Steven Yeun

Early Life and Education

Steven Yeun, born Yeun Sang-yeop (연상엽) on December 21, 1983, in Seoul, South Korea, is a Korean-American actor renowned for his versatile performances across television and film. At the age of five, Yeun immigrated with his family to Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, before settling in Taylor, Michigan, and later Troy, Michigan. He graduated from Troy High School in 2001. Yeun pursued higher education at Kalamazoo College in Michigan, earning a bachelor's degree in psychology with a concentration in neuroscience in 2005. His interest in acting was sparked during college after attending an improv show, leading him to join the college's improv group and eventually pursue a career in acting .

Career Beginnings

Post-graduation, Yeun moved to Chicago to immerse himself in the improv scene, joining the Asian-American sketch comedy troupe Stir Friday Night! and later The Second City, a renowned improvisational theater company. In 2009, he relocated to Los Angeles to further his acting career . Yeun's early roles included appearances in commercials for Best Buy, Apple, and Milky Way, as well as guest spots on television shows like "The Big Bang Theory" .

Breakthrough with "The Walking Dead"

Yeun's breakout role came in 2010 when he was cast as Glenn Rhee in AMC's post-apocalyptic horror series "The Walking Dead." His portrayal of Glenn, a resourceful and compassionate survivor, resonated with audiences and critics alike. Yeun remained a series regular until 2016, appearing in 73 episodes and becoming a fan favorite .

Transition to Film and Acclaim

Following his departure from "The Walking Dead," Yeun transitioned to film, taking on diverse roles that showcased his range as an actor. In 2017, he appeared in Bong Joon-ho's "Okja," and in 2018, he starred in Lee Chang-dong's "Burning," which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. His performance in "Burning" earned him critical acclaim and several Best Supporting Actor awards from film critics associations .

In 2020, Yeun starred in "Minari," a semi-autobiographical film about a Korean-American family's pursuit of the American dream. His portrayal of Jacob Yi garnered widespread praise, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, making him the first Asian-American actor to receive this honor .

Recent Projects and Accolades

Yeun continued to build his filmography with roles in Jordan Peele's "Nope" (2022) and the Netflix dark comedy series "Beef" (2023), where he played Danny Cho. His performance in "Beef" earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor, highlighting his continued excellence in acting .

Voice Acting and Production Work

In addition to live-action roles, Yeun has an extensive voice acting portfolio. He voices Mark Grayson in Amazon Prime's animated series "Invincible" (2021–present) and has lent his voice to characters in "Voltron: Legendary Defender," "Tales of Arcadia," "Stretch Armstrong and the Flex Fighters," "Final Space," and "Tuca & Bertie" .

Yeun has also ventured into production, serving as an executive producer for "Minari" and "Beef," demonstrating his commitment to storytelling and representation in the entertainment industry .

Personal Life

Yeun married photographer Joana Pak on December 3, 2016. The couple resides in Los Angeles and has two children. Yeun is known for his support of Asian-American representation in media and has been recognized for his contributions to the industry, including being named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world in 2021 .

Steven Yeun's journey from Seoul to Hollywood exemplifies the power of talent, perseverance, and the importance of diverse storytelling in modern media.