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July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Screen & Stage • Actor

Daniel Dae Kim

Daniel Dae Kim is a South Korean-born American actor, producer, and voice actor known for roles in television, film, and stage.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Daniel Dae Kim is a South Korean-born American actor, producer, and voice actor, best known for his roles in Lost and Hawaii Five-0.

What it is

Daniel Dae Kim was born in Busan, South Korea, on August 4, 1968, and moved to the United States as a child. He studied at Haverford College and earned a Master of Fine Arts from New York University. He is widely recognized for playing Jin-Soo Kwon on Lost and Chin Ho Kelly on Hawaii Five-0.

Key details

Kim has appeared in films such as Insurgent, Hellboy, Always Be My Maybe, Raya and the Last Dragon, and Joy Ride. He founded the production company 3AD, which has been involved in television production including The Good Doctor. He is also a prominent advocate for Asian American and Pacific Islander representation in media.

Why it matters

Kim's work in internationally distributed film and television, including streaming series and films available in Canada, makes him relevant to Canadian audiences. His advocacy for representation has influenced casting and storytelling in the industry.

In short

  • Known for Lost and Hawaii Five-0.
  • Founded production company 3AD.
  • Advocate for Asian American representation.
  • Work widely available in Canada.
Canadian angle

Kim is relevant to Canadian readers through his work in internationally distributed film and television, especially streaming series and films available in Canada.

Quick questions

Who is Daniel Dae Kim?
A South Korean-born American actor, producer, and voice actor.
What is Daniel Dae Kim best known for?
Playing Jin-Soo Kwon in Lost and Chin Ho Kelly in Hawaii Five-0.
What company did Daniel Dae Kim found?
He founded the production company 3AD.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Dae_Kim
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, nationality, occupation, education, spouse, years active, and major roles.
  2. Apple TV — https://tv.apple.com/us/person/daniel-dae-kim/umc.cpc.5qvsgflb0etp7vtwabxwlxkat
    Supports: Summary of career, birthplace, immigration to the United States, and major credited roles.
  3. Broadway.com — https://www.broadway.com/buzz/stars/daniel-dae-kim/profile/
    Supports: Career overview including acting, directing, producing, and advocacy.
  4. Esquire — https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/a40153184/daniel-dae-kim-aapi-interview/
    Supports: Advocacy for Asian American and Pacific Islander rights and founding of 3AD.
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0196654/
    Supports: Birthplace, career notes, and spouse information.