By Jae-Ha Kim
KOCOWA
October 6, 2021
It’s official. “Squid Game” is a worldwide sensation. After reaching the number one spot on the U.S. Netflix Top 10 shortly after all nine episodes were simultaneously released in mid September, the cast members were featured in various photo shoots and interviews. But in one of their biggest U.S. gets, four of the stars will appear on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” on Wednesday, October 6.
Though the talk show hasn’t announced which four cast members will appear, netizens in Korea have already figured out that it’ll be Lee Jung Jae (who played Gi Hun), Park Hae Soo (Sang Woo), Jung Ho Yeon (Sae Byeok), and Wi Ha Joon (Jun Ho). This makes sense, since each of the four actors had impactful storylines that kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
You’re probably already familiar with the work of former models Jung Jae (“Deliver Us from Evil,” “Delayed Justice,” “Chief of Staff”) and Hae Soo (“Racket Boys,” “Prison Playbook,” “Time to Hunt”).
But Ho Yeon is a newcomer to acting and Ha Joon is best known for his co-starring roles. However, the success of “Squid Game” surely will catapult these rising stars into leading roles for their next projects.
Jung Ho Yeon / HoYeon Jung
Born: June 23, 1994 (27 years old)
Big break: Prior to “Squid Game,” Ho Yeon was best known as a model, who earned second place on Korea’s Next Top Model. She also appeared in music videos (Lee Hyori’s “Going Crazy,” Kim Yeon Woo’s “Move”). But until “Squid Game,” she had never acted in any films or series. I think it’s safe to say that she is a natural on screen!
Where you can see her on KOCOWA: Ho Yeon may be the latest in-demand It girl, but she is a loyal friend, as you can see in her appearance on “The Manager.” And unlike many women who are wary of eating on camera, she tucks into her meals with gusto. She even demonstrates how to eat like her favorite mukbanger.
Instagram: Her popularity has increased so much thanks to “Squid Game” that Ho Yeon is now the most followed Korean actress on Instagram, with 13.3 million followers (and, honestly, that number will probably have increased by the time this post is published). That record was previously held by “Weightlifting Fairy, Kim Bok-Joo” actress Lee Sung Kyung, who has 12.9 million followers.
Her name: Ho Yeon is one of the few Korean celebrities who writes her name like Westerners do, with her given name first. In Hangul, her name is 정호연.
Lee Dong Hwi: Ho Yeon has been in a long-term relationship with the 36-year-old actor. Ho Yeon has talked about how helpful and supportive he has been of her endeavors. You can see Dong Hwi’s work in “The Handmaiden,” “Reply 1988,” “Gunman in Joseon,” “Divorce Lawyer in Love,” and “SF8.”
Wi Ha Joon
Born: August 5, 1991 (30)
Before “Squid Game”: “Squid Game” is his star-making role, but he’s been acting since 2012, when he made his film debut in “Peace in Them.” Before fans fell in love with him as the police officer searching for his missing older brother, Ha Joon portrayed the suspicious younger brother in “Something in the Rain.” He was also the second lead competing against Lee Jong Suk in “Romance is a Bonus Book.”
His must-see work: “My Golden Life,” “Matrimonial Chaos,” “Romance is a Bonus Book,” “Something in the Rain,” and “The Chase.” And if you enjoy variety show appearances, be sure to check him out on “Showterview with Jessi,” where he more than holds his own! He’ll next be seen opposite Lee Dong Wook and Han Ji Eun in the K-drama, “Bad and Crazy,” which is slated to release in December.
He can sing!: For the soundtrack to 2018’s “Matrimonial Chaos,” he showed off his singing skills with the gorgeous ballad “Maybe It’s Too Late.” Try not to think about Ha Joon’s last moments on screen in “Squid Game” while listening to this song, because it will have you tearing up. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
