Net Worth Ranker
What Is Steven Yeun’s Net Worth?
As of February 28, 2025, Steven Yeun’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million. This valuation is primarily attributed to his successful acting career, with significant contributions from his roles in television and film, as well as his ventures into producing. Yeun’s journey from improv comedy to leading roles in critically acclaimed projects has established him as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Steven Yeun was born on December 21, 1983, in Seoul, South Korea, to parents Je and Jun Yeun. In 1988, the family immigrated, first to Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, and later to Michigan in the United States. While his father, initially an architect, transitioned to owning a beauty supply store in Detroit, Steven’s upbringing was rooted in a Christian household where Korean was the primary language. He attended Ruth M. Buck Elementary and Troy High School, graduating in 2001. He then enrolled at Kalamazoo College, where he pursued a psychology degree with a concentration in neuroscience, completing his bachelor’s in 2005.
During his time at Kalamazoo College, Steven’s interest in performance was ignited. After being exposed to improv comedy through a friend, he took his first acting class. He eventually became friends with comedian Jordan Klepper. This experience led him to follow Klepper to Chicago to explore a career in improv and acting. Despite his parents’ initial hopes for him to pursue law or medicine, they granted him two years to pursue his passion, providing him with crucial support during this formative period. This early support laid the foundation for his future success in the entertainment industry.
In 2005, Steven relocated to Chicago and immersed himself in the city’s vibrant comedy scene. He joined “Stir Friday Night!,” an Asian American sketch comedy troupe. He then ascended to The Second City, one of the most prestigious sketch-comedy troupes in the United States. His decision to move to Los Angeles in October 2009 proved to be a pivotal moment in his career, paving the way for his breakthrough role.
Breakthrough with “The Walking Dead”
Shortly after arriving in Los Angeles, Steven landed the role of Glenn Rhee in AMC’s “The Walking Dead” in 2010. This series, based on the comic book series of the same name, quickly became a cultural phenomenon and the highest-rated series in cable television history. While specific salary figures for “The Walking Dead” cast members are not publicly available, it is understood that actors in prominent roles in such a successful series receive substantial compensation. Given the show’s immense popularity and Steven’s character’s integral role, it’s reasonable to assume that he earned significant income throughout his six seasons on the show.
His portrayal of Glenn Rhee garnered widespread acclaim, particularly for the character’s development over the six seasons Steven remained on the show. While the exact breakdown of Steven Yeun’s earnings from “The Walking Dead” is not publicly disclosed, his involvement in such a successful and high-profile series undeniably contributed significantly to his net worth. The show’s popularity not only provided him with a steady income but also elevated his profile within the industry, opening doors to future opportunities in both television and film. He decided to leave the show in 2016, after the season seven premiere.
During his time on “The Walking Dead,” Steven also took on roles in other television series, including guest appearances in “Law & Order: LA,” “Warehouse 13,” “NTSF: SD: SUV,” and “Drunk History.” These roles, while not as prominent as his role in “The Walking Dead,” further contributed to his income and expanded his acting experience. The exposure gained from these appearances likely enhanced his marketability and contributed to his overall career trajectory. His role in the action horror film “Mayhem,” which was released in November 2017, further diversified his acting portfolio.
Critical Acclaim and Expanding Career
In 2017, Steven Yeun’s career reached new heights with his role in Bong Joon-ho’s action-adventure film, “Okja.” The film competed for the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, bringing Steven international recognition and further solidifying his reputation as a versatile actor. He also provided the voice of Bo in “The Star” that same year. These projects broadened his reach beyond television and showcased his talent in diverse genres.
In 2018, Steven co-starred in Boots Riley’s dark comedy “Sorry to Bother You,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. The film’s success, including winning the 2019 National Board of Review’s Top Ten Independent Films award, further enhanced Steven’s standing in the independent film scene. That same year, he starred in the mystery drama film “Burning,” which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and earned him numerous accolades, including Best Supporting Actor awards from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards, the Toronto Film Critics Association Awards, and the National Society of Film Critics Awards. While the specific salary figures for these independent film projects are generally not made public, the critical acclaim and awards recognition undoubtedly elevated his profile and contributed to his long-term career prospects.
In 2020, Steven Yeun took on a dual role as both star and executive producer in Lee Isaac Chung’s A24 immigrant drama, “Minari.” This film, which tells the story of a Korean immigrant family becoming farmers in the United States, earned him an Academy Award nomination in the Best Actor category, a significant milestone in his career. “Minari” won two awards at the Sundance Film Festival, further cementing its critical and commercial success. While the financial details of his involvement in “Minari” as both an actor and executive producer are not publicly available, it is reasonable to assume that the film’s success significantly boosted his income and net worth. Being nominated for an Oscar undoubtedly increased his visibility and negotiating power for future projects.
In 2021, Steven was included in “Time” magazine’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world, recognizing his role in acting and producing “Minari.” This honor further solidified his status as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. That same year, he appeared in the psychological drama film “The Humans,” based on Stephen Karam’s award-winning play. This film premiered at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival, adding another critically acclaimed project to his filmography.
Beyond his work in film and television, Steven has also continued to lend his voice to various animated projects. He has provided voices for characters in the second season of “The Legend of Korra,” “Trollhunters,” “3Below,” “Voltron: Legendary Defender,” Final Space, “Tuca & Bertie,” and “Stretch Armstrong and the Flex Fighters,” among others. He also voices a character in the Amazon Prime animated superhero series “Invincible,” which is adapted from the comic book series by Robert Kirkman. These voice acting roles provide a consistent source of income and allow him to explore different creative avenues.
Personal Life and Investments
In December 2016, Steven married photographer Joana Park. They reside in Los Angeles and have two children. While specific details about their real estate holdings are not publicly available, it is common for successful actors to invest in property. Steven’s residence in Los Angeles, a hub for the entertainment industry, suggests that he likely owns or rents a substantial property in the area. In Los Angeles, he has invested in his younger brother’s Korean-Mediterranean fusion restaurant in the Koreatown neighborhood called The Bun Shop. Specific details regarding his investment, such as the amount invested or his ownership stake, are not publicly available.
Steven Yeun is a fan of the Detroit Pistons and the Detroit Red Wings, reflecting his connection to his upbringing in Michigan. He also supported Andrew Yang for president in the 2020 U.S. Presidential election, demonstrating his engagement in civic and political issues. Information about his car collection or other luxury assets are not available.
Future Prospects and Steven Yeun Net Worth Growth
Given Steven Yeun’s continued success and increasing demand for his talent, it is reasonable to expect his net worth to continue to grow in the coming years. His willingness to take on diverse roles in both independent and mainstream projects suggests that he is committed to long-term career development. While specific figures for future projects are not yet available, his current trajectory indicates a positive outlook for his financial success. His commitment to producing, as demonstrated in “Minari,” suggests that he is actively seeking opportunities to expand his influence and earning potential within the industry. Future high-profile roles could significantly increase Steven Yeun’s net worth.
