Daniel Dae Kim has established himself as one of Hollywood’s most respected Asian-American actors, breaking barriers and creating memorable characters across television and film. From his breakthrough role on “Lost” to his advocacy work for diversity in entertainment, Kim has built a multifaceted career that continues to evolve.
Biography Table
| Full Name | Daniel Dae Kim |
|---|---|
| Profession | TV Actor, Film Actor, Producer, Director |
| Age | 56 (as of 2025) |
| Birth Date | August 4, 1968 |
| Birth Sign | Leo |
| Birthplace | Busan, South Korea |
| Nationality | Korean-American |
| Height | 5’9" (175 cm) |
| Net Worth | $15 million (estimated, 2025) |
| Relationship Status | Married to Mia Kim |
| Children | Two sons: Jackson and Zander |
Early Life & Background
Born on August 4, 1968, in Busan, South Korea, Daniel Dae Kim relocated to the United States with his family when he was just two years old. Growing up primarily in New York and Pennsylvania, Kim navigated the challenges of adapting to American culture while maintaining connections to his Korean heritage. His academic journey led him to Haverford College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Following his undergraduate studies, Kim pursued his passion for acting by attending New York University’s prestigious Graduate Acting Program, where he received formal training that would serve as the foundation for his successful career.
Educational Foundation
Kim’s educational background reflects his commitment to mastering his craft. The rigorous training he received at NYU’s Graduate Acting Program equipped him with the technical skills and artistic sensibilities that would later distinguish his performances across various mediums.
Career Journey
Early Roles
Before achieving mainstream recognition, Daniel Dae Kim built his acting resume with guest appearances on popular television shows including “Law & Order,” “NYPD Blue,” and “ER.” These early roles, while brief, allowed Kim to demonstrate his versatility and develop his screen presence.
Breakthrough on “Lost”
Kim’s career-defining moment came in 2004 when he was cast as Jin-Soo Kwon in the groundbreaking ABC series “Lost.” The complex character—who initially spoke only Korean—presented unique challenges and opportunities for Kim. Over the show’s six-season run, viewers witnessed Jin’s remarkable character development, transforming from a seemingly stern husband to a nuanced, sympathetic figure. Kim’s performance earned critical acclaim and introduced him to a global audience.
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“Hawaii Five-0” and Beyond
Following “Lost,” Kim secured another significant television role as Detective Chin Ho Kelly in the CBS reboot of “Hawaii Five-0.” His seven-season tenure on the show further cemented his status as a leading television actor. In 2017, Kim made headlines when he departed the series alongside co-star Grace Park over a salary dispute related to pay equality.
Film Career
While television has been the primary showcase for Kim’s talents, his film work includes notable appearances in major productions. In 2019, Kim featured in the hit Netflix romantic comedy “Always Be My Maybe,” starring alongside Ali Wong and Randall Park. His other film credits include roles in “The Divergent Series: Insurgent,” “Hellboy,” and “Raya and the Last Dragon.”
Production Company
Demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit, Kim founded his own production company, 3AD, which focuses on developing content featuring diverse characters and perspectives. The company achieved significant success with the medical drama “The Good Doctor,” which Kim executive produces. This transition into production has allowed Kim to influence the industry from behind the camera, creating opportunities for other Asian-American actors and storytellers.
Personal Life
Daniel Dae Kim maintains a relatively private personal life, centered around his family. He has been married to Mia Kim for over two decades, and together they have two sons, Jackson and Zander. The family settled in Hawaii during his time filming “Lost” and “Hawaii Five-0,” embracing the island lifestyle.
Health Advocacy
In March 2020, Kim publicly shared his diagnosis with COVID-19, becoming one of the first celebrities to document his experience with the virus. He used his platform to raise awareness about the pandemic and later advocated against anti-Asian sentiment that emerged during this period.
Net Worth & Financial Success
As of 2025, Daniel Dae Kim’s estimated net worth stands at approximately $15 million. This financial success stems from his extensive acting career, particularly his long-running roles in television series like “Lost” and “Hawaii Five-0.” Additionally, Kim’s production company, 3AD, has provided another revenue stream through successful projects like “The Good Doctor.”
Business Ventures
Beyond acting and producing, Kim has supplemented his income through occasional brand partnerships, voice acting roles in video games and animated features, and speaking engagements where he discusses diversity in entertainment and Asian-American representation.
Notable Facts & Trivia
- Recognition: In 2011, Kim was named one of TV’s Sexiest Men by TVBuddy, landing in their top 100 list.
- Language Skills: For his role in “Lost,” Kim learned to speak Korean more fluently, having lost much of his native language after moving to the US as a child.
- Advocacy Work: Kim has been a vocal advocate for Asian-American representation in Hollywood and has testified before Congress about anti-Asian hate crimes.
- Stage Experience: Despite his success on screen, Kim maintains connections to theater and has performed in stage productions throughout his career.
- Education Advocate: He has maintained connections to academic institutions, occasionally guest lecturing at universities about media representation and acting.
Advocacy and Representation
Daniel Dae Kim has emerged as an important voice in discussions about diversity and representation in Hollywood. Following incidents of anti-Asian hate crimes in 2021, Kim testified before Congress, bringing media attention to these issues. His production company actively works to create opportunities for diverse talent both in front of and behind the camera.
FAQ About Daniel Dae Kim
What is Daniel Dae Kim’s most famous role?
Daniel Dae Kim is most famous for playing Jin-Soo Kwon on ABC’s “Lost” and Detective Chin Ho Kelly on CBS’s “Hawaii Five-0.”
Why did Daniel Dae Kim leave Hawaii Five-0?
Kim left the show in 2017 after seven seasons due to a salary dispute, seeking pay equal to that of the show’s white lead actors.
What languages does Daniel Dae Kim speak?
Kim speaks English fluently and has regained proficiency in Korean, which he had largely lost after moving to America as a young child.
What is Daniel Dae Kim’s production company?
His production company is called 3AD, which is behind the successful medical drama “The Good Doctor.”
Has Daniel Dae Kim won any major awards?
While he hasn’t won individual Emmy or Golden Globe awards, Kim has received multiple Screen Actors Guild Award nominations as part of the ensemble cast of “Lost” and has been recognized with various achievement awards from Asian-American organizations.