7 Shocking Facts And 2025 Updates On Kang Sae-byeok (Player 067) From Squid Game

Few characters in television history have captivated a global audience as intensely as Kang Sae-byeok, the stoic and resilient North Korean defector known as Player 067 in Netflix's global phenomenon, Squid Game. Her tragic backstory, fierce loyalty, and iconic visual presence made her an instant fan favorite, propelling actress Jung Ho-yeon (now professionally known as Hoyeon) from a top-tier fashion model to an international acting sensation overnight. This article, updated in December 2025, dives into the definitive fate of the character, the latest 2025 career developments of Hoyeon, and the surprising details behind her breakout role, including her staggering net worth and upcoming Hollywood features.

The legacy of Kang Sae-byeok continues to dominate pop culture discussions, especially with the imminent release of Squid Game Season 2. While her journey in the deadly competition was definitively concluded, the impact of her performance has led to a flurry of speculation, major awards, and a career pivot for Hoyeon that is nothing short of historic. Her story is a powerful blend of character depth and real-world celebrity transformation.

Jung Ho-yeon: Player 067's Complete Biography and Profile

The actress behind the iconic Kang Sae-byeok is Jung Ho-yeon, who has since simplified her professional name to Hoyeon. Her rise to fame is an unprecedented success story, transitioning from the runway to the screen with a single, groundbreaking role.

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• Full Name: Jung Ho-yeon (Korean: 정호연)
• Professional Name: Hoyeon
• Born: June 23, 1994
• Birthplace: Myeonmok-dong, Seoul, South Korea
• Age (as of December 2025): 31
• Height: 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in)
• Early Career: Began modeling freelance in 2010. Rose to prominence as a runner-up on Korea's Next Top Model (Season 4).
• Modeling Highlights: Walked for major fashion houses including Louis Vuitton (where she was a global ambassador), Chanel, Fendi, and Marc Jacobs. She was one of the world's Top 50 models before her acting debut.
• Acting Debut: Squid Game (2021) as Kang Sae-byeok (Player 067).
• Major Award: Screen Actors Guild Award (SAG Award) for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series (2022), making history as the first actress from a non-English language series to win the solo acting award.
• Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $4 million, largely boosted by her Squid Game success and subsequent high-profile brand endorsements.
• Agency: Signed with BH Entertainment (South Korea) and Creative Artists Agency (CAA) in the U.S.

The Tragic Fate of Kang Sae-byeok and the Season 2 Question

Kang Sae-byeok's character arc was one of the most compelling and heartbreaking of the entire series. As Player 067, her sole motivation for entering the deadly game was to earn enough money to rescue her mother from North Korea and take her younger brother, Cheol, out of the orphanage.

The Final Moments of Player 067

Sae-byeok made it to the final three, showcasing incredible resilience, resourcefulness, and a quiet, cynical determination. Her bond with Ji-yeong (Player 240) in the marble game remains a poignant highlight of Season 1. Sae-byeok sustained a life-threatening injury from a shard of glass during the penultimate challenge, the Glass Bridge. Before the final round could begin, she was tragically murdered by Cho Sang-woo (Player 218) while lying wounded and helpless.

Will Kang Sae-byeok Return in Squid Game Season 2 or 3?

Given the definitive nature of her death—Sang-woo stabs her throat—the character of Kang Sae-byeok cannot return alive for Squid Game Season 2. However, fan desire for her return is so strong that the show’s creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, has teased several possibilities, keeping the hope alive:

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• The Twin Theory: Hwang Dong-hyuk jokingly suggested he could bring Hoyeon back as Sae-byeok's identical twin sister. This idea, though likely a joke, shows the creator's awareness of her popularity.
• The Nightmare/Flashback: The most likely scenario for her presence is through flashbacks, dreams, or as a symbolic conscience. Early reports and concept art suggest that Sae-byeok appears to protagonist Gi-hun (Player 456) in a nightmare, acting as a moral counterpoint to the Front Man.
• The Brother's Story: Sae-byeok's younger brother, Cheol, is confirmed to be a key element in the new season's plot, with Gi-hun likely fulfilling his promise to care for him. This ensures Sae-byeok's legacy lives on in the narrative.

Hoyeon's Explosive Career After Player 067: 2025 Projects

Following her Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for Squid Game, Hoyeon’s career has skyrocketed into the global film industry. She has been selective with her roles, focusing on high-profile, international projects that cement her status as a serious actress.

1. The Hole (2025 Thriller)

Hoyeon is set to star in the upcoming thriller film, The Hole, alongside British actor Theo James. This is one of her most anticipated projects, scheduled to be filmed in both the United States and South Korea during the first half of 2025. The film will feature a mix of English and Korean dialogue, signaling her move into multilingual, cross-cultural productions.

2. Hope (Korean Sci-Fi Film)

Expected to release in 2025, Hope is a major Korean sci-fi film where Hoyeon will star alongside Hollywood heavyweights Alicia Vikander and Michael Fassbender. The film is directed by Na Hong-jin, known for the critically acclaimed thriller The Wailing. This role further establishes her ability to work alongside A-list international talent in complex genre cinema.

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3. Emotional Impact of Success

Despite her massive professional success, Hoyeon has spoken candidly about the intense emotional toll of instant global fame. She admitted to feeling "lost" after the enormous success of Squid Game, a common experience for actors thrust into the spotlight so quickly. Her ability to navigate this new landscape while securing major roles demonstrates her resilience, mirroring the inner strength of the Player 067 character she brought to life.

In conclusion, while Kang Sae-byeok's story ended tragically in the arena, her legacy as the determined North Korean defector lives on through fan adoration and the promising, multifaceted career of Hoyeon. Her upcoming 2025 projects confirm that the actress is not just a passing sensation but a formidable talent ready to dominate both the Korean and Hollywood film industries.