Interview with Daniel Dae Kim

April_Rose · Interview with Daniel Dae Kim

interview with Daniel dae Kim, Jin in Lost.

from blogcritics magazine

Yul Kwon, this season's Survivor winner stated that his overall goal for the season was to improve the image of Asian Americans on television. Do you think it's changing for the better?

I think it is changing for the better. I think the fact that someone like Masi Oka has been nominated for a Golden Globe this year is a huge positive step. It validates Damon and J.J.’s [Abrams] choice to have characters speaking another language other than English. It’s nice to know that someone of Asian decent speaking a non-English language can be recognized for their work.

What inspired you to become an actor?

I think there’s been a love of storytelling in my family, and a need for expression. I think actors - without sounding too self-important - they do play an important role in our society. We’re the storytellers of our time, and the artists are the ones that really reflect our culture back to us.

What do you think has driven you to your current level of success?

I don’t know. I think it’s a combination of hard work, positive thinking, and preparation, and some luck. In this business, there is no formula for success. It happens individually and specifically for each person. I just feel very lucky that it happened at all.

When Lost began, did you ever think it would be this big?

Ah, no. There are a lot of obstacles to any show being successful. There are a lot of obstacles to any show actually making it on the air to begin with, from being a pilot. I just feel very glad to be on one that is successful.

Aside from Lost, what are your favorite TV shows?

I like Entourage. I like Friday Night Lights. I like The Office.

I'd never thought about it as such but it really is unusual to have people speaking another language and subtitling it, yet another thing about Lost that is revolutionary!