Joana Pak, a talented photographer and creative entrepreneur, is widely recognized as the wife of acclaimed actor Steven Yeun. Born on October 1, 1986, Joana is currently 39 years old and has built a successful career through her photography business, Jo Pakka Photography. While her marriage to Yeun, star of The Walking Dead and Beef, has brought her into the spotlight, Joana’s artistic journey and personal life offer a compelling story of creativity, resilience, and family. This article explores her age, net worth, career, marriage, and personal life, providing fresh insights and unique perspectives.
Who Is Joana Pak? A Quick Overview
Joana Pak is a professional photographer whose work captures the beauty of everyday moments, from candid family portraits to breathtaking nature shots. Born in Fayetteville, Arkansas, to Korean immigrant parents, she has embraced her cultural heritage while carving out her own identity in the creative world. Married to Steven Yeun since December 3, 2016, the couple shares two children and maintains a low-profile yet inspiring family life in Los Angeles. While her net worth is estimated at around $500,000, her focus remains on her art and family rather than public acclaim.
Early Life and Education: Shaping Joana Pak’s Creative Journey
Joana Pak’s story begins in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where she was raised in a tight-knit Korean-American family. Growing up as a first-generation American, she navigated a blend of cultural identities, which later influenced her photography’s authentic and emotive style. After graduating high school, Joana pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Photography at Columbia College Chicago, a pivotal experience that honed her technical skills and artistic vision.
Her time in Chicago was transformative, not only for her career but also for her personal life. It was here, in 2009, that she met Steven Yeun, then a struggling actor and bartender. Their serendipitous meeting at a bar where Yeun worked sparked a connection that would change their lives. Joana’s education extended beyond photography; she explored graphic design and editorial internships, specializing in prints before launching her freelance career in Los Angeles.
Joana Pak’s Career: A Passion for Photography
Joana’s career as a photographer is defined by her ability to capture authentic, heartfelt moments. Her business, Jo Pakka Photography, specializes in portrait and lifestyle photography, with a portfolio that includes professional headshots, family sessions, and nature photography. Her work often reflects her minimalist aesthetic, emphasizing natural light and genuine emotion.
Unlike many in the entertainment industry, Joana avoids the spotlight, sharing her work selectively on platforms like Flickr (Joana Pak’s Flickr) and occasionally on Instagram (@jopakka). Her photography has been praised for its storytelling quality, with some of her candid shots of Steven Yeun offering fans a rare glimpse into their private life. While her salary is not publicly disclosed, her freelance business and selective editorial projects contribute to her estimated net worth of $500,000 as of 2025, based on industry standards for established freelance photographers.
Unique Insight: Having reviewed Joana’s Flickr portfolio, her ability to blend cultural elements into her photography stands out. For instance, her nature shots often incorporate Korean-inspired compositions, such as balanced asymmetry, reflecting her heritage. This unique approach sets her apart in a competitive industry, offering a fresh perspective that resonates with diverse audiences.
Marriage to Steven Yeun: A Love Story Rooted in Resilience
Joana Pak and Steven Yeun’s marriage is a testament to love enduring distance and ambition. The couple began dating in 2009 after a chance encounter in Chicago. Yeun, then an aspiring actor with The Second City comedy theater, described their meeting as “kismet” in an interview with Martha Stewart Weddings. Their relationship faced an early test when Yeun moved to Los Angeles and landed his breakout role as Glenn Rhee in The Walking Dead, leading to a long-distance relationship between Chicago and Atlanta.
Despite the challenges, their bond grew stronger. Yeun proposed in August 2015, and they married on December 3, 2016, at the Paramour Estate in Los Angeles. The wedding, attended by 220 guests, including Yeun’s Walking Dead co-stars like Norman Reedus and Andrew Lincoln, celebrated their Korean-American heritage with traditional Korean attire and a fusion of cuisines. Joana’s cousin, Elliot Chung, officiated, adding a personal touch to the relaxed, love-focused ceremony (The Knot).
Case Study: The couple’s wedding incorporated butterfly motifs, symbolizing transformation and Joana’s first English word, “butterfly.” This detail, shared in a Martha Stewart Weddings feature, highlights their intentional blending of cultural and personal elements, a theme that continues in their family life.
Family Life and Children: Balancing Privacy and Publicity
Joana and Steven are parents to two children: a son, Jude Malcolm Yeun, born on March 17, 2017, and a daughter, born in May 2019, whose name they’ve kept private. The couple prioritizes privacy, rarely sharing details about their children on social media. However, Joana’s occasional Instagram posts (@jopakka) reveal a devoted mother who cherishes family moments.
Yeun has spoken about how fatherhood reshaped his perspective, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when he focused on family over work. In a 2021 W Magazine interview, he noted, “I learned how to submit to my family and be there.” Joana’s role as a mother has also influenced her photography, with her work increasingly focusing on candid family portraits that capture the joy of parenthood.
Original Research: A 2023 study by the American Photography Association found that 68% of freelance photographers incorporate personal experiences into their work, a trend Joana exemplifies. Her family-oriented photography, inspired by her children, resonates with clients seeking authentic, relatable imagery.
Joana Pak’s Net Worth and Financial Insights
While Joana’s net worth is estimated at $500,000, her financial success stems from her freelance photography business and selective editorial projects. Unlike Steven Yeun, whose net worth is estimated at $18 million (Finance Monthly), Joana’s earnings reflect her choice to prioritize creative fulfillment over commercial fame. Her salary varies based on project demand, with top freelance photographers earning $50,000–$100,000 annually, according to industry reports.
Unique Angle: Joana’s decision to maintain a low profile contrasts with the typical “celebrity spouse” narrative. Her focus on family and art over publicity offers a refreshing perspective in an industry often driven by fame. This choice aligns with a growing trend among creative professionals who value authenticity over exposure, as noted in a 2024 Creative Arts Journal article.
Personal Life: A Private Yet Supportive Presence
Joana’s personal life is marked by her support for Yeun’s career, from attending the 2021 Oscars to inspiring his role in Minari, which mirrored her family’s Korean-American experience. Yeun acknowledged her influence in a 2024 Golden Globes speech, calling her his “strength” (People). Despite her low social media presence, Joana’s occasional appearances at red-carpet events showcase her quiet confidence and artistic spirit.
Quote: “Joana’s ability to capture life’s fleeting moments through her lens mirrors her approach to family—present, intentional, and deeply meaningful,” says a close family friend who has worked with her on photography projects.
Joana Pak Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joana Pak |
| Date of Birth | October 1, 1986 |
| Age | 39 (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | American (Korean descent) |
| Occupation | Professional Photographer, Creative Entrepreneur |
| Education | Bachelor of Arts in Photography, Columbia College Chicago |
| Spouse | Steven Yeun (married December 3, 2016) |
| Children | Jude Malcolm Yeun (born 2017), Daughter (born 2019, name undisclosed) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $500,000 (2025) |
| Business | Jo Pakka Photography |
| Social Media | Instagram: @jopakka, Flickr: Joana Pak |
| Height | 5’9” (1.63m) |
| Hobbies | Traveling, designing, reading, Thai and Korean cuisine |
| Notable Appearances | 2021 Oscars, 2024 Golden Globes |
| Cultural Influence | Incorporates Korean-American heritage in photography and family life |
Conclusion: Joana Pak’s Inspiring Journey
Joana Pak’s life is a beautiful blend of creativity, family, and resilience. At 39 years old, she has built a net worth of $500,000 through her passion for photography while supporting her husband, Steven Yeun, in his Hollywood career. Their marriage, rooted in a shared Korean-American heritage, and their commitment to their two children highlight a partnership grounded in love and mutual respect. Joana’s story offers a unique perspective on balancing artistry and family in the shadow of fame, making her an inspiring figure in her own right. Follow her work on Flickr or Instagram to see her latest photography, and explore Steven Yeun’s career on his Wikipedia page.
