Top 10 Moments That Made Us Love Steven Yeun
#10: Appearing on “I Think You Should Leave” (2019)
Yeun appeared in the final sketch of the first episode of Netflix’s hit sketch comedy series. And, like with many things he appears in, he made a good thing even better. In this segment, Yeun plays a birthday party host who finds his evening turned upside-down after one guest, played by Tim Robinson, makes an unhinged accusation after eating his gift receipt. Soon enough, everyone is against him, and he’s left utterly befuddled by the inexplicable turn of events. Yeun shows how adept he is at playing normal when everyone around him is losing their mind. We think he should stay in the comedy world.
#9: GQ “Actually Me” Interview (2021)
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If we ever got to meet Steven Yeun, it would take all our willpower not to ask him a million questions. But when the responses are this thoughtful, can you blame us for wanting to? In 2021, Yeun took part in GQ’s “Actually Me” series, answering questions from fans around the web. Talking about experiences like working with director Bong Joon-ho and his childhood culinary memories, Yeun is personable and engaging. He also provides encouragement to someone looking to make it Hollywood. Watching this video feels like sitting down with an old friend and catching up.
#8: Starring in “Naysayer” (2019)
You can tell Yeun is a truly remarkable actor by how well he can create a fully formed character, even with purposefully limited resources. In this short film, Yeun plays a father who drives off with his infant child, and tells the mother why over the phone. Yeun’s co-star is his former “Walking Dead” co-star Alanna Masterson, and even though she’s not seen, they still form amazing dramatic chemistry together. Almost all of “Naysayer” is focused on Yeun as he drives down a barren road. But it never feels tedious thanks to his skill in delivering dialogue and conveying an array of emotions. We’d never be a naysayer about Steven Yeun’s acting skills after seeing this.
#7: Appearing on “Drunk History” (2014)
Few shows provided learning and laughs better than “Drunk History.” In this installment, actor and radio personality Phil Hendrie tells the story of Daniel Inouye. Inouye was a World War II veteran who lost his right arm in combat and who became both the first Japanese-American congressional representative and senator. Even though it’s part of a comedy show with a not-sober narrator, Yeun still manages to create pathos and makes us root for Inouye in the face of bigotry. Inouye sadly passed away a couple years before this episode aired, but we hope he’d be moved by Yeun’s tribute.
#6: WIRED Interview with Ali Wong (2023)
Yeun and Ali Wong might play the best of enemies on “Beef,” but they seem to get along pretty well in real life. In their WIRED Autocomplete interview, the duo go through the internet’s most popular questions about themselves. Yeun talks about things like getting his big break on “The Walking Dead” and working with Robert Pattinson. He also demonstrates a great rapport with his co-star, listening and laughing along with her. It’s a nice palate cleanser after a day spent binging their intense series. We hope this duo finds ways to keep working together, including, but not limited to, as themselves.
#5: Starring in “Nope” (2022)
One of the best things about Steven Yeun is his taste in collaborators. Case in point: working with Jordan Peele on sci-fi horror film “Nope.” Yeun, who had previously appeared on Peele’s “Twilight Zone” revival, plays a theme park owner who witnessed something unspeakably horrifying as a child star. This being a Jordan Peele movie, the traumatizing events don’t stop at childhood. Yeun isn’t the main star of “Nope,” but he still manages to stand out with a layered performance and incredible Western fashion. To this and many other Yeun performances, we have to say “Absolutely!”
#4: Visiting Korean Spa with Conan O’Brien (2015)
Steven Yeun has appeared on Conan O’Brien’s shows numerous times. And for good reason. The combined forces of Yeun and the lanky comedian are comedy gold. But they might never top this moment in 2015, when they visited a Korean spa together. At the beginning of the segment, Yeun tells O’Brien about the dress policy, or lack thereof. Much of the humor comes from O’Brien’s exaggerated awkwardness. And it’s made even more enjoyable by how much amusement Yeun gets from seeing Conan out of his element. It might not be the most relaxing spa day. But it’s definitely one of the funniest.
#3: Starring in “Minari” (2020)
Yeun has shown his range in numerous movies. But we especially want to highlight the one that gave him his first Oscar nomination. In this moving period drama, Yeun plays the patriarch of a Korean family who moves to rural Arkansas, trying to achieve the fabled "American dream." As Jacob, Yeun creates a flawed but sympathetic man learning what it means to truly provide for a family. In both intense and calmer moments, Yeun has our attention completely. This was also a major turning point for Hollywood, as Yeun’s performance made him the first Asian American to receive a Best Actor nomination.
#2: Church Crying Scene, “Beef” (2023-)
"Beef" quickly became the juiciest new show of the seasons thanks to its gripping plot and Yeun and co-lead Ali Wong's incredible performances as two enraged drivers squaring off. If we have to single out one moment for praise, though, it’s this one, from the third episode. At a church service, struggling contractor Danny Cho finds himself moved to tears by a choir performance of “O, Come to the Altar”. Though he initially tries to act stoic, he can only hold in his emotions for so long. It’s incredible to see how Yeun shows Danny’s unburdening without saying a single word. We also have to praise his stunning performance of “Amazing Grace’ a few episodes later. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Sexual Identity: PSAs of the Future” (2010) Before Fame, Yeun Starred in This Hilarious Video for The Second City Voicing Mark on “Invincible” (2021-) As the Titular Hero, Yeun is Absolutely Super Starring in “Burning” (2018) This South Korean Psychological Thriller is a Great Showcase for Yeun’s Talents
#1: Playing Glenn on “The Walking Dead” (2010-16)
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There’s no objectively “correct” answer for best “Walking Dead” character. However, there’s a reason why so many fans rank Glenn Rhee near the top of their lists. The pizza delivery driver-turned zombie fighter gave hope and light to a show that tended to lean rather bleak. Quick with a one-liner and ready, willing, and able to help however possible, Glenn is exactly the kind of person you'd want around for a zombie apocalypse. Actually, he's the kind of person you'd want around for any situation. The overall quality of “The Walking Dead” wavered from season to season. But Yeun’s incredible performance was a consistent highlight.
