JOSEPH LEE
Joseph Lee, also known as Joe-yun, is a Korean-American visual artist and actor who has contributed to the entertainment and arts world in many ways.
Joseph Lee was born on December 29, 1987 and his work on the Netflix series “Beef” positioned him for a 2023 Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series. The creative journey from Indiana to Hollywood showcases Lee’s variety, creativity, and devotion.
Joseph’s Early Life and Education
Although born in Arizona, Joseph Lee grew up in Indiana. Lee studied political science with a history minor at Purdue University; he focused on topics about politics, but his creative instincts always remained blunt and unyielding.
In the early 2010s, Lee moved to Los Angeles, California, to pursue his dream as an actor. Lee had an unexpected detour along this journey when he uncovered an interest in painting and eventually portraits. Inspired by some photographs his father left behind when he passed away, Lee created art using those ideas and memories. What began as a leisure activity quickly transitioned into something professional; his Instagram art became popular and recognized in the art community.
His Career
Joseph Lee’s acting career began to flourish on an international level when he appeared in the South Korean drama series “The Miracle We Met” in 2018. He used the experience to expound his knowledge and skills.
Lee experienced his first breakout role in 2023 with Netflix’s series “Beef,” which was critically acclaimed. He played George Nakai, a sculptor and husband of Amy Lau (Ali Wong); Lee’s performance was considered both authentic and layered. Acknowledging the opportunity to be apart of such important work, Lee said he felt it was “refreshing” and “new” to witness this type of entertainment representation of Asian-American experiences.
After his work in Beef, he was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards, showing how quickly Lee became a name in Hollywood.
Along with acting, Lee’s art practice has also gained respect and popularity. His portrait work, usually inspired by his culturally derived notions of heritage and identity, has circulated through social media and exhibitions that continued to solidify his position as a working visual artist.
Joseph’s Net worth
As of 2025, Lee has an estimated net worth of 5 million dollars. This wealth spans from his accomplishments in both acting and fine art.
His Legacy and impact
Joseph Lee’s story is about resilience and creativity.
With his beginnings in Indiana—and whose name appeared in the Emmy-nominated series Beef—he is one of many success stories in managing a dual career. Lee is working as both an actor and an artist.
More importantly, he continues to motivate and inspire others to recognize and develop their own pathways for storytelling, either through the lens of a camera or the strokes of a paintbrush.
