Song Kang-ho and Youn Yuh-jung join “Beef Season 2”: Jang Seo-yeon and Matthew Kim say, “We’re sure Korean audiences will connect.”

The return of a global sensation—new faces in ‘Beef’ Season 2

After sweeping the 2024 Emmys and Golden Globes, Netflix Original Series ‘Beef’ returns with an even sharper story. While Season 1 brought global attention thanks to standout performances by Korean American actors such as Steven Yeun, Season 2 digs even deeper into distinctly Korean color. In particular, special appearances by celebrated South Korean actors—‘Youn Yuh-jung’ and ‘Song Kang-ho,’—are joined by ‘Charles Melton,’ the Korean actor who’s risen to the forefront in Hollywood, further stoking expectations from critics worldwide. On top of that, rising star ‘Jang Seo-yeon’ and ‘Matthew Kim’ (aka BM) of the global mixed-gender group KARD join the cast, heightening the show’s momentum. In a video interview, the two actors said, “This project is packed with details that Korean viewers can truly relate to, all the way down to the core,” highlighting what makes this global hit unique.

The weight of an eight-win Emmys sweep—intense dedication from new cast members

The unprecedented feat of winning three Golden Globes, four Critics Choice Awards, and eight Emmys placed a huge sense of responsibility on the newly joined cast. ‘Jang Seo-yeon’ said she was “eager to jump in after seeing how completely finished Season 1 was,” and shared an intense behind-the-scenes story from casting: she reportedly reviewed the script with her mother through the night until the early hours to nail the English dialogue. Meanwhile, ‘Matthew Kim’, who made his acting debut after stepping out from the idol group KARD, also proved his determination. He said, “In Season 1, I felt a deep connection to Steven Yeun’s performance,” adding, “I had to strip away the brilliance of an artist on stage—and in front of the camera, I needed to bring out the truth inside, raw and unfiltered.” That’s why his acting transformation—approaching the role with the mindset of a true newcomer—has drawn so much attention.

A clash of deprivation and desire—an intense lineup of characters

What to watch in Season 2 is the spark and tension generated by a diverse range of people. ‘Jang Seo-yeon’ takes on the role of Unis, an interpreter who supports Chairman Park, ‘Youn Yuh-jung’, from the closest position—delivering a tightly knit ensemble performance with commanding presence. ‘Matthew Kim’ plays Wooshi, a tennis coach at an upscale country club, bringing hidden desires of people into focus in a layered, three-dimensional way. Speaking about his chemistry with the senior cast, ‘Jang Seo-yeon’ said, “Working in the same space with legendary seniors, including ‘Youn Yuh-jung,’ was, in itself, a huge learning experience.” With characters colliding while each carries their own sense of deprivation—and with an even wider world—‘Beef’ Season 2 will be released worldwide on the 16th via Netflix.

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