Photography: Yann Bean . Wardrobe: Lisette Mora . Grooming: Sarah Uslan @ Jed Root
Article & Interview: Sacha Azor
Born in South Korea and raised in Michigan, actor Steven Yeun began his life a long way from Hollywood. He started acting in college when he joined his school’s improv troupe while getting a Bachelor’s in Psychology. After graduating, Yeun decided to pursue acting further with the limited blessing of his parents. The two had expected him to head into a more pragmatic career but conceded two years for him to follow his passion. Luckily, two years was all it took. He landed several roles commercials and TV shows such as The Big Bang Theory, as well as a role in the independent film My Name is Jerry. But of course it was his role as Glenn on AMC’s The Walking Dead that made Steven Yeun a breakout star.
The Walking Dead, a serialized horror-drama, has been a surprising hit for AMC. The show broke records for a cable broadcast during its second season with 9 million viewers tuning in to the season finale.
The show follows a group of survivors in the aftermath of a zombie, or walker as they’re called on the show, apocalypse. Yeun’s character Glenn worked as a pizza delivery boy before the zombiepocalypse. His knowledge of the city and intrinsic navigational skills has gotten the group out of several dangerous situations. It’s also been a reason why he’s been chosen and often volunteered for some risky scavenging missions. “Call it foolish naïve hope,” he explains in the first season, “that if I’m ever that far up shit creek, somebody might do the same for me.” Despite his supposed naivety Glenn also has a lot of depth in his emotions which Steven Yeun portrays brilliantly.
XEX: When you decided to pursue acting did you picture yourself on a show of this magnitude?
STEVEN: Honestly, I have no clue. I mean, I knew that I wanted this and I wanted a career, but you never want to assume too much. Especially, in this industry. It’s definitely been a blessing.
XEX: How did you become involved with The Walking Dead? Are you at all like the character you play on The Walking Dead?
STEVEN: I had just moved to LA in 2009 and was in time for the 2010 pilot season. I tested for another pilot before the Walking Dead, and was so excited about it, but it fell through. I was pretty crushed about it, but a month later The Walking Dead started casting and I just kind of zipped through. Which to me was just crazy. As for Glenn and I, I would have to say, we are pretty similar. Not necessarily in how we behave, but definitely in how we view the world. Especially around my college years, I would say we were pretty in sync. Just kind of your under noticed kid who wanted to really leave his mark on the world. Scrappy.
XEX: Glenn always seems to adapt well to situations and is kind of a go to guy when things get tough. How well do you think he would have fared on his own?
STEVEN: I think Glenn would have been fine on is own, but I don’t know if he would have carried on as long as he had. I think the fact that he has people to live for makes him continue on. He puts himself into these ridiculous situations, not because he such a tough and macho guy, but rather, because he wants to leave a legacy. If he goes out a hero, when people don’t expect him to be, then he’s done something that he never would have dreamt about before the zombie apocalypse.
XEX: Not necessarily Glenn, but a lot of the characters on the show had their hopes tied to rescuing Sophia. How do you think her death will impact him?
STEVEN: I think Sophia’s death was a turning point for everyone. It’s not become a catalyst for decision making. Are you going to fall into the chaos that is the new reality, or still try to live life through some sort of society and order?
XEX: How do you think the 13 episode season has affected the way the story develops as opposed to six episodes? Is it better or worse?
STEVEN: I think that there have been a lot of complaints about how this season was slower. In it’s defense, it had to be. Last season was six episodes. This season is 13. We need to build it up, it can’t be something crazy every single waking second. I think the power comes in being able to breathe in between. It’s weird how serialized dramas work, especially in this day and age. I think people would appreciate the pace of the second season more if they just sat through and watched it in one sitting.
XEX: How is it for Glenn, developing a romantic relationship in the environment of the show? And how do you see the future for him and Maggie with all that’s happened on the farm?
STEVEN: I think it’s great. The arc of Glenn really opens up once he has something/someone to live for, and that continues to be a source of change for him.
XEX: I know that you’re a fan of the comics. Who or what from those are you most looking forward to seeing on the series?
STEVEN: I’m just excited for any new affliction to hit these characters. Also, me being a fan of the comics, I think both the series and the comic to do their own thing. Not necessarily stray far from each other, but impact the audience independently.
XEX: How excited are you about the new Walking Dead video game?
STEVEN: I haven’t gotten a look at it. I’m hoping it’s awesome and that I am ripped in it.
XEX: You’re currently doing improv shows in LA. Is it a nice break from all the blood and gore?
STEVEN: Absolutely. I love improv. It’s my salvation sometimes from going crazy. I love the fact that I can come on stage and have nothing in my head, yet still make something with the other people on my team. People laughing is also great too.
XEX: How do you relate to the concept of bizarre?
STEVEN: I wouldn’t say I’m bizarre. However, I would say I’m different. People don’t expect things of me all the time. I surprise them. I like that.