Steven Yeun, acclaimed for roles in The Walking Dead and Minari, shares his journey as a first-generation immigrant. He discusses the emotional depth in his hit series Beef, touching on themes of resentment and self-acceptance. Yeun reminisces about his coming-of-age in Michigan and his bold audition for The Second City. Reflecting on his iconic role as Glenn, he reveals a transformative moment in his performance. He also dives into the significance of his work in Minari, culminating with a guiding poem by Wendell Berry.
Steven Yeun's career showcases a deliberate choice of diverse roles, reflecting a commitment to complex characters that challenge societal norms.
In 'Beef,' Yeun explores themes of anger and identity, resonating with contemporary societal changes in aggression and isolation post-pandemic.
Yeun's personal experiences as an immigrant inform his acting, highlighting the emotional challenges of navigating dual identities and cultural acceptance.
Deep dives
Stephen Yeun's Career Progression
Stephen Yeun's career has seen a remarkable evolution post his breakout role as Glenn in 'The Walking Dead.' He has chosen increasingly bold and diverse roles, collaborating with esteemed directors such as Bong Joon-ho in 'Okja,' Boots Riley in 'Sorry to Bother You,' and Lee Isaac Chung in 'Minari.' His performance in 'Minari' earned him an Oscar nomination, marking a significant milestone as the first Asian American to receive this honor for Best Actor in a Leading Role. This trajectory reflects Yeun's commitment to exploring complex characters that challenge societal norms and personal expectations.
The Themes of 'Beef'
Yeun's latest project, the Netflix original series 'Beef,' delves into the aftermath of a road rage incident between two strangers and explores broader themes of anger and frustration that resonate with audiences today. The narrative reflects a societal change, particularly post-pandemic, where aggression and isolation seem to manifest more prominently in everyday interactions. Yeun portrays a despondent contractor whose life is upended by this encounter, allowing him to tap into deep-seated emotions around self-identity and alienation. This role showcases his ability to convey significant internal conflict, offering viewers an intimate look at the implications of seemingly minor events on one's life.
Confronting Personal and Cultural Identity
Throughout the conversation, Yeun discusses his journey of confronting his own cultural identity as an immigrant from Korea. He shares insights into his childhood experiences of cultural dissonance, feeling isolated in American society while still being deeply aware of his heritage. Yeun reflects on the challenges faced by immigrant families in navigating dual identities, and how this personal history informs his acting choices. His character in 'Beef' parallels these experiences, tapping into feelings of shame and frustration that mirror his own journey of self-acceptance and realization.
The Emotional Depth of Acting
Yeun elaborates on the emotional challenges actors face when embodying complex characters, particularly how they influence personal growth. He recalls a pivotal moment during the production of 'Minari,' where he grappled with the weight of portraying his father's generation and their struggles. This realization prompted a profound emotional release, wherein he recognized the importance of vulnerability in his craft. For Yeun, acting is not merely a profession but a therapeutic process of understanding himself and his cultural background on a deeper level.
Future Aspirations and Self-Acceptance
Looking ahead, Yeun expresses a newfound sense of confidence and clarity in his career and personal life. He emphasizes the importance of remaining present and embracing his identity without the pressures of outside expectations. Rather than seeking validation through future projects, Yeun focuses on genuine self-expression and the exploration of characters that resonate with his experiences. This shift indicates a maturation in his approach to acting, aligning with his desire to portray authentic narratives that reflect the complexities of the human condition.
From The Walking Dead to Minarito Beef, Steven Yeun has become one of the most singular performers in Hollywood today. With his latest role in the sci-fi romance Love Me, we look back at our conversation with the leading man.
At the top, Yeun unpacks his acclaimed Netflix series Beef (5:09), a powerful church scene from the show (11:30), and his personal experience immigrating to the US from Seoul as a child (18:15). Then, we walk through Steven’s coming of age in Michigan (21:24), his memorable audition for The Second City Touring Company (25:29), and his pursuit of on-screen work in Los Angeles (33:40).
On the back-half, Steven reflects on his portrayal of Glenn on The Walking Dead (36:22), the films that followed, including Okja (48:10), Burning (50:02), and Sorry to Bother You (51:16), his transformative experience making and premiering Minari (55:42), and to close, a poem that guided him on set by the great Wendell Berry (1:08:19).
