**Charles Melton on the Influence of His Korean Heritage in ‘Beef’ Season 2**
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Actor Charles Melton recently shared insights about his Korean upbringing and how it has shaped his portrayal of Austin in the second season of Netflix’s acclaimed series, *Beef*. Released on April 16, 2026, the series has sparked discussions around cultural identity, particularly through its examination of American and Korean experiences.
In a conversation with PEOPLE during a screening event at Regal Union Square in New York City, Melton discussed the personal impact of his childhood spent in Korea. “I grew up in Korea for six years,” he explained, noting how this formative experience feeds into his character’s narrative. In *Beef*, Austin is portrayed as biracial, having a Korean mother and a white father—much like Melton’s real-life family background, with Sukyong and Phil Melton as his parents.
Melton expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to delve into Korean culture through his role. He remarked, “It’s such a privilege and honour to be a part of the story that [creator Lee Sung Jin] is bringing to life,” adding that the exploration of culture and the conflict of identities are central themes for Austin. The actor described his character as navigating the complexities of being Korean American while trying to reconcile these differing cultural backgrounds.
As the narrative unfolds, particularly in episode eight, viewers see Austin journey to Korea alongside his fiancée Ashley, played by Cailee Spaeny, and Lindsay, portrayed by Carey Mulligan. This visit serves as a pivotal moment for the character and allows for a deeper exploration of the cultural narrative at play. Reflecting on the experience, Melton stated, “*Beef* season 2 for me was coming home,” emphasising the unique connection to his roots that filming in Korea provided.
Despite sharing similar backgrounds with Austin, Melton conveyed that their experiences differ in significant ways. He elaborated on the character’s quest for identity, referring to discussions around ‘Korean-ness’ and epigenetics. Melton remarked, “That wasn’t so much my experience,” highlighting the distinctions between his lived reality and the fictionalised journey of his character.
The collaboration with Lee Sung Jin, affectionately called “Sonny,” has deeply resonated with Melton. He expressed admiration for Sonny’s artistic vision, drawing parallels between his work and that of notable filmmakers like Park Chan-wook and Bong Joon Ho. “Sonny’s sentiments and his artistic genius are reminiscent of [Park and Bong],” Melton observed, acknowledging the influence of these prominent figures in shaping contemporary Korean cinema.
A particularly heartwarming aspect of the series is the inclusion of Melton’s mother, Sukyong, lending her voice to the character of Austin’s mother. Lee praised Sukyong’s performance, stating, “She got in that ADR booth and gave a performance of a lifetime.” With her help, the show bridges the gap between fiction and reality, showcasing authentic familial connections.
Sukyong Melton has her own rich narrative, having moved from Korea to the United States in 1990, where she later became a U.S. citizen. This cultural transition adds depth to her involvement in the series, especially as her own experiences mirror those of her son’s character.
While promoting another project, *May December*, Melton often brought his mother to public events, highlighting the supportive bond they share. “Who wouldn’t want their mum to be with them?” he quipped, reflecting on her everlasting presence in his life. His affection for her role in his journey is palpable, recalling how she has always been there to support him through various stages of his career.
The dynamic between Charles Melton and his mother exemplifies the strength of familial ties, particularly in the pursuit of identity and recognition. “You don’t get that much sleep,” he said, “But I just had my sister and my mum along the way.” This sentiment underscores the importance of having loved ones nearby during challenging periods.
As viewers engage with *Beef* Season 2, they are not only treated to an entertaining storyline but are also invited to reflect on the themes of cultural identity, family, and the immigrant experience. Each episode serves as a testament to the complexities of navigating multiple identities in a globalised world. All episodes of the second season are currently available for streaming on Netflix.