Fresh Air

Daniel Dae Kim Fakes His Own Death In 'Butterfly'

37 snips
Aug 11, 2025
Daniel Dae Kim, acclaimed actor known for his role in 'Lost' and Tony-nominated for 'Yellow Face,' discusses his latest project, the spy series 'Butterfly.' He shares insights on the balance between career and family life, and the importance of representation in entertainment. Kim dives into the complexities of Asian American identity and reflects on the challenges faced due to racial profiling and anti-Asian violence. He also explores the evolution of roles for Asian actors, emphasizing the need for nuanced storytelling.
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ANECDOTE

Father Fakes His Death To Protect Daughter

  • Daniel Dae Kim plays David Jung, a spy who faked his death to protect his daughter.
  • The reunion reveals family trauma and a daughter turned assassin.
ADVICE

Do Your Own Stunts For Authenticity

  • Daniel Dae Kim prefers performing his own stunts to keep authenticity in close-ups.
  • He says physical action grounds his acting and synchronizes body and emotion.
ANECDOTE

Filming In Korea Felt Like Homecoming

  • Daniel Dae Kim shot Butterfly across 20+ Korean cities to show the Korea he knows.
  • Filming in Busan let him invite relatives and create a memorable homecoming on set.
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