Daniel Dae Kim, born on August 4, 1968, in Pusan, South Korea, is an accomplished American actor renowned for his diverse roles in television, film, and theater. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Jin-Soo Kwon in the critically acclaimed ABC series Lost, which ran from 2004 to 2010. His performance not only garnered him a dedicated fan base but also established him as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Raised in a family that emphasized education and hard work, Kim moved to the United States at a young age, where he later attended New York's University of New Mexico for his undergraduate studies before earning his Master of Fine Arts degree from the Actors Studio Drama School. His early career saw him taking on various roles in television, including guest appearances in shows like Angel and ER, which helped him refine his craft and build his resume.

Kim's breakout role came with Lost, where he was part of an ensemble cast that included actors like Matthew Fox and Evangeline Lilly. His character, Jin-Soo Kwon, was a South Korean fisherman who found himself stranded on a mysterious island, navigating the complexities of survival and relationships. The show was a cultural phenomenon, and Kim's performance was critical to its success. Following Lost, he went on to star as Chin Ho Kelly in the reboot of Hawaii Five-0 from 2010 to 2017, further solidifying his status as a leading actor in American television.

In addition to his television work, Kim has made significant strides in film. He appeared in Hellboy (2019) and was part of the ensemble cast of the romantic comedy Always Be My Maybe (2019). He lent his voice to the character of Chief Benja in the animated film Raya and the Last Dragon (2021) and played Jack Kang in the two installments of the Divergent series: Insurgent (2015) and Allegiant (2016). His versatility as an actor is evident through these varied roles across genres.

Beyond acting, Kim has ventured into production, founding the production company 3AD, which produced the popular medical drama The Good Doctor. His influence in the industry was recognized in 2025 when he was named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world, highlighting his impact both on-screen and off.

Kim's theatrical accolades include a notable performance in the revival of David Henry Hwang's play Yellow Face in 2024, for which he received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Play. His stage work also features a prominent role as The King in a revival of The King and I, which he performed at the Royal Albert Hall in 2009 and again at Lincoln Center in 2016.

Daniel Dae Kim continues to be a significant figure in the entertainment industry, admired for his talent, dedication, and efforts to promote diversity and representation in Hollywood. He resides with his wife, Mia Haeyoung Kim, and remains an influential presence in both acting and production, inspiring future generations of artists.