Fresh Air Podcast Summary: Daniel Dae Kim Fakes His Own Death In 'Butterfly'
Introduction In the August 11, 2025 episode of NPR's Fresh Air, hosted by Terry Gross, actor Daniel Dae Kim discusses his latest project, the Prime Video series Butterfly, alongside his illustrious career in television and theater. The conversation delves into the nuances of his character in Butterfly, his approach to acting, representation in media, and his personal experiences shaping his career.
Exploring Butterfly: Character and Themes Daniel Dae Kim serves as both the star and executive producer of Butterfly, an action-packed spy thriller that intertwines elements of family drama, betrayal, and dual identity. Kim portrays David Jung, a former U.S. spy who fakes his death a decade ago to protect his daughter, Rebecca. Unbeknownst to Rebecca, who believes her father is deceased, she has entered the world of espionage as an assassin. As Rebecca becomes deeply entrenched in this dangerous life, David emerges from hiding to rescue her.
Kim explains his attraction to the role: “I think so many things, but, you know, I've always liked action. I've done it throughout my career... [03:24]” He emphasizes the balance between intense action sequences and the emotional depth of familial relationships, reflecting his own experiences as a father dealing with past mistakes and the trauma that can affect both parent and child.
Stunts and Physicality in Acting A standout feature of Butterfly is the extensive use of physical stunts, many of which Kim performs himself. “It's important to me,” he states [05:20]. Kim shares his commitment to authentically portraying action scenes, believing that the physicality grounds his performances and creates a coherent synthesis between body language and emotional expression. He contrasts his approach with actors who rely heavily on stunt doubles, expressing a desire to maintain a genuine connection with his character's physical and emotional states.
Filming in South Korea: A Personal Connection Butterfly is uniquely set and entirely filmed in South Korea, a choice that holds personal significance for Kim, who was born there. “[...] we shot in over 20 cities throughout all of South Korea. I learned a lot about Korea as well. We went from, you know, the mountains of Andong in the countryside to the skyscrapers of Seoul and Busan...” [06:41]. Kim recounts a heartfelt moment during filming in Busan, where he invited his relatives to witness the production firsthand, bridging his professional and personal worlds in a meaningful way [07:25].
Representation and Challenges in Hollywood A significant portion of the discussion centers on representation in media. Kim reflects on the historical challenges Asian actors face, citing the Miss Saigon controversy as a pivotal moment [11:35]. He elaborates on how the casting of a white actor in an Asian role with prosthetic alterations sparked protests and highlighted the broader issue of visibility and authenticity for Asian Americans in the entertainment industry.
“...making us invisible on camera or on stage harms us in our culture, because it makes us, in some ways, dispensable.” [13:23]. Kim passionately discusses the delicate balance between advocating for authentic representation and the potential repercussions that such advocacy can have on opportunities for other Asian actors.
Personal Background and Activism Kim shares insights into his upbringing in the United States, detailing his family's immigration from South Korea and the socio-economic challenges they faced, particularly during the decline of the American steel industry and incidents like the murder of Vincent Chin [23:25]. He highlights his activism against anti-Asian violence, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing personal experiences that fueled his advocacy.
Reflections on Lost and Character Development Discussing his iconic role as Jin in the ABC series Lost, Kim reveals the evolution of his character from a stereotype to a deeply nuanced and beloved figure. “[...] one of the main reasons I did Hawaii 5o was because it stayed in Hawaii and we didn't have to move. My kids were in school...” [09:33]. He explains how collaborative efforts with writers and fellow actors transformed Jin into a multi-dimensional character, countering initial perceptions and contributing positively to Asian representation on television.
Tony Nomination and Yellowface Kim's recent Tony nomination for his role in the revival of Yellowface is another focal point. The play, written by David Henry Wong, is a semi-autobiographical comedy that critiques racial casting practices in theater. Kim recounts a scene from the play, highlighting the challenges and societal implications of casting non-Asian actors in Asian roles [11:35]. He underscores the importance of such narratives in fostering cultural awareness and combating systemic invisibility.
Balancing Career and Family Throughout his career, Kim has consciously made choices to prioritize his family's well-being alongside his professional ambitions. He discusses the personal impact of frequently portraying characters who die on screen, a phenomenon he refers to as "representation with a capital R," affecting both societal perceptions and his own family's aspirations [35:10]. This reflection underscores the profound influence media representation has on individual lives and community narratives.
Humor and Self-Representation Kim also touches upon his forays into comedy, noting his enjoyment in subverting his leading man image through humorous roles. He cites his performance in Always Be My Maybe as an example, where he playfully pokes fun at himself, demonstrating his versatility and willingness to explore diverse facets of his persona [39:43].
Conclusion Daniel Dae Kim's conversation on Fresh Air offers an in-depth look into his multifaceted career, his dedication to authentic representation, and the personal motivations driving his artistic choices. From leading a groundbreaking spy thriller to challenging industry norms through theater, Kim remains a pivotal figure advocating for diversity and depth in storytelling.
Notable Quotes
- On Action and Acting: “I like to be fully activated through my body... [05:20]”
- On Representation: “Making us invisible on camera or on stage harms us in our culture... [13:23]”
- On Personal Impact: “...it's representation in my own family and how I was level setting their hopes and dreams inadvertently through my work. [35:19]”
- On Comedy: “I really enjoy it because I love comedy... [39:43]”
Timestamp Highlights
- 03:24 – Kim discusses the blend of action and family drama in Butterfly.
- 05:20 – The importance of performing his own stunts.
- 11:35 – Detailed account of the Miss Saigon casting controversy.
- 23:25 – Reflection on the Vincent Chin incident and its impact.
- 35:10 – The effect of character deaths on his children and personal life.
- 39:43 – Embracing humor in his roles and self-representation.
This comprehensive summary encapsulates Daniel Dae Kim's insightful conversation on Fresh Air, highlighting his commitment to meaningful storytelling and the ongoing quest for authentic representation in the entertainment industry.