Exclusive: Jung Hoyeon on life after Squid Game, K-drama's global appeal, Hope

Jung Hoyeon could have taken a very different route after Squid Game. The Netflix series became a global phenomenon, turning the actor, who played Kang Sae-byeok, into an internationally recognised face. After Squid Game, she appeared in Alfonso Cuarón’s Disclaimer, starring Cate Blanchett. She is now part of Na Hong-jin’s upcoming film Hope, which brings together some of South Korea’s established names. Set in a remote port town where a mysterious discovery triggers an extraordinary crisis, the film presents Hoyeon with another opportunity to explore unfamiliar territory as an actor.In an exclusive conversation with India Today, Hoyeon reflects on finding joy on the sets of Hope, navigating the expectations that accompany global recognition, and how the changing landscape of Korean cinema has opened up possibilities for a new generation of actresses. Excerpts:Q. Is stepping outside your comfort zone a conscious decision? I think I’ve always hoped to be part of projects where I’m surrounded by highly experienced people. That’s why, right after Squid Game — even though the role itself was small — when the opportunity arose to work with director Alfonso Cuarón and Cate Blanchett, I didn’t hesitate at all to audition. Similarly, for my current project, Hope, one of the main reasons I decided to join was the chance to work alongside some true veterans of the Korean industry.Q. Na Hong-jin is known for pushing his actors to give their best. What was your experience of working with him on Hope? For me, the biggest joy of working with director Na was that he gave me so much encouragement, sometimes without any particular reason. He kept pushing me so hard, but at the same time, he gave me a lot of encouragement. He kept saying, “You can do this, you’ve got this,” and gave me a lot of positive words.I think working on Hope was quite the first time that I felt more joy than anxiety or anxious energy. It was my first time feeling happiness while working. Experiencing the joy of working as an actor was something new for me.A still from the movie Hope.Q. With that scale comes considerable pressure. How did you navigate those expectations?If I try too hard to focus on what being part of a film like this means, it makes me so nervous. When I went to the World Cup final to present the award, I was so nervous before going on stage because I was thinking about the significance of it. It was huge.But rather than just focusing on what it means, I try to focus on the techniques and the little things I have to do. It’s about how many steps you’re going to take to enter the stage, what the order of opening the box is, the rhythm and those kinds of technical things. If you focus on that, I think it gives you more confidence and you’re not as distracted. That’s what I do. When it comes to Hope, I didn’t personally think about what the film’s significance was while I was making it. I was more focused on what I had to do on set, being a more helpful person on set and trying to be more collaborative.Q. The film’s poster places you prominently at the centre. How do you look at that representation, particularly in Korean cinema?I remember a journalist asking why they hadn’t seen that many Korean female action stars in movies, but I was like, “I don’t think so.” There was Jeon Do-yeon, who played a badass in films. I think the last one I remember is Kill Boksoon on Netflix. There are many actresses in Korean cinema who have been breaking this stereotype for years now.A still of Jung Hoyeon from Squid Game. Credit: NetflixQ. Do you think your generation of actors has been able to take more risks because of the women who came before you?I personally think that people of my generation are very lucky because of the older generation, who tried to break the boundaries. I guess it was way harder before than it is now. My generation is so lucky to find opportunities more easily than they did. So, I don’t think my generation has had as much struggle as the older generation of actresses. In Korea, a lot of my friends who are actresses in my generation are doing diverse roles. They are not limiting themselves to just action or any particular genre. I think that's why the global audience is also reacting to K-dramas because of this.Q. Has Squid Game changed how you approach scripts or how you think about a global audience?I think so, yes. Before Squid Game, I didn’t have this much recognition, of course. Now, I have this much recognition, and I feel a sense of responsibility when choosing projects. But I’ve also decided not to get too distracted by thinking about too many things. Now, I’m at a point in my life where I can be a little freer and try to focus more on what moves my heart.I think making films and series is about your taste. Even though some people might not agree with it, there will be people who do, and they will react to my choices. I couldn’t make everybody in this world happy. So, I’ve decided to just go with my gut.Hope releases in India on October 23, 2026.- Ends