Born in Seoul, South Korea, and raised in Michigan, he gained recognition for his role as Glenn Rhee on the hit TV series "The Walking Dead." He later transitioned to film, earning critical acclaim for roles in "Burning" and "Minari," the latter earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Known for his versatility, he has also lent his voice to animated series like "Voltron: Legendary Defender" and "Tuca & Bertie." His work continues to bridge cultural gaps in Hollywood.