Jung Ho-yeon shines at World Cup final, following 'Squid Game' success

Actress Jung Ho-yeon captured the attention of football fans worldwide with a surprise appearance during the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Participating in the trophy unveiling as a Louis Vuitton global ambassador, she graced the start of the world's largest sporting event in a stunning dress, once again proving her status as a global icon.

At the stadium in New Jersey, USA, on the 20th (Korean time), a trophy unveiling ceremony took place ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final match. The event was a special presentation by Louis Vuitton, the maker of the official FIFA trophy trunk, featuring global brand ambassador Jung and Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz as the primary stars.

On this day, Jung overwhelmed onlookers in an intense hot pink dress with a deep neckline. She maximized the impact of the look with a sleek high bun and minimal accessories, turning the stadium into a runway with the confident walk and proportions of her modeling background.

Jung and Alcaraz opened the Louis Vuitton trunk together to reveal the World Cup trophy. Subsequently, Andres Iniesta, a hero of the 2010 South Africa World Cup, and Mario Kempes, who led Argentina to victory in the 1978 World Cup, each lifted the trophy to signal the historic start of the final.

The stage was hailed as a symbolic fusion of sports, fashion, and culture, with Jung standing alongside world-class athletes to reinforce the global influence of Korean actors.

Since leaping to stardom through the 2021 Netflix series 'Squid Game', Jung has maintained a steady international presence, balancing her work as both an actress and a model. In addition to serving as a global ambassador for a world-renowned luxury brand, she represents Korea at major fashion weeks and international events.

Her cinematic career is also thriving. Jung is currently appearing in the recently released film 'Hope', directed by Na Hong-jin. The mystery thriller is set near the Demilitarized Zone and depicts the desperate struggle of villagers fighting to protect their home against an unidentified entity.

In the film, Jung plays Lim Seong-ae, a police officer at the Hopo branch, showcasing a profound acting transformation as she faces unknown threats alongside branch chief Beom-seok, played by Hwang Jung-min. She has received critical acclaim for her role as a central figure driving the film's tension, alongside the hunter Go Seong-gi, played by Zo In Sung.

The film's box office performance has been equally impressive. According to distributor Plus M Entertainment, 'Hope' has seen explosive viewership, surpassing 2,000,000 cumulative admissions just five days after its release. The film is establishing itself as a summer blockbuster, recognized for both its artistic quality and commercial success.

By commanding the global stage of the World Cup final, Jung has once again proven the reach of Korean talent across fashion, film, and global branding. From her intense performances on screen to her unrivaled presence at international events, her influence continues to grow far beyond Korea.