When the world first met Kang Sae-byeok in Squid Game, we saw a cold, steely defector who would do anything for her family. Off-screen, Jung Ho-yeon is a lot warmer. She’s a fashion icon and a global ambassador for some of the biggest names in luxury. But fans are often curious about the man behind the superstar. Specifically, people want to know about jung ho yeon dad and the humble life she lived before the red light/green light chaos.
Honestly, it’s a classic story of hard work meeting sudden, explosive fame.
While many actors come from "nepo baby" backgrounds, Jung’s roots are surprisingly grounded. Her father isn't a film mogul or a CEO of a tech giant. He’s a restaurateur. He runs a 24-hour roadside diner that specialized in traditional Korean soup. It's the kind of place where truck drivers and late-night workers go to find comfort in a hot bowl of gukbap.
The Diner in Guri: Where It All Started
If you head to Guri, a city just east of Seoul, you’ll find the epicenter of the Jung family business. Her father owns a place called Oori Nara (which translates to "Our Country").
It’s not some fancy Michelin-star spot with white tablecloths. It’s a rugged, authentic Korean soup house. For years, her dad has been serving up spicy beef soup (yukgaejang) and bone broth. When Squid Game became a global phenomenon, the restaurant actually turned into a bit of a pilgrimage site for fans.
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Imagine being a regular who just wants some soup and suddenly there are tourists taking selfies at the next table. That’s what happened to jung ho yeon dad almost overnight.
Why the "Restaurant Life" Matters
Growing up in a restaurant family shaped Jung’s work ethic. She’s mentioned in interviews that her parents were always busy. They worked long hours to provide for her and her two sisters. This wasn't a "silver spoon" upbringing.
- Financial Independence: Jung started modeling at 16 because she wanted to make her own money.
- The Hustle: She saw her father managing a 24-hour business, which is no joke. That level of grit translates to the fashion world and the grueling schedules of film sets.
What Most People Get Wrong About Her Family
There is a common misconception that because Jung Ho-yeon is a "top model," she must come from an elite, high-society background.
That couldn't be further from the truth.
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Actually, her parents weren't exactly thrilled about her fashion dreams at first. Like many traditional Korean parents, they were worried. They thought the industry was too unstable. They wanted her to have a secure future. Her dad, in particular, was just a regular guy who focused on his soup business while his daughter was out there trying to conquer the runways of Paris and Milan.
The "Squid Game" Effect
When Jung landed her first acting role, her family was shocked. She was already a successful model, but acting was a whole different beast.
Her father's reaction to her fame was reportedly very "dad-like"—a mix of immense pride and total bewilderment. He didn't change his life. He didn't close the restaurant and move into a mansion. He kept serving soup. There’s something deeply respectable about that. He’s still the same guy, just with a much more famous daughter.
Jung Ho Yeon Dad: The Quiet Supporter
While she doesn't post photos of him every day, the influence of jung ho yeon dad is visible in how she carries herself. She’s famously down-to-earth. Even after winning a SAG Award and becoming a Louis Vuitton muse, she talks about her family with a lot of sweetness.
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In some ways, the restaurant business and the modeling world are similar. Both require you to be on your feet for hours. Both are about service—whether it's serving a meal or serving a "look."
Jung has noted that her character in Squid Game, Sae-byeok, has a "lonely" quality that she recognized from her own life as a model traveling alone. But she also drew on that sense of family responsibility. Sae-byeok wanted to buy a house for her mother and find her brother. Jung, in real life, has always been vocal about her desire to be a good daughter and sister.
Exploring the Guri Restaurant Today
If you’re ever in Guri, Oori Nara is still there. It’s located near the Guri IC (Interchange), making it a convenient stop for travelers.
- The Signature Dish: Their spicy beef soup is the legend of the house.
- The Vibe: It feels like a local neighborhood gem.
- The Fame: You might see some Squid Game posters or mentions of Ho-yeon, but the focus remains on the food.
It’s refreshing to see a celebrity family that stays true to their roots. Her father’s dedication to his craft—making the best soup possible for twenty-four hours a day—is the same kind of dedication Jung brings to her acting.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you’re inspired by the story of Jung Ho-yeon and her father, here is how you can support their journey or learn more:
- Visit the Restaurant: If you are in South Korea, visit Oori Nara in Guri. It’s a great way to see the "real" side of a global star's background.
- Follow Her Journey: Jung is very active on Instagram (@hoooooyeony), where she occasionally shares snippets of her personal life and her close-knit family bond.
- Watch the Documentaries: Look for behind-the-scenes interviews from the Squid Game era where she discusses her transition from the modeling world to acting and how her parents reacted to her success.
Jung Ho-yeon’s story proves that you don't need a Hollywood lineage to make it to the top. Sometimes, all you need is the grit you learned from watching your dad run a soup shop in the middle of the night.