Beyond Sae-byeok: 5 Fascinating Facts About Jung Ho-yeon's Parents And Their Hidden Restaurant Empire

Jung Ho-yeon's meteoric rise to global stardom following her breakout role as Kang Sae-byeok in Netflix's *Squid Game* has spotlighted every aspect of her life, yet her family—her parents and siblings—have largely maintained a low profile. As of December 2025, the latest information reveals a fascinating story of a successful actress who remains deeply connected to her humble, hardworking roots, a stark contrast to the high-fashion world of Louis Vuitton and Hollywood she now inhabits. This article delves into the unique details of the Jung family, from their long-running roadside eatery to the private struggles they faced amid their daughter's sudden, overwhelming fame. The intense curiosity surrounding the family of the Emmy-nominated actress is a testament to her global impact. While Jung Ho-yeon has become an icon for the MZ generation, her parents have quietly continued their decades-long work as restaurateurs, embodying the traditional Korean work ethic that shaped the star's independent spirit and resilience.

Jung Ho-yeon: A Quick Biographical Profile

To fully appreciate the story of her parents, it is essential to first understand the journey of Jung Ho-yeon herself. The actress's career trajectory is one of intense dedication, beginning long before her acting debut in 2021. This is a brief look at the key facts of her life and career:

• Full Name: Jung Ho-yeon (정호연)
• Date of Birth: June 23, 1994
• Birthplace: Myeonmok-dong, Jungnang-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• Nationality: South Korean
• Education: Graduated from Dongduk Women's University, majoring in Model Department.
• Career Debut: Began modeling as a freelance model in 2010.
• Breakthrough: Runner-up on *Korea's Next Top Model* Season 4 (2013).
• Agency: Esteem Models (South Korea), The Society Management (New York).
• Acting Debut: Kang Sae-byeok (Player 067) in *Squid Game* (2021).
• Major Accolades: Screen Actors Guild Award (Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series).
• Current Projects (2025): She is slated to star in the Apple TV+ series *Disclaimer*, directed by Alfonso Cuarón, and the American film *The Governesses*.
• Relationship Status: Has been in a long-term relationship with actor Lee Dong-hwi since 2016.

The Restaurateurs: Unveiling Her Parents' Private Life

The parents of Jung Ho-yeon have intentionally maintained a private life, keeping the focus on their daughter's professional achievements. However, details that have emerged paint a picture of a grounded, supportive, and hardworking family whose background contrasts sharply with the glamorous world of fashion and film.

1. Her Mother’s Name is Park Eun-jin

While the identity of Jung Ho-yeon's father remains private—often referred to simply as Mr. Jung—an exclusive detail reveals her mother's name: Park Eun-jin. Both parents are known to be devout Christians, and they raised Ho-yeon and her two sisters (one of whom is reportedly named Jeong Ji-Yeon) in a well-off family environment in Seoul. This strong family foundation is often credited for the star's disciplined nature and ability to handle the immense pressure of global fame.

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2. Her Father Runs a 24-Hour Roadside Eatery Called Oori Nara

The Jung family's primary business is not a high-end, trendy Seoul establishment, but a humble, 24-hour roadside restaurant. Jung Ho-yeon’s father is the long-time owner and operator of an eatery known as Oori Nara (meaning "Our Country"). The restaurant specializes in traditional Korean comfort food, particularly hearty bone-broth stews, served with steaming mounds of rice and seasoned with ingredients like gochugaru.

The restaurant’s low-key nature was thrust into the spotlight when it was featured on the MBC reality show *Omniscient Interference* in September 2021, where actor Gong Myung was seen having lunch with Ho-yeon at the location. Following the success of *Squid Game*, the restaurant became a pilgrimage site for fans, often searched on Naver (South Korea's dominant search engine) as “Squid Game Hoyeon’s family restaurant”.

The Emotional Toll: How Her Parents Handled Global Fame

The sudden, explosive success of *Squid Game* in late 2021 was an unprecedented event that turned Jung Ho-yeon into an overnight global sensation. This immediate shift brought both immense pride and unexpected challenges to her private family.

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3. Her Mother’s Health Struggle Amidst the Chaos

In interviews following her breakthrough, Jung Ho-yeon revealed the emotional complexity of her newfound fame. While she was traveling the world for major fashion houses like Louis Vuitton and attending prestigious events like the Emmy Awards, her mother, Park Eun-jin, was dealing with health issues that required surgery.

Ho-yeon recounted a moment where she had to offer comforting advice to her mother, who was deeply worried about the intense media scrutiny and the pressure on her daughter. “I was like, ‘Don’t talk like that. It’s fine. Everything is okay. Just be well,’” Ho-yeon recalled telling her. This anecdote highlights the protective, yet separate, worlds the actress and her parents were navigating: one of global celebrity, the other of quiet, enduring family life.

4. The Foundation of Independence: Moving to NYC at 20

The actress credits her parents for instilling the independence necessary to handle her career and its pressures. Before *Squid Game*, she moved to New York City at the age of 20 to pursue her international modeling career, living alone and away from her family for the first time. This early experience, supported by her parents, taught her crucial life skills and a sense of self-reliance that has proven invaluable in the high-stakes environment of Hollywood.

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5. A Shared Sense of Pride and Grounding

Despite the initial shock and worry, her parents are immensely proud of their daughter’s accomplishments. The fact that they continue to run their 24-hour eatery, Oori Nara, even after their daughter became one of the most recognizable faces in the world, speaks volumes about their grounded nature. They serve as a constant reminder of the simple, hardworking values that Jung Ho-yeon carries with her, ensuring that the global success of *Squid Game* and her subsequent fame does not detach her from her roots in Myeonmok-dong, Seoul. This balance between high-fashion icon and daughter of a modest restaurateur is a core part of her public appeal and private strength.