**Squid Game’s Hoyeon Addresses Devin Booker Dating Rumors**
Hoyeon Jung, the breakout star of Netflix’s hit series “Squid Game,” has recently addressed rumors linking her romantically to NBA player Devin Booker. The speculation began in April when a screenshot allegedly showed Booker leaving a flirty comment on Hoyeon’s Instagram page. However, the screenshot was later debunked as fake, and Hoyeon confirmed that Booker did not slide into her DMs. In fact, she revealed that she doesn’t even follow the NBA.
In an interview with Elle published on June 26, Hoyeon clarified the situation, stating, “I don’t even know who he is.” This straightforward comment put an end to the swirling rumors. While Hoyeon may not be familiar with Booker, the Phoenix Suns player has been in the public eye for his past relationship with Kendall Jenner. The two dated on and off for two years before finally breaking up in 2022 due to their busy schedules.
Hoyeon, who is 30 years old, has been previously linked to actor Lee Dong Hwi. She has spoken highly of him, describing him as a supportive and proud partner, especially after the success of “Squid Game.” “He’s very proud of the success of Squid Game,” she told Herald Pop in 2021. “Since he’s also an actor, he’s a good senior, a good friend, and a good person. He cheers me on a lot.”
The actress’s career has been on a meteoric rise since her role in “Squid Game,” where she played Kang Sae-byeok. Despite the character’s tragic end in the first season, fans have been eager to see if she might return in some capacity for the second season, which is expected to debut later this year. However, Hoyeon has indicated that a return is unlikely unless it involves flashbacks or other creative storytelling methods. “No,” she told Elle, laughing and shaking her head when asked about a potential return.
While fans may be disappointed about her character’s fate, Hoyeon has plenty to look forward to in her career. She is set to star alongside Cate Blanchett, Sacha Baron Cohen, Kevin Kline, and Lesley Manville in Alfonso Cuarón’s upcoming series “Disclaimer” for Apple TV+. The show follows a journalist, played by Blanchett, who receives a book that exposes her darkest secrets. Hoyeon will play the assistant to Blanchett’s character.
In her interview with Elle, Hoyeon shared her excitement and nervousness about joining such a star-studded cast. She recalled advice from a veteran actor who told her, “If you’re having trouble figuring out your next move, go to a project where you can learn the most.” This advice resonated with her and helped her decide to take on the role in “Disclaimer.”
Hoyeon’s journey from model to actress has been nothing short of remarkable. She made history at the Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2022, becoming only the second actress of Asian and Korean descent to be nominated in the Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor category. Her win at the SAG Awards was a significant milestone, and she continues to break barriers in the entertainment industry.
As for Devin Booker, the NBA star has moved on from his relationship with Kendall Jenner and is focusing on his career with the Phoenix Suns. Despite the brief moment of speculation linking him to Hoyeon, it appears that the two have no connection beyond the fabricated Instagram comment.
Hoyeon’s candid response to the dating rumors and her focus on her burgeoning career highlight her grounded and determined nature. Fans of “Squid Game” and her other projects can look forward to seeing more of her on screen, even if her character Kang Sae-byeok doesn’t make a return in the second season of the hit series.
In the meantime, Hoyeon remains a rising star to watch, with exciting projects on the horizon and a bright future ahead in the entertainment industry.
Source: Elle, Herald Pop, E! News
