video, directed by Shin Woo-seok, utilized the streets of Barcelona as a backdrop, and Hoyeon’s portrayal of a divine being longing for human connection was a highlight of the year in pop culture.

Summary of Hoyeon’s Filmography

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What was Hoyeon Jung's first acting role?

Hoyeon Jung’s professional acting debut was in the 2021 Netflix series Squid Game. Before this, she was primarily known as a high-fashion model. She auditioned for the role of Kang Sae-byeok while she was in New York for Fashion Week, sending in a self-tape that immediately impressed director Hwang Dong-hyuk.

Will Hoyeon be in Squid Game Season 2?

As of late 2024, there is no official confirmation that Hoyeon will return as a main cast member in Season 2, given the death of her character in the first season. However, there are strong rumors of her appearing in flashbacks or as a different character/twin, which is a common trope in intense dramas. Some industry databases list her as a "guest role" for upcoming episodes.

Does Hoyeon Jung speak English in her movies?

Yes. In the Apple TV+ series Disclaimer, she performs primarily in English. She has been vocal about the challenges of acting in a second language and has dedicated significant time to language training to expand her opportunities in Hollywood.

Is Hoyeon Jung still modeling while acting?

While acting is her primary focus now, she remains a top-tier model. She continues to serve as a Global House Ambassador for Louis Vuitton and frequently appears in major fashion campaigns, such as those for Adidas and Chanel. She successfully balances her time between film sets and high-profile fashion events.

Where can I watch her latest show, Disclaimer?

Disclaimer is available exclusively on Apple TV+. It premiered in late 2024 and consists of seven episodes.

Conclusion

Hoyeon Jung’s filmography is a testament to a rapid but calculated rise in the entertainment industry. By choosing projects with visionary directors like Hwang Dong-hyuk, Alfonso Cuarón, and Na Hong-jin, she has avoided the pitfalls of being a "one-hit wonder." From the gritty survivalism of Squid Game to the high-society mystery of The Governesses, she continues to select roles that challenge her range and push the boundaries of her craft. As her upcoming movies move from production to the big screen, her influence on both Korean and international cinema is set to grow even further.