Steven Yeun, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in The Walking Dead, Minari, and Beef, has captivated audiences with his on-screen performances. Off-screen, his relationship with photographer Joana Pak is equally compelling—a story of serendipity, enduring love, and shared cultural heritage.
Quick Bio Steven Yeun Wife Joana Pak
| Born | December 24, 1983 |
| Birthplace | Seoul, South Korea |
| Occupation | Actor, Producer |
| Notable Roles | ‘The Walking Dead’, ‘Minari’, ‘Beef’ |
| Awards | Golden Globe for ‘Minari’, SAG Award |
| Spouse | Joana Pak |
| Children | 2 |
| @steveyeun | |
| Nationality | South Korean-American |
| First Major Role | ‘The Walking Dead’ |
| Joana Pak – Born | Unknown (Early 1980s) |
| Joana Pak – Birthplace | Arkansas, USA |
| Joana Pak – Occupation | Photographer |
The Serendipitous Meeting
steven yeun and Pak’s paths first crossed in Chicago in 2009. Yeun had recently graduated from Kalamazoo College and was pursuing a career in comedy and improv. Pak, a student at Columbia College Chicago, was dating someone else at the time. Their initial encounter was brief, but fate had other plans.
A year later, Pak walked into a bar where Yeun was bartending. Yeun described the moment as “kismet,” recalling, “She walked into the bar where I was a really sh*tty bartender, and it was kismet. After that, I saw her every day for six months” .
Building a Life Together
Despite the challenges of a long-distance relationship—Yeun filming in Atlanta for The Walking Dead while Pak remained in Chicago—the couple’s bond strengthened. In August 2015, Yeun proposed to Pak, and they married on December 3, 2016, at the Paramour Estate in Los Angeles. The wedding was a blend of traditional Korean customs and personal touches, including a butterfly motif symbolizing Pak’s first English word .
Parenthood and Private Life
Yeun and Joana Pak are parents to two children: son Jude Malcolm, born on St. Patrick’s Day in 2017, and a daughter born in 2019. The couple maintains a private life, occasionally sharing glimpses of their family through social media and public appearances. Yeun has spoken about the influence of fatherhood on his career, particularly in his role on Invincible, where themes of mentorship and love resonate with his own experiences as a parent .
A Shared Cultural Journey
Pak, who is Korean-American and grew up in Arkansas, has been instrumental in Yeun’s preparation for roles that draw from Korean-American experiences. For his role in Minari, Yeun reflected on how Pak’s family’s history in chicken sexing informed his portrayal, stating, “‘Minari’ is essentially the story of my wife’s family” .
A Love That Endures
Yeun’s affection for Pak is evident in his public acknowledgments. During his acceptance speech at the 2024 Golden Globe Awards, he referred to her as his “strength,” highlighting her unwavering support throughout his career.
Conclusion
The love story of steven yeun wife Joana Pak is a testament to the power of serendipity, shared values, and mutual support. Their journey from chance encounter to life partners reflects a deep connection rooted in respect, love, and cultural heritage. As they continue to navigate life together, their story remains an inspiring example of enduring love in the public eye.