Career Timeline of Daniel Dae Kim: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Daniel Dae Kim built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Daniel Dae Kim is an American actor recognized for his extensive work in television and theater. His influence and impact have been acknowledged, with Time magazine listing him among the 100 most influential people in the world in 2025. He is a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1992: Role in American Shaolin

In 1992, Daniel Dae Kim played a Shaolin monk in American Shaolin, showcasing his skills in taekwondo.

1997: Small part in The Jackal

In 1997, Daniel Dae Kim played a small part in the movie The Jackal.

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1999: Small part in For Love of the Game

In 1999, Daniel Dae Kim had a small part in the film For Love of the Game.

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2003: Minor role in Hulk

In 2003, Daniel Dae Kim had a minor role in the film Hulk.

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2004: Starred in Lost

In 2004, Daniel Dae Kim began his role as Jin-Soo Kwon in the ABC sci-fi action series Lost.

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2004: Role in Spider-Man 2 and Crash

In 2004, Daniel Dae Kim had a small role in Spider-Man 2 as a scientist and appeared in the drama Crash.

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2004: Joined the cast of Lost

In 2004, Daniel Dae Kim joined the cast of the ABC series Lost, playing Jin-Soo Kwon.

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2005: Minor role in The Cave

In 2005, Daniel Dae Kim played a minor role in the movie The Cave.

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2006: Voice of Johnny Gat and Metron

In 2006, Daniel Dae Kim voiced the character Johnny Gat for the Saints Row video game series and Metron in Justice League Unlimited.

2008: Role in The Andromeda Strain miniseries

In 2008, Daniel Dae Kim portrayed Dr. Tsi Chou in a miniseries based on Michael Crichton's novel The Andromeda Strain.

2009: Played the King of Siam in The King and I

From June 12 to 28, 2009, Daniel Dae Kim played the King of Siam in Rodgers and Hammerstein's The King and I at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England.

February 2010: Joined Hawaii Five-0 Reboot

In February 2010, shortly after Lost's conclusion, it was announced that Daniel Dae Kim would join the CBS reboot Hawaii Five-0 as Chin Ho Kelly.

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September 20, 2010: Hawaii Five-0 Premiere

On September 20, 2010, the CBS reboot Hawaii Five-0, starring Daniel Dae Kim as Chin Ho Kelly, premiered with strong ratings and critical acclaim.

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2010: Left Lost

In 2010, Daniel Dae Kim's role as Jin-Soo Kwon ended with the series finale of Lost.

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2010: Lost series finale, Hawaii Five-0 premiere

In 2010, Daniel Dae Kim's role in Lost ended with the series finale. He also began his role as Chin Ho Kelly in the CBS police procedural Hawaii Five-0.

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2013: The Good Doctor base

In 2013, the South Korean series of the same name came out and served as the base for the ABC television series The Good Doctor.

January 2014: Signed development deal with CBS Television Studios

In January 2014, Daniel Dae Kim, as founder of 3AD, signed a first-look development deal with CBS Television Studios.

2014: Co-starred in The Divergent Series: Insurgent

In 2014, Daniel Dae Kim co-starred in The Divergent Series: Insurgent, playing Jack Kang.

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2015: Role in Insurgent

In 2015, Daniel Dae Kim played Jack Kang in The Divergent Series: Insurgent.

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January 2016: Announced Broadway debut

In January 2016, it was announced that Daniel Dae Kim would make his Broadway debut as the King of Siam in Rodgers and Hammerstein's The King and I at the Lincoln Center Theatre in New York.

June 26, 2016: The King and I at the Lincoln Center Theatre

On June 26, 2016 Daniel Dae Kim concluded performances as the King of Siam in Rodgers and Hammerstein's The King and I from May 3 – June 26, 2016, at the Lincoln Center Theatre in New York.

2016: Played The King in The King and I at Lincoln Center

In 2016, Daniel Dae Kim again portrayed The King in a revival of The King and I, this time at Lincoln Center.

2016: Role in Allegiant

In 2016, Daniel Dae Kim played Jack Kang in The Divergent Series: Allegiant.

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June 2017: Departure from Hawaii Five-0

In late June 2017, Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park departed from Hawaii Five-0 due to a salary dispute with CBS.

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2017: Hawaii Five-0

In 2017, Daniel Dae Kim concluded his role as Chin Ho Kelly in the CBS police procedural Hawaii Five-0.

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2017: The Good Doctor production

In 2017, Daniel Dae Kim's production company 3AD produced the ABC television series The Good Doctor.

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2019: Roles in Hellboy and Always Be My Maybe

In 2019, Daniel Dae Kim appeared in the film Hellboy and the film Always Be My Maybe.

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2019: Role in Hellboy reboot

In 2019, Daniel Dae Kim played Ben Daimio in the reboot film Hellboy.

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March 2021: Release of Raya and the Last Dragon

In March 2021, Daniel Dae Kim voiced Chief Benja in the Disney animated film Raya and the Last Dragon, which was released.

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2021: Voice role in Raya and the Last Dragon

In 2021, Daniel Dae Kim voiced a character in the film Raya and the Last Dragon.

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September 2023: Portrayed Francis in Peter Pan Goes Wrong

In September 2023, Daniel Dae Kim portrayed Francis in the Los Angeles production of Peter Pan Goes Wrong.

2023: Role in Joy Ride

In 2023, Daniel Dae Kim had a role in the film Joy Ride.

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2024: Lead Role in Yellow Face

In 2024, Daniel Dae Kim played the lead role in the Broadway production of Yellow Face, becoming the first Asian American actor to be nominated for the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play.