Born in Seoul, South Korea, in 1983, Yeun and his family moved to the United States when he was just four years old. They settled in Detroit, Michigan, where Yeun grew up in a tight-knit Korean-American community.
Yeun attended Kalamazoo College in Michigan, where he studied psychology and theater. After graduation, he moved to Chicago to pursue acting professionally. He became involved with the Second City comedy troupe, which helped launch the careers of many famous comedians over the years.
It wasn’t long before Yeun was able to land his first professional acting gig. He was cast to play the role of Glenn in the AMC television series, The Walking Dead, which would become one of the biggest shows on television at the time.
Yeun’s character quickly became a fan favorite for his wit, bravery, and loyalty. He continued to play Glenn for several seasons, during which time his career really began to take off.
After The Walking Dead, Yeun had many offers for other television and film projects. He starred in Bong Joon-ho’s critically-acclaimed film, Okja, which premiered on Netflix in 2017. He also starred in the indie film, Sorry to Bother You, which garnered rave reviews from critics.
One of Yeun’s most recent roles is in the film, Minari, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2020. The film tells the story of a Korean-American family who moves to Arkansas to start a farm in the 1980s. Yeun stars as the father, Jacob, who is determined to make a better life for his family. The film has received widespread critical acclaim and is expected to be a major contender during awards season.
Yeun is known for his ability to portray complex characters with ease. He has proved time and again that he is a versatile actor who is capable of taking on almost any role. His talent and hard work have not gone unnoticed, and he has been recognized with several awards and nominations over the years.
Yeun is also a dedicated advocate for Asian American representation in the media. He has spoken out about the lack of diversity in Hollywood and has called for more opportunities for Asian American actors and filmmakers. He has also been involved in various projects that celebrate and elevate the voices of Asian Americans.
In addition to his acting career, Yeun is also a proud father and husband. He and his wife, Joana Pak, have two children and are known for being very private about their personal lives.
As Yeun continues to take on new and exciting roles, it is clear that he is one of the most talented and well-respected actors in the industry. He is a true trailblazer for Asian Americans in Hollywood and serves as a role model for aspiring actors and filmmakers everywhere.