The next HoYeon Jung? Meet Jang Yoon-ju of Money Heist Korea: the model-turned-actress has starred in Aespa and Lee Hyori’s music videos and is friends with Red Velvet’s Joy and Irene Kim

Jul 4 , 2022

Jang Yoon-ju is a renowned fashion model. Photo: @yoonjujang/Instagram

She’s worked with Kate Moss and Carla Bruni as a model, hosted Korea’s Next Top Model, and even written a book with Kim Jae-wook, Ji Hyun-jung and Han Hye-jin

Her transition is comparable to Squid Game’s HoYeon Jung, who also moved from model to actress, but will Jang rake in brand deals as lucrative as Jung’s?

The Korean version of Netflix’s Spanish crime series Money Heist features a powerful cast of veteran actors and newcomers. Its meteoric success is reminiscent of the streaming giant’s Korean thriller series Squid Game, which also brought us many new rising stars, as well as familiar faces.

Jang Yoon-ju is a famous model who’s transitioned into acting with her new role in Netflix’s Money Heist Korea. Photo: @yoonjujang/Instagram

Model Jang Yoon-ju, 41, a household name in the fashion scene, plays the role of Nairobi, a bold leader and a reliable member of the team. But could she be the next HoYeon Jung, who also transitioned from modelling to acting with her breakout Squid Game role, and will she get those same shiny endorsement deals like Jung did?

A relative newbie to the acting scene, Jang’s past experiences have mostly been in modelling, hosting, singing and songwriting, proving that she’s a natural creative. An all-around performer and a multifaceted artist, Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Era just might be Jang’s biggest acting break yet.

Here’s what we know about her so far …

She’s a fashion guru

Jang Yoon-ju was a host for Korea’s Next Top Model. Photo: @yoonjujang/Instagram

Since stepping into the modelling world in 1997, Jang has built a successful career that spans nearly two decades. Per L’officiel Singapore, she’s travelled the world to model for luxury brands and posed alongside other big names, such as Kate Moss and Carla Bruni. She also hosted reality TV show Korea’s Next Top Model.

Jang has even co-authored books that detail her experiences (including industry secrets!) in modelling. In 2006, per Koreaboo, she and stylist Seo Eun-young launched Style Book, which sold over 100,000 copies within months of its release.

In 2011, per Chosun Ilbo, Jang and fellow models Kim Jae-wook, Ji Hyun-jung, Han Hye-jin and Song Kyung-ah released the book Top Model, giving out their personal tips on style, beauty and fashion.