Daniel Dae Kim is not just a talented American film actor. He is a trailblazer, producer, and advocate for diversity in television and film. With a career spanning over three decades, Daniel has played iconic roles, built a successful production company, and used his voice to push for change in the entertainment industry.
In this blog post, we explore Daniel Dae Kim’s biography, personal life, career, and achievements. We also highlight his top films, controversies, and interesting facts. Whether you are a fan or just curious, this post offers a complete profile of one of Hollywood’s most respected stars.
Early Life and Upbringing
Daniel Dae Kim was born on August 4, 1968, in Busan, South Korea. His family moved to the United States when he was just a year old. He grew up in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he attended Freedom High School.
Daniel’s parents, Doo-tae Kim and Jung Kim, encouraged him to focus on academics. He later discovered his passion for acting while studying at Haverford College, where he earned a degree in political science and theater.
Daniel continued his education at New York University, earning a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from the prestigious Tisch School of the Arts. His training included classical theater, voice, and movement. This foundation helped him build a versatile acting career.
Personal Life – Age, Zodiac Sign
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Daniel Dae Kim |
| Nickname | Jin, Kim |
| Alternative Names(s) | Kim Dae-hyun |
| Date of Birth | August 4, 1968 |
| Age (as of 2024) | 56 years |
| Religion | Christmas |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Nationality | American |
| Birthplace | Busan, South Korea |
| Hometown | Bethlehem, Pennsylvania |
| Current Address | Los Angeles, California |
| Education Qualification | BA, MFA |
| Hobbies and Interests | Acting, Producing, Voice work |
| Languages Known | English, Korean |
| Social Media Profiles link | Instagram, Facebook , Twitter |
| Wikipedia Profile link | Wikipedia |
| IMDb Profile link | IMDb |
| Website link | N/A |
Physical Appearance – Height, Weight, Body Measurements
| Physical Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Body Type | Athletic |
| Body Measurements (Chest-Waist-Hips) | 39-33-14 inches |
| Height in feet, inches, cm | 5’9″, 175 cm |
| Weight in lbs, kg | 163 lbs, 74 kg |
| Chest | 39 inches |
| Waist | 33 inches |
| Biceps | 14 inches |
| Eye Colour | Hazel |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Hairstyle | Near-shaved |
| Distinctive Features | Square face, Medium skin |
| Tattoos | N/A |
Family and Relationships – Girlfriend/Wife, Affairs
Daniel Dae Kim is known for keeping his personal life private. He has been married to Mia Kim, a graphic designer, for over 30 years. Their relationship is built on mutual respect and support.
Daniel and Mia have two sons, Zander Kim and Jackson Kim. Zander has followed in his father’s footsteps and recently began working in the entertainment industry. Daniel often shares proud moments with his family on Instagram, showing his deep connection to them.
| Relationships Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse – Wife | Mia Kim |
| Father | Doo-tae Kim |
| Mother | Jung Kim |
| Children | Zander Kim, Jackson Kim |
| Siblings | Connie Kim |
| Affairs – Girlfriend(s) | N/A |
| Significant Relationships | Mia Kim |
Rise to Stardom
Daniel made his film debut in American Shaolin (1992), a martial arts drama. He worked steadily in television and film throughout the 1990s, appearing in shows like CSI, Star Trek, and ER.
His breakthrough came in Lost (2004–2010), where he played Jin-Soo Kwon, a complex character who evolved from a quiet husband to a heroic figure. The role earned him global recognition and critical acclaim.
He later starred in Hawaii Five-0 (2010–2017) as Chin Ho Kelly, further cementing his status as a leading American actor in mainstream television.
Daniel Dae Kim – Selfie
Daniel Dae Kim – Debut Film – American Shaolin
Daniel Dae Kim – Successful Film – Hellboy
Career, Awards, and Achievements
Daniel Dae Kim has built a strong career in both television and film. He has worked with top directors and starred in advertisements, magazine features, and streaming hits.
- Screen Actors Guild Award – Ensemble Cast (Lost)
- AZN Excellence Award – Outstanding Performance
- Vanguard Award – Diversity in Media
- Broadway Beacon Award – Theater Contributions
- Theater Legacy Award – Asian American Theater Recognition
Daniel also founded 3AD, a production company focused on telling diverse stories. He serves as executive producer for The Good Doctor, a hit medical drama.
| Career Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Profession(s) | Actor, Producer |
| Debut Film | American Shaolin (1992) |
| Notable Roles | Lost, Hawaii Five-0, Hellboy, The Good Doctor, 24 |
| Recent Films – New Movies | Joy Ride, Blast Beat, Raya and the Last Dragon |
| Upcoming Films | Butterfly, Avatar: The Last Airbender |
| Popular Television Series | Lost, Hawaii Five-0, 24, The Good Doctor, New Amsterdam |
| Awards and Achievements | SAG Award, AZN Excellence Award, Vanguard Award, Broadway Beacon Award, Theater Legacy Award |
| Endorsements/Brand Collaborations | Streaming promos, Cultural campaigns |
| Philanthropy/Charity Work | Asian advocacy, Arts education, Cultural envoy |
| Professional Associations | SAG-AFTRA, Broadway League |
| Training and Education | Haverford College, NYU MFA |
| Production Company | 3AD |
| Box Office Success – Hit Movies | Crash, Spider-Man 2, Hellboy, Raya and the Last Dragon |
| Critical Acclaim Movies | Crash, Joy Ride, Raya and the Last Dragon |
Assets and Finances – Net Worth
| Financial Profile | Information |
|---|---|
| Net Worth in Dollars | $20 million |
| Per Movie Charges in Dollars | $500K–$1 million |
| Per Endorsement Charges in Dollars | $100K–$250K |
| Sponsorship Deals | Brand partnerships, Streaming promos, Cultural ads |
| Business Ventures | 3AD Productions, Producing, Voice work |
| Investments | Real estate, Media, Passive income |
| Real Estate Holdings | Los Angeles home, Global properties |
| Luxury Items/Properties Owned | Designer wear, Art pieces, Tech gadgets |
| Cars Collection | SUV, Sedan, Electric car |
Favorite Things, Likes and Dislikes
| Favorite Things | Information |
|---|---|
| Favorite Actor | Denzel Washington |
| Favorite Actress | Michelle Yeoh |
| Favorite Film | The Godfather |
| Favorite Music Bands | U2, Coldplay, BTS |
| Favorite Sport | Taekwondo |
| Favorite Books | Asian American memoirs |
| Favorite Colour | Navy blue |
| Favorite Food | Korean BBQ, Sushi, Ramen |
| Things s/he like | Theater, Voice acting, Cultural advocacy, Producing |
| Things s/he dislike | Stereotyping, Racism, Inequality |
Top 5 Best Films – Daniel Dae Kim
| Film Name | Year of Release | Character Played |
|---|---|---|
| Crash | 2004 | Park |
| Spider-Man 2 | 2004 | Raymond |
| Hellboy | 2019 | Ben Daimio |
| Joy Ride | 2023 | Chao |
| Raya and the Last Dragon | 2021 | Chief Benja (voice) |
Controversies – Daniel Dae Kim
- Hawaii Five-0 Exit: He left the show over unequal pay compared to white co-stars.
- COVID-19 Diagnosis: He publicly shared his experience to raise awareness and fight anti-Asian hate.
- Asian Representation Advocacy: He testified before Congress about the need for diversity in media.
- Casting in Avatar: His role in Avatar: The Last Airbender drew praise for authentic representation.
- Production Leadership: He stepped into executive producer roles for multiple shows, challenging industry norms.
Interesting Facts – Daniel Dae Kim
- He is fluent in Korean and often uses it in his roles.
- He voiced Chief Benja in Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon.
- He trained in Taekwondo and uses martial arts in action scenes.
- He founded 3AD, a company focused on Asian American stories.
- He worked with his son Zander on a recent project.
- He wears a modern hanbok to celebrate his Korean heritage.
Daniel Dae Kim is a bold and talented American actor who brings depth and authenticity to every role. His journey from immigrant roots to Hollywood stardom shows his dedication and resilience. He is more than just a celebrity. He is a leader, advocate, and storyteller.
