30 Facts About Daniel Dae Kim

Early Life and Background

Daniel Dae Kim's journey to stardom began long before he graced our screens. Here are some fascinating facts about his early life and background.

1. Born on August 4, 1968, in Busan, South Korea, Daniel Dae Kim moved to the United States with his family when he was just a year old.
2. He grew up in Easton, Pennsylvania, where he attended Freedom High School.
3. Kim holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Haverford College, where he double-majored in Theater and Political Science.
4. He later earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from New York University's Graduate Acting Program.

Career Beginnings

Before becoming a household name, Daniel Dae Kim had to work his way up in the entertainment industry.

5. His first acting role was in the 1992 film "American Shaolin," where he played a character named Gao.
6. He made guest appearances on several popular TV shows in the '90s, including "NYPD Blue," "Beverly Hills, 90210," and "Ally McBeal."
7. Kim's big break came when he was cast as Jin-Soo Kwon on the hit TV series "Lost," which aired from 2004 to 2010.
8. He appeared in all six seasons of "Lost," earning critical acclaim for his performance.

Major Roles and Achievements

Daniel Dae Kim has taken on numerous significant roles throughout his career, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

9. After "Lost," he joined the cast of "Hawaii Five-0" as Chin Ho Kelly, a role he played from 2010 to 2017.
10. Kim has also lent his voice to animated series and video games, including "Avatar: The Last Airbender" and "Saints Row."
11. He starred in the 2019 film "Hellboy" as Ben Daimio, a character with the ability to transform into a jaguar.
12. In 2020, he appeared in the Netflix series "She-Ra and the Princesses of Power" as the voice of Micah.

Advocacy and Activism

Beyond acting, Daniel Dae Kim is known for his advocacy and activism, particularly in the Asian American community.

13. He has been a vocal advocate for diversity and representation in Hollywood.
14. In 2020, Kim testified before Congress about the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
15. He co-founded the production company 3AD, which aims to produce content that promotes diversity and inclusion.
16. Kim has also been involved in various charitable organizations, including the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund.

Personal Life

Despite his busy career, Daniel Dae Kim has managed to maintain a relatively private personal life.

17. He married Mia Kim in 1993, and the couple has two sons, Zander and Jackson.
18. Kim is an avid martial artist and holds a black belt in Taekwondo.
19. He enjoys surfing and often spends his free time on the beaches of Hawaii.
20. Kim is fluent in both English and Korean, which has helped him in various roles throughout his career.

Awards and Recognition

Daniel Dae Kim's talent and hard work have not gone unnoticed, earning him several awards and nominations.

21. He won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series for "Lost" in 2006.
22. Kim received the AZN Asian Excellence Award for Outstanding Television Actor for his role in "Lost" in 2006 and 2007.
23. In 2011, he was honored with the KoreAm Achievement Award in Arts and Entertainment.
24. He was named one of People magazine's "Sexiest Men Alive" in 2005.

Fun Facts

Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about Daniel Dae Kim that might surprise you.

25. He has a passion for cooking and often shares his culinary creations on social media.
26. Kim is a huge fan of comic books and has even written a few himself.
27. He has a pet dog named Buddy, who frequently appears in his Instagram posts.
28. Kim once considered a career in law before deciding to pursue acting.
29. He has a love for travel and has visited over 30 countries.
30. Kim is a fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and often attends their games when he can.

Daniel Dae Kim: A Remarkable Journey

Daniel Dae Kim's career is nothing short of impressive. From his breakout role in "Lost" to his impactful performances in "Hawaii Five-0" and "The Good Doctor," he's shown incredible range and talent. Beyond acting, he's a dedicated advocate for diversity and representation in Hollywood, using his platform to push for change. His production company, 3AD, is a testament to his commitment to bringing diverse stories to the screen.

Kim's personal life is equally inspiring. Balancing a successful career with family life, he's a role model for many. His journey from South Korea to becoming a household name in the U.S. is a story of perseverance and passion. Whether on screen or off, Daniel Dae Kim continues to make a significant impact, proving that hard work and dedication can lead to extraordinary achievements.