Steven Yeun, born Yeun Sang Yeop on December 21, 1983, in Seoul, South Korea, is a Korean-American actor renowned for his diverse roles across television and film. Gaining significant acclaim for his portrayal of Glenn Rhee in the popular television series The Walking Dead from 2010 to 2016, Yeun has established himself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, recognized not only for his acting skills but also for his contributions as a producer.

Yeun's family moved to the United States when he was young, settling in Troy, Michigan. He pursued a degree in psychology at Kalamazoo College, where he discovered his passion for acting through participation in theater productions. After graduation, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting, initially performing stand-up comedy and appearing in various short films. His breakthrough came when he was cast in The Walking Dead, where his character quickly became a fan favorite, drawing praise for his depth and relatability.

Following his departure from The Walking Dead, Yeun expanded his filmography with notable performances in critically acclaimed films. He starred in Okja (2017), directed by Bong Joon-ho, and in Sorry to Bother You (2018), showcasing his versatility. His role in Burning (2018), directed by Lee Chang-dong, garnered international acclaim, earning him several award nominations and cementing his status as a serious actor.

Yeun's most significant achievement came with his performance in Minari (2020), a semi-autobiographical film about a Korean-American family trying to establish a farm in rural Arkansas. His portrayal of Jacob Yi earned him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor, making him the first East Asian-American to receive this honor. The film itself was celebrated for its heartfelt storytelling and representation of immigrant experiences, further elevating Yeun's profile in Hollywood.

In 2021, Yeun was recognized by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, highlighting his impact both on and off the screen. He continued to build on his success with his role in the Netflix dark comedy series Beef (2023), which he not only starred in but also produced. His performance in this series earned him Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Limited Series and Outstanding Lead Actor, further showcasing his multifaceted talents.

In addition to his film work, Yeun has lent his voice to various animated series, including Voltron: Legendary Defender (2016–2018), Tales of Arcadia (2016–2021), Stretch Armstrong and the Flex Fighters (2017–2018), Final Space (2018–2021), Tuca & Bertie (2019–2022), and Invincible (2021–present), demonstrating his ability to engage audiences across different platforms.

Yeun's personal life includes his marriage to photographer Joana Pak, whom he wed on December 3, 2016. Together, they have built a family and have been supportive of each other's endeavors. As of now, Steven Yeun continues to be a dynamic force in the entertainment industry, with a growing portfolio of projects that challenge norms and expand representation in Hollywood.