From 400k to 11.9 Million: The Global Impact of the Actress’s Role as Kang Sae-byeok
The global success of Netflix’s Squid Game has not only boosted the popularity of the show, but also significantly raised the profiles of its cast members. Jung Ho Yeon, who portrayed the North Korean defector Kang Sae-byeok, saw her Instagram following explode from 400,000 to 9 million in just two weeks following the show’s premiere. As of October 3, her followers have reached a staggering 11.9 million.
Before her breakthrough role in Squid Game, Jung was already known in the fashion world. She had earned a spot as a runner-up in the fourth season of Korea’s Next Top Model in 2013 and made her global runway debut in 2016 as an exclusive model for Louis Vuitton. Now, her fame has skyrocketed, with her social media following reflecting her newfound global stardom.
In addition to Jung’s success, fellow Squid Game stars Park Hae Soo and Lee Jung Jae have also joined Instagram, further engaging with their growing international fanbase.
