Steven Yeun, born Yeun Sang-Yeop on December 21, 1983, in Seoul, South Korea, is an American actor known for his diverse roles in film and television. He moved to the United States during his childhood, growing up in Michigan. Yeun graduated from Kalamazoo College in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
Yeun gained prominence for his portrayal of Glenn Rhee in the television series “The Walking Dead” from 2010 to 2016. His performance earned him critical acclaim and a significant fan following. He further showcased his acting range with roles in films like “Burning” (2018) and “Minari” (2020), the latter earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor—the first Asian American actor to receive this honor.
In 2023, Yeun starred in the dark comedy series “Beef” alongside Ali Wong. His role earned him two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award, making him the second person of Asian descent to win the Golden Globe for Best Actor.
Yeun continues to expand his voice acting portfolio, voicing multiple versions of Mark Grayson in the animated series “Invincible.” In the recent “Invincible War” storyline, he portrayed 18 alternate versions of the character, highlighting his versatility.
Beyond his professional achievements, Yeun is married to photographer Joana Pak, with whom he has two children. He has expressed how his role in “Invincible” has influenced his perspective on fatherhood, prompting reflections on mentorship and love.
Yeun’s career reflects a commitment to diverse and impactful storytelling, earning him recognition as one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world in 2021.