After her Emmy-nominated performance in Netflix’s Squid Game, HoYeon Jung has earned herself plenty of new fans around the world. Naturally, with all of this attention comes lots of curiosity about her life beyond the screen—and, of course, that includes questions about her love life. As of November 2024, it appears that HoYeon Jung is currently single following her recent split from long-time boyfriend Lee Dong-hwi. The breakup was confirmed by both of their respective agencies, with Jung’s agency, People Entertainment, telling Maeil Business Star Today, “Jung Ho-yeon broke up with Lee Dong-hwi,” adding that the two have “decided to remain good colleagues.” Lee’s agency, Company On, similarly acknowledged the split with a brief statement: “It is true that Lee Dong-hwi and Jung Ho-yeon recently broke up.”
Before we dive into her romantic life, let’s talk about Jung herself. She first caught the attention of fans on Korea’s Next Top Model, but it was her role as the tough-as-nails North Korean defector Kang Sae-byeok on Netflix’s Squid Game that turned her into a global phenomenon. Since then, she’s been everywhere—from winning a historic SAG Award, to landing major roles like on Apple TV+’s Disclaimer. Jung’s modeling career began when she participated in the fourth season of Korea’s Next Top Model in 2013, where she finished as the first runner-up. She then worked as a freelance model for several years, walking runways for major brands and appearing in editorials for Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle. Her striking visuals and unique look caught the eye of casting directors, eventually leading to her acting debut in Squid Game—a role that required her to master a North Korean dialect and perform intense physical scenes. The series became Netflix’s most-watched show ever, catapulting Jung to international stardom. She made history as the first Korean actress to win a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series, and she also received an Emmy nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Who is HoYeon Jung’s boyfriend?
The couple, who began dating in 2015 and went public with their relationship in 2016, maintained a notably private yet genuinely supportive partnership throughout their time together. Lee Dong-hwi is a well-respected actor in South Korea, known for his roles in popular dramas such as Reply 1988, The Legend of the Blue Sea, and Prison Playbook. He also gained recognition for his work in variety shows like Knowing Bros and The Great Birth. Despite the age difference—Lee is born in 1985, while Jung was born in 1994—the couple seemed to share a deep bond. Their relationship felt particularly special to fans because of how they championed each other’s successes. When Jung skyrocketed to international fame with her role as Kang Sae-byeok in Netflix’s Squid Game, Lee couldn’t help but beam with pride. Even in recent months, Lee spoke about Jung with obvious affection. During an episode of Kwak Jun-bin’s World Taxi Restaurant 2 in August 2024, he reportedly told a taxi driver, “Do you know Squid Game? Sae-byeok is my girlfriend and my best friend.”
The couple’s sweet moments extended beyond just public declarations of their relationship status. During an appearance on Yoo Jae-suk’s YouTube talk show, Jung shared a heartwarming story about getting David Beckham’s autograph for Lee at an Adidas event. As reported by Her World, Jung recalled, “I sent it to him, and it was a big deal among him and his friends. He said he was so proud.” Such anecdotes painted a picture of a couple who supported each other’s careers and celebrated each other’s achievements, making the news of their breakup all the more surprising to fans.
Neither star has personally commented on the reason for their split, but their agencies have confirmed it was an amicable decision. The breakup appears to have been mutual and without any drama. Both have since focused on their individual careers, with the entertainment industry respecting their privacy during this transition.
Where Are They Now?
Both stars are now focusing on their flourishing careers. Jung has been making waves in Hollywood with her recent appearance in Apple TV+’s Disclaimer, a psychological thriller directed by Alfonso Cuarón and starring Cate Blanchett. The series, which premiered in October 2024, features Jung in a supporting role that expands her range beyond the action genre. Additionally, she is preparing for her role in director Na Hong-jin’s upcoming film, Hope, a project that has generated significant buzz due to the director’s previous hits like The Wailing and The Chaser. This marks Jung’s first major film role following her Netflix success, and she is expected to play a lead character in the horror-thriller. Meanwhile, Lee continues to charm audiences in South Korea, recently starring in Investigation Team Leader 1958, a crime drama that aired on MBC, and the variety show Renting Room in Finland, where he showcased his travel experiences. He also remains active in theater and has several new projects lined up for the next year.
The breakup of HoYeon Jung and Lee Dong-hwi marks the end of one of South Korea’s most beloved celebrity relationships. However, given their mature approach to the separation and their unwavering commitment to their craft, it is clear that both are on paths to even greater success. Fans can look forward to seeing Jung’s star continue to rise on the global stage, while Lee remains a staple in Korean entertainment.
Source: Yahoo Entertainment News