Watch Steven Yeun in a top thriller, now streaming on Netflix

Steven Yeun, beloved by fans for his portrayal of Glenn Rhee on “The Walking Dead” from seasons 1 through 7, has continued to make significant strides in his acting career since his departure from the series. His character’s death remains a contentious topic among fans, and Andrew Lincoln, who played Rick Grimes, recently addressed this in an interview with Empire.

Post “The Walking Dead,” Yeun garnered substantial acclaim, notably becoming the first Asian American to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in “Minari.” This milestone achievement highlighted his exceptional talent and was a pivotal moment in his career.

In 2018, Yeun starred in the thriller “Burning,” a film that has since received critical acclaim and is now available for streaming on Netflix. “Burning” is based on the short story “Barn Burning” by renowned Japanese writer Haruki Murakami, from his collection “The Elephant Vanishes.” Directed by Lee Chang-dong, this film marked Chang-dong’s return to cinema after an eight-year hiatus. “Burning” earned the FIPRESCI International Critics’ Prize at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.

Critics praised “Burning” for its performances, the eerie atmosphere it creates, and its enigmatic storyline. The film boasts a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an 80% audience score, cementing its place as a critically acclaimed work. Yeun’s performance as Ben, a mysterious man with an unusual hobby, showcases his versatility. The storyline follows Ben’s interactions with Lee Jong-su (Yoo Ah-in), a delivery man aspiring to be a writer, and their mutual friend Shin Hae-mi (Jeon Jeong-seo). The plot thickens when Hae-mi disappears, leaving Jong-su to unravel the mystery behind Ben’s strange pursuits, culminating in an ending that leaves audiences contemplating its deeper meaning.

In 2018, Yeun’s role in “Burning” earned him several accolades for Best Supporting Actor, further solidifying his status as a formidable actor. His career has continued to flourish with roles in various genres. Besides “Minari,” he appeared in the action horror “Mayhem” with Samara Weaving, the action-adventure “Okja,” and the dark comedy “Sorry to Bother You.”

Yeun’s versatility extends to stage and screen. In 2021, he co-starred in the one-act play adaptation of “The Humans” alongside Jayne Houdyshell, Richard Jenkins, and Amy Schumer. Moving into 2022, he starred in Jordan Peele’s sci-fi horror “Nope,” adding to his diverse portfolio.

Moreover, Yeun received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor and a Golden Globe for Best Actor for his performance in Netflix’s original series “Beef.” He starred opposite Ali Wong, who also earned multiple awards for her role, with a strong supporting cast including Joseph Lee, Young Mazino, David Choe, Patti Yasutake, and Ashley Park.

Yeun continues to lend his voice to the character Mark Grayson/Invincible in Robert Kirkman’s adult animated series “Invincible,” based on the Image Comics. The series, airing on Prime Video, recently released its second season, with a third season already in the works.

Source: Empire, Rotten Tomatoes, Cannes Film Festival