"Squid Game" Star Jung Ho Yeon Makes History With Vogue Cover

Jung Ho Yeon is making history.

This time, by gracing the cover of Vogue.

She’s no stranger to appearing in magazines as a fashion model, of course.

Actually, her role of Kang Sae Byeok (Player 067) in Netflix‘s Korean thriller Squid Game was her first acting role.

Jung Ho Yeon in “Squid Game.” | *Netflix*

She’s graced countless magazines. Still, this is the first time she’s been on the cover of the fashion magazine American Vogue.

From #SquidGame to Supernova! Overnight success isn’t new, but model-turned-actor Hoyeon Jung's vertiginous climb feels entirely of the moment. Vogue’s February issue steps inside the whirlwind with the heart-on-her-sleeve megastar.

Read the full profile: https://t.co/CD59bKyTvE pic.twitter.com/yNc6pVs0Yv

— Vogue Magazine (@voguemagazine) January 5, 2022

In fact, this is the first time in its 130-year history that the magazine has had a solo feature of not just a Korean woman but an East Asian woman period.

Jung Ho Yeon in a Stella McCartney bodysuit and Alexander McQueen earrings and choker (left). Acne Studios jacket, Givenchy skirt, and Loewe shoe (right). | *Vogue*

Jung Ho Yeon in a Stella McCartney bodysuit and Alexander McQueen earrings and choker. | *Vogue*

Previously, in March 2017, Chinese model Liu Wen became the first Asian to grace the cover of American Vogue but was included in a group of women, such as Gigi Hadid, Ashley Graham, and Kendall Jenner. Yet, this cover drew backlash as some considered it to be an “ill-conceived attempt at showcasing diversity.”

Now, finally, Jung Ho Yeon is on the cover for Vogue USA‘s February 2022 issue. Let’s hope that this means that this year will be better.

When Hoyeon Jung landed in America for the first time in nearly a year, she noticed that something in the air had changed. A kind of charge seemed to hover around the South Korean model turned actor, once known for her incandescent red hair, now famed for her role as a brooding North Korean defector in the Netflix hit Squid Game. She stepped briskly through the LAX terminal to the immigration desk where a delighted officer promptly asked for her autograph.

— Vogue USA

Jung Ho Yeon in a Miu Miu dress. | *Vogue*

With Jung Ho Yeon’s feature, Vogue showcased her duality.

Jung Ho Yeon in a Prada dress and Loewe shoes. | *Vogue*

With whatever she wore, she radiated true queen energy.

Jung Ho Yeon in a Junya Watanabe dress. | *Vogue*

Of all the many outfits Jung wore for the photoshoot, the Louis Vuitton dress and cape for the cover were truly phenomenal.

Jung Ho Yeon in a Louis Vuitton cape and dress with embroidered sequins and Alexander McQueen earrings. | *Vogue*

If you wish for actress Jung Ho Yeon’s next starring role, Vogue is feeding us well. The magazine released a two-minute video of Jung, and it’s shot just like an old spy thriller film. Through it, we learn more about the “International Woman of Mystery,” as Vogue refers to her.

Even before her success in Squid Game, Vogue was a fan of Jung as she’s been a star in the fashion world for years now. So, over five years ago, she was featured in the magazine’s “Beauty Secrets” YouTube series. Since Squid Game premiered, the channel updated the video’s title to include the hit show.