Devin Booker and Kendall Jenner attend the 2022 US Open Championship match at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 11, 2022, in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. © Getty Images

'Squid Game' actress addresses dating rumors with Kendall Jenner's ex Devin Booker

Hoyeon Jung became a global sensation with her role as Kang Sae-byeok in "Squid Game" season 1


Senior Writer
JUNE 27, 2024 10:06 AM EDT

Hoyeon Jung, the breakout star of Netflix's "Squid Game," is making headlines as she discusses rumors about her personal life. In a candid cover story for ELLE, the 30-year-old model-turned-actress addressed the swirling rumors about her relationship status.

Hoyeon Jung became a global sensation with her role as Kang Sae-byeok in "Squid Game" season 1. Her portrayal of the Korean defector garnered widespread acclaim, earning her nominations for both a SAG Award and an Emmy. Fans have eagerly speculated about her return in the upcoming season. 

South Korean actress/model Hoyeon Jung attends the Louis Vuitton Women's Voyager Pre-Fall 2024 Collection Show on April 18, 2024, in Shanghai, China. © Getty Images
South Korean actress/model Hoyeon Jung attends the Louis Vuitton Women's Voyager Pre-Fall 2024 Collection Show on April 18, 2024, in Shanghai, China.

However, Hoyeon confirmed that her character's fate in the first season makes a reprisal unlikely. "Sadly, a return is out of the question," she admitted, reflecting on her character's poignant storyline. 

Hoyeon's personal life has also been spotlighted, especially following a notable Instagram exchange with NBA player Devin Booker, who dated Kendall Jenner for two years. In April, Hoyeon posted a photo on Instagram, which prompted Booker to comment, "check your dm shawty." Her playful response, "No❤️," quickly caught the attention of everyone.

When ELLE asked about her connection to Booker, Hoyeon responded with humor and clarity. "I don't even know who he is," she shared, explaining that she doesn't follow the NBA.

© Getty Images
Devin Booker and Model Kendall Jenner look on during the Men's Singles Final match between Casper Ruud of Norway and Carlos Alcaraz of Spain on Day Fourteen of the 2022 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 11, 2022, in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.

Why did Jenner and Booker call it quits?

The pair broke up after being together for two years. The former celebrity couple decided to call it quits after struggling to keep in contact amid their busy schedules.

Close sources to the pair revealed to People that the supermodel and the NBA athlete had very demanding schedules and could not keep up with their relationship, as they agreed that their careers are their main priority. Kendall and Devin quietly broke up two months ago but decided to keep it private.

© Getty Images
Devin Booker and Kendall Jenner are seen in Portofino after dinner at Ristorante Puny on May 20, 2022 in Portofino, Italy.

“Both have incredibly busy schedules right now with their careers and they’ve decided to make that a priority,” the source revealed, explaining that they decided to keep things friendly. “They have a lot of love and respect for each other and wish only the best.”

The 27-year-old model is known for her involvement in many businesses, including her tequila brand, while the 26-year-old sportsman continues his career with the NBA.