In the glittering world of Hollywood, where stars and their legacies illuminate the sky, some actors rise quietly and then become impossible to ignore. Justin H. Min is one of them. Many viewers first met him as the sarcastic ghost Ben Hargreeves in The Umbrella Academy. Others fell for him as the gentle android in After Yang, or spotted him in the hit series Beef. This guide walks through his early life, his career, and the choices that shaped him, so you can see why this Korean American actor keeps winning new fans.
Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Justin Hong-Kee Min |
| Known As | Justin Min |
| Date of Birth | March 20, 1990 |
| Age | 36 years |
| Birthplace | Cerritos, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Korean American (second generation) |
| Education | Cornell University (BA) |
| Profession | Actor |
| Years Active | 2012 to present |
| Best Known For | The Umbrella Academy, After Yang, Beef |
| Famous Relative | Ashley Park (second cousin) |
Early Life and Family Roots
Justin H. Min was born on March 20, 1990, in Cerritos, California. His full name is Justin Hong-Kee Min, and he grew up as a second-generation Korean American. Cerritos is a busy city in Los Angeles County with a large Asian American community, so his childhood was shaped by two cultures at once.
He rarely shares details about his parents or siblings in public. What fans do know is that his second cousin is Ashley Park, the singer and actress from Emily in Paris. That family link shows how creativity runs through his relatives, even though each of them found a different path.
Education and the Road to Acting
Min went to Cerritos High School and later earned a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University. Cornell is known for strong academics, and his time there gave him a thoughtful way of studying people and stories. Many fans see that curiosity in the careful choices he makes on screen today, from the scripts he accepts to the way he prepares for each scene.
Before acting became his full-time job, he reportedly worked as a writer and photographer. Those skills helped him understand how a scene is framed and how a story is told. When he turned to acting, he already saw the craft from both sides of the camera.
Starting Out with Wong Fu Productions
His acting career began around 2012 with small roles in projects from Wong Fu Productions, a well-loved group of Asian American filmmakers. Justin H. Min appeared in their 2017 short film How I Became an Adult. These early jobs gave him room to grow without the pressure of a big studio.
In 2019, he played Cameron in the web series Dating After College. The show was warm, funny, and honest about young adult life. He also took small parts on television, including a guest spot on New Amsterdam in 2020, and each one added to his experience.
The Umbrella Academy and the Role of Ben Hargreeves
His big break came in 2019, when Netflix cast him as Ben Hargreeves, also called Number Six, in The Umbrella Academy. In the first season, Ben appears mostly as a ghost, and Min made him feel funny, sad, and deeply human. Justin H. Min became a fan favorite almost at once.
Ben moved to the center of the story in later seasons, and Min became a main cast member for seasons two to four. The show ran from 2019 to 2024 and gave him 36 episodes to shape the character. Fans still praise his chemistry with the rest of the Hargreeves family.
After Yang and a Quiet, Powerful Performance
In the science fiction drama After Yang, Min plays the title role of Yang, a family android who stops working. The film was directed by Kogonada and stars Colin Farrell and Jodie Turner-Smith. Justin H. Min brought calm and tenderness to a role that could have felt cold.
Critics noticed how much feeling he could show with small gestures. The film is slow and gentle, and it asks big questions about memory and family. For many viewers, it proved that Min could carry a deep, emotional story as well as a popular series.
Beef and More Streaming Success
In 2023, Min joined the cast of Beef, the acclaimed Netflix series about a road rage incident that grows out of control. He played Edwin in a recurring role. The show won wide praise, and being part of its strong cast helped him reach an even bigger audience.
Beef also showed his talent for dark comedy. Edwin is a smaller part than Ben Hargreeves, but Min makes every scene count. That skill with supporting roles is one reason directors keep calling him back.
Shortcomings, The Greatest Hits, and Film Work
In 2023, Min starred as Ben Tagawa in Shortcomings, directed by Randall Park. The film is based on a graphic novel by Adrian Tomine. It is a sharp comedy about identity, love, and mistakes, and Justin H. Min fits the tone perfectly.
In 2024, he appeared in The Greatest Hits as David Park, alongside Lucy Boynton. He also took roles in films such as Detained and Turn Me On. This mix of drama, comedy, and romance shows that he does not want to be tied to a single type of story.
Korean Projects and Life on Stage
Min has spoken about wanting roles that avoid old stereotypes. He said that projects like that are harder to find in the United States. That is one reason he has looked toward Korean stories, such as the film Journey There, where he plays Min-jun. He also joined the second season of the Korean reality show The Devil’s Plan in 2025.
In 2026, he returned to the stage in Data, playing Alex off Broadway at the Lucille Lortel Theatre. The run lasted from January to March. His upcoming credits also include Handle With Care and Slide Strum Mute, both listed for 2026, so fans have plenty to look forward to. Justin H. Min clearly enjoys trying new formats.
Personal Life and Privacy
Min keeps his private life out of the spotlight. There are no reliable public details about a wife, children, or a current partner, and he does not use interviews to share them. Fans respect that choice, and it keeps the focus on his work. In a time when stars share everything online, that calm approach feels refreshing and honest.
He is active on social media, where he shares photos and short moments from his projects. Many sources also describe him as a writer and photographer, which fits his creative side. Net worth figures online vary a lot, so it is best not to trust any single number.
Why Audiences Connect with His Work
Part of his appeal is how natural he feels. Whether he plays a ghost, an android, or a nervous friend, Justin H. Min acts with warmth and a little humor. Viewers feel they could meet his characters in real life, and that makes the stories stick.
He is also a strong voice for Asian American representation. By choosing roles that show full, real people, he helps widen what Hollywood considers a leading man. Younger actors from similar backgrounds often point to careers like his as proof that new paths are open.
Conclusion
The story of Justin H. Min is one of steady growth, smart choices, and real talent. He moved from small web projects to major Netflix hits, indie films, Korean productions, and the New York stage. Each step added something new to his work.
With several projects still ahead, his career is far from finished. If you have not yet watched The Umbrella Academy, After Yang, or Beef, now is a great time to start. Visit More: Scoop Sport
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Justin H. Min?
He is an American actor born on March 20, 1990, in Cerritos, California. He is best known for playing Ben Hargreeves in The Umbrella Academy, the title role in After Yang, and Edwin in Beef.
How old is he?
He turned 36 in March 2026, so he is 36 years old as of October 2026.
Is he related to Ashley Park?
Yes. Sources describe Ashley Park as his second cousin.
Where did he study?
He went to Cerritos High School and then earned a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University.
What is he working on now?
He recently starred in the off Broadway play Data in 2026. His upcoming credits include Handle With Care and Slide Strum Mute.
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