**Hoyeon Takes a Leap into Film with ‘Hope’ After Rising to Fame in Squid Game**
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South Korean actress Hoyeon, who first gained international acclaim for her role in the Netflix sensation *Squid Game*, is making her feature film debut with the highly anticipated science fiction thriller, *Hope*. The film follows a group of villagers as they bravely confront a mysterious creature threatening their home. Hoyeon expressed her excitement about this new venture, remarking on her desire to collaborate with respected figures in the industry.
In an interview with PEOPLE, the 32-year-old actress reflected on her journey since her breakout in *Squid Game*, which catapulted her to stardom and earned her an Emmy Award nomination. Following her success in the 2021 series, Hoyeon secured a role in the 2024 show *Disclaimer*, alongside acclaimed actress Cate Blanchett and renowned director Alfonso Cuarón. These experiences not only broadened her repertoire but also laid the groundwork for her transition into film.
“After *Squid Game*, I was eager to work with industry veterans,” Hoyeon shared. She described her experience on *Disclaimer* as a valuable learning opportunity, stating that it was a privilege to collaborate with legends like Hwang Jung-min and director Na Hong-jin while filming *Hope*. “Being able to learn from these icons has been an incredible opportunity for me,” she noted.
The actress explained that her time on *Squid Game* prepared her for the intense world of film. “Even though *Squid Game* was a television series, the director was rooted in filmmaking, so I didn’t perceive a significant divide between the two mediums,” Hoyeon said. She acknowledged some differences, primarily regarding the duration and intensity of the shooting schedule for films compared to television.
The premiere of *Hope* was a particularly memorable occasion for Hoyeon, who celebrated this milestone with her family. She shared a touching moment about her grandmother, who attended the screening in Korea. “She mentioned having to hide her eyes because it was so scary, yet she found it immensely enjoyable,” Hoyeon recounted. “I’ve never hosted a movie premiere before, so inviting my family and friends made me quite nervous. They know me best, and I was concerned about their opinions, but fortunately, they all loved it.”
As she prepared to portray a police officer in *Hope*, the actress sought inspiration from classic science fiction films. Rewatching *Alien*, *Interstellar*, and *Arrival*, she aimed to capture the reaction of a character encountering an unknown creature. Hoyeon explained, “I revisited *Alien* to understand how characters respond to unexpected threats. The emotional reactions in these films were incredibly influential.”
Interestingly, Hoyeon revealed that her character’s creation was partly inspired by the legendary Japanese filmmaker Shōhei Imamura’s film *Dr. Akagi*. “He is one of the greats in the history of Japanese cinema,” she noted, highlighting the impact of global cinema on her work.
*Hope*, which has started screenings in the United States, features an impressive cast including Hoyeon, Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, Taylor Russell, Alicia Vikander, and Michael Fassbender, amplifying the film’s appeal and breadth.
With *Hope* premiering in theatres, Hoyeon’s transition from model to actress continues to capture the imaginations of audiences worldwide. As she looks towards the future, Hoyeon’s journey serves as a reminder of the potential for talent to flourish across diverse mediums and the joy of storytelling through film.
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