Interview, Fireside Chat
Daniel Dae Kim, Actor, Director and Producer
- Daniel Dae Kim, actor and producer, testified before the U.S. Congress twice within six months to advocate for the AAPI community following anti-Asian violence, arguing that the first resolution (No. 908) lacked practical resources.
- Kim's second congressional testimony aimed to advance two additional bills in subcommittees, targeting legislation with tangible effects for the country's 23 million Asian Americans.
- He asserts that his advocacy is driven by a belief in collective humanity and the necessity of living harmoniously, extending his concerns beyond the AAPI community to broader societal treatment.
- Kim highlights the "bamboo ceiling" by citing 2018 U.S. Department of Labor data showing Asian Americans comprise over 12% of Fortune 500 workforces but only 1.5% of executive roles.
- Recent tech sector data indicates Asian Americans make up 27% of the workforce versus 14% of executives, a sharp contrast to white counterparts holding 62% of workforce and 80% of executive positions.
- Kim critiques the "model minority" myth, noting a 2023 study by Launch revealing a public perception that Asians are equally represented at executive levels despite statistical underrepresentation.
- His departure from the series Hawaii Five-0 was precipitated by his and co-star Daniel Dae Kim's demand for equal compensation, a move that correlated with the show's subsequent end shortly after their exit.
- He identifies the disparity in leading roles and decision-making positions in the entertainment industry as a structural manifestation of the same dynamics observed in corporate boardrooms.
- Kim was born in South Korea and moved to Pennsylvania as a child; he describes his transition to the Lehigh Valley as his first exposure to daily racism and prejudice.
- Regarding his role as Jin-Soo Kwon in Lost, Kim clarified that while Korean was his first language, his oral fluency declined after switching to English for elementary school, requiring significant effort to regain fluency for the role.
- Kim emphasizes that while he did not feel "trapped" in his current reputation, his primary motivation remains ensuring safety for all communities regardless of appearance.
- He views the lack of action following the initial congressional resolution as the catalyst for his return, stating that ignoring such calls to action prevents individuals from being part of the solution.