Hoyeon Jung looks to the future
STYLING DENA GIANNINI
The South Korean model-turned-actor rose to global acclaim with Squid Game. In 2026, she makes her feature-film debut in Hope, an alien sci-fi thriller directed by Na Hong-jin, starring Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander. Here, she writes a letter to her future self.
Hoyeon,
It’s me, Hoyeon, reaching out from 2025. I just finished filming and now find myself alone in my apartment in New York City. Right now, I am overwhelmed with so many emotions: happiness, a sense of fulfillment, but also this deep emptiness and loneliness.
This feeling always comes after finishing a project where I’ve been surrounded by people, and now I’m back to my own reality. It’s a bittersweet experience.
Being an actress can be tough that way. It’s like I step out of a magical world we create together and then suddenly have to face real life again. I know I need to ground myself, and so I have plans to workout, spend time with my family, and reconnect with my closest friends. I believe this will help me re-establish myself. Do you find it easier to bridge that gap between your work and reality these days? Maybe you feel something similar? I just hope you’re still loving what you do.
I can’t help but wonder if you’re still pursuing acting and modeling, or have you ventured into a different career? I can see you exploring new creative opportunities; you are the adventurous type. I hope you still take risks and follow your passions wherever they lead you.
Are you good at tennis by now? If so, I really wish you all the best in it. I can imagine you on the court, full of passion and focus.
Also, I am curious about your personal life. Do you have a partner? I truly believe you’ve chosen wisely if you have. What does your family look like these days? Do you have any kids or pets? For some reason, I picture you with two kids, a dog, and a cat. I don’t know why that image came to mind, but it feels warm and happy.
What about your living situation? Do you have a house or an apartment now? I’m not dreaming of buying a place for myself at this moment, but I wonder if your thoughts have changed. I hope you find a cozy home that feels like a sanctuary, and don’t forget to keep your belongings to a minimum!
Speaking of the future, what role do robots play in our lives now? Are you incorporating them into yours? I feel a mix of fear and curiosity about robots. The advancements can be amazing but also intimidating. I hope you can find a safe way to engage with technology, using it for good, not harm.
Lastly, and this is the most important thing, please remember to maintain balance in your life. This applies not only to the gap between work and your reality but also in your relationships and personally. I genuinely hope you’re not leaning towards extremes. Staying openminded is vital, so you can receive love and share it freely.
Let’s keep our empathy alive, for each other, for humanity, and for nature. I wish you good health, happiness, and strength, so you can share your energy with those around you.
Take care of yourself and have a wonderful day.
Hoyeon
HOYEON WEARS SILK AND POLYESTER JACKET WITH WOOL AND POLYESTER BOW, COTTON-MIX DRESS, AND LEATHER BOOTS, ALL MARC JACOBS. MAKEUP FULVIA FAROLFI
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Issue 2 arrives with a special dual cover: a 50/50 split between a striking beauty portrait of South Sudanese model Ajus Samuel, captured by Dan Jackson with styling by Julia Sarr-Jamois and beauty by Lynsey Alexander and an exquisite punk rose by Nick Knight, complete with a black safety pin.
PHOTOGRAPHY NORMAN JEAN ROY
STUDIO MANAGER JOANNA ROY
STYLING DENA GIANNINI AT A CREATIVE PARTNER.
HAIR EVANIE FRAUSTO
MAKEUP PAT MCGRATH USING LOUIS VUITTON
NAILS YUKIE MIYAKAWA PENDELL
CASTING JILL DEMLING AT CREATIVE CASTING AGENCY
PRODUCER ALEXEY GALETSKIY AT AGPNYC
PHOTO TEAM CHRISTIAN LARSEN, KYLE THOMPSON
STYLING ASSISTANTS EMMA SACCO, JAKE HELD, LEE HAYMAN, LINN TABUDLONG
MAKEUP ASSISTANT MIMI IMANISHI
PRODUCTION TEAM ALEXANDRA STRASBURG, ERNEST KLIMKO, IVAN SHENTALINSKIY
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