Steven Yeun (Jacob Yi)

A father farming a dream on unfamiliar soil.

Jacob Yi is the ambitious father at the center of Minari (2020), a drama about a Korean immigrant family attempting to become farmers in Arkansas. Portrayed by Steven Yeun, Jacob moves his wife Monica and children from California to rural land he hopes will yield financial stability through poultry farming. As a pivotal role in Yeun's career, this performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, marking him as the first East Asian-American to receive such a nod in that category.

Quick Facts

Birth name: Sang-yeop Yeun
Born: 21 December 1983
Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
Citizenship: South Korea, United States
Education: Kalamazoo College (BA)
Occupation: Actor
Years active: 2004–present
Spouse: Joana Pak (2016)

Lore & Background

Jacob Yi arrives in Arkansas with a specific vision: to raise chickens and grow vegetables on land he purchased, believing this will secure his family's future. This ambition often clashes with his wife Monica, who fears the isolation and financial risks of their new life. Jacob's determination leads him to ignore warnings about the land's suitability for farming, driven by a desire to prove his worth beyond the limitations faced by immigrants. The narrative explores how his faith and hope are tested as nature proves unpredictable and water becomes scarce. His relationship with his mother-in-law, Soon-ja, and his son David adds layers of family dynamics, showing how Jacob navigates being both provider and father in a harsh environment where every decision carries weight.

Reader's Guide

Steven Yeun's portrayal of Jacob Yi marked a turning point in his career, moving him from television fame to critical acclaim in film. Director Lee Isaac Chung cast Yeun for his ability to convey deep emotion through silence and subtle expression rather than dialogue. To prepare, Yeun studied the mannerisms of Korean immigrants in the 1980s and engaged with the physical demands of farming. His performance was widely praised for its vulnerability and authenticity, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and making history as the first East Asian-American nominated in that category. This role also garnered him a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role.

Did You Know?

The film Minari had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2020, where it won two top awards.
Yeun included his own immigrant experience in his acting performance as Jacob Yi.
Steven Yeun served as an executive producer for Minari alongside starring in the film.