Daniel Dae Kim hopes ‘Butterfly’ can be the ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ of spy thrillers

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“Butterfly” is actor and producer Daniel Dae Kim’s love letter to Korea and America.

Starting on Wednesday, the spy thriller produced by Prime Video, set in South Korea, is about to be released. The story revolves around David Jung (Kim), a former U.S. intelligence officer who has been living in secrecy, and his daughter Rebecca (Reina Hardesty), a skilled agent. Rebecca was raised under the belief that her father had perished, but now they are brought back together.

During a recent video call in late July, Kim expressed, “This has always been my dream as it embodies the dual essence of who I am. Being of Korean descent, yet raised in America, these are the two nations I hold dear. Why not aim to unite their cultures? Given my unique background, I feel particularly well-equipped for this endeavor.

Drawing inspiration from the graphic novel series penned by Arash Amel, Kim characterizes the show as a “drama centered around relationships,” with its actions and conflicts stemming from deep-seated emotions.

In my perspective, it was crucial for me to portray David as a character with imperfections rather than someone flawless in the making of our series. Many of his behaviors stem from deep-seated pain, and this aspect is mirrored in Rebecca’s character development, both of which grow from places of pain.

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The actor shares his personal journey, detailing how a violent incident involving his sister fueled his commitment to combat hate crimes against Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. He also discusses the complex emotions he experiences while producing – finding it both empowering and emotionally draining.

The television series “Butterfly” features a multitude of thrilling action scenes such as hand-to-hand combat and shootouts, however, it’s the heartfelt family drama and its impact on these action sequences that co-creators Ken Woodruff and Steph Cha highlight with great emphasis. Upon reading the original comic book series, one of the aspects that immediately captivated Woodruff was Rebecca’s unique storyline.

As a film enthusiast, I recall vividly how my childhood was disrupted when my parents parted ways. In the blink of an eye, my dad relocated to another part of the country, swiftly building a new family. The bond between Rebecca and her father resonated deeply with me, as it mirrored my own complex feelings – love, yet tinged with anger, resentment, and jealousy. This emotional connection drew me in irresistibly.

In essence, Kim felt that shifting the narrative of the graphic novel from Europe and America to South Korea, focusing instead on a Korean and Korean American family, would foster a connection between Hollywood and Korean entertainment. This required championing renowned Korean actors such as Park Hae-soo, Kim Ji-hoon, and Kim Tae-hee for key roles, and bringing on a Korean director for several episodes of the series.

Daniel was deeply committed to connecting these two cultures appropriately and with great respect, ensuring accuracy in all aspects, Woodruff notes. Occasionally, under varying situations, he faced intense scrutiny yet remained unwavering. He passionately defended the Korean characters, working diligently to ensure their roles were as rich and captivating as any other character.

One notable aspect about Kim’s approach was the exceptional attention given to ensuring the well-being of everyone involved in the production of the show.

Cha notes that he consistently ensures everyone feels appreciated and a part of the group. He personally ensured the Korean actors felt at home and integrated seamlessly, while also making the American actors feel comfortable in Korea.

Woodruff mentions that ‘he is very attuned to others’, referring to Kim’s kindness. This observation reflects some of the Korean language abilities he acquired from working with the Korean cast, who were praised by the creators for accurately portraying Korean culture in the series.

Kim expresses gratitude for the changes in the industry and societal norms that enabled a series such as “Butterfly,” primarily filmed in Korea with substantial Korean dialogues, to come into existence.

Kim expresses that it’s unlikely ‘Butterfly’ would have been produced a decade ago due to the profound shift in storytelling philosophy we experience today. If we continue to excel in our craft, he believes there will be numerous productions similar to ‘Butterfly’.

During a condensed and refined chat, Kim shares insights about his latest series, his unique production methods, and the significance he places on leveraging his platform.

What was your process of discovering David? How did you come to understand him?

It wasn’t challenging for me since I’m a father too, as I could relate to the struggles of child-rearing and balancing work responsibilities. At times, our jobs may force us into tough decisions affecting our families. David chose what he believed was right, but it turned out disastrous for his daughter. The first season primarily explores how much anguish he can endure because of the harm he caused her. It also questions how self-centered he is, continuing to desire a family ideal, despite a choice he made that ultimately shattered it.

That seems like a different kind of father from the one you play in “Avatar: The Last Airbender.”

In essence, they both share the role of being a father, yet their approaches differ significantly. Ozai requires his child to emulate him in leadership and methods, viewing any deviation as failure and prioritizing their mission above all else. Conversely, David, while perhaps less extreme in his approach earlier, now understands that he does not wish to follow this path.

Is it possible for someone to get a second opportunity to be a great father? To me, that’s something incredibly human and universal. Many people might think about a TV series and say, “It’s produced in Korea, the lead character is Asian, and it focuses on an Asian family. I’m not sure if I can connect with it.” However, if you have kids or have had parents, you might find that you understand the dynamics portrayed in this show.

A butterfly symbolizes the rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives that often go unnoticed when identities are oversimplified. It represents the complexities of being Korean, Korean-American, and navigating one’s identity within both cultures, particularly when in Korea.

It mattered significantly to me that Rebecca be half-Asian since it represents an unexplored aspect of our story. I’m excited about this part because Rebecca is not only biracial, but she also lacks a mother and believes her father is deceased. Growing up as an Asian American, I often felt like I didn’t fully belong in either world. However, now in my career and artistic journey, I can authentically express both experiences, which isn’t common. This unique perspective is what I aimed to bring to our show, with the utmost respect and affection for both cultures.

Inquire about the nature of the central relationship between Rebecca and yourself in the show. How did you go about creating that dynamic with actress Reina Hardesty?

We consider ourselves fortunate to have discovered Reina during the casting phase. Inviting someone to relocate to Korea for half a year, learn intense action sequences, and portray emotional complexities is no small feat. This character demands a great deal of skill and versatility. Upon her joining the team, all the producers let out a collective sigh of relief and exuded enthusiasm because we felt, as you suggested, that with Reina on board, we now have a show that will truly resonate.

You’re frequently acknowledged as a trailblazer among Asian-American artists within the entertainment field.

I’ve built upon the foundations laid by many who came before me, though they may not have achieved the same level of success as I have, it’s simply how things progress. Pioneers clear a path so that others can follow without encountering obstacles. This concept mirrors my experience as a father. My aspiration is to establish a life for my children that surpasses mine in terms of personal growth, success, and kindness. I desire the same for our community of Asian American artists: to build upon what has been established and create something even more remarkable.

In my circle, which included talented individuals like Joel de la Fuente, Will Yun Lee, and Ron Yuan, we were few and far between during challenging times. Yet, whenever auditions came up, we’d frequently reach out to each other for support. If I didn’t land a role, I’d hope it would go to one of them. Reflecting on today’s society, I believe we could all benefit from cultivating more of that camaraderie – caring for each other just a little bit more than we have in recent memory.

As a cinephile, I’ve found myself navigating turbulent waters recently. The movie industry, my beloved passion, seems to be contracting, which can feel like a stormy sea for those of us who are deeply invested in it. Simultaneously, there’s an unsettling rise in voices outside the industry criticizing diversity and inclusion efforts. It’s challenging, to say the least, but it also serves as a reminder that our work towards a more inclusive cinema is far from over.

1. In a more casual tone: Martin Luther King Jr.’s words ring a bell – “The moral universe’s curve is long, but it leans towards fairness.” Or, if you’re into finance, markets have their ups and downs, but the key is identifying the general trend. I’m optimistic that today’s dip is just temporary, and we’ll keep moving forward positively.

2. In a business context: As Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “The moral universe has a long arc that bends towards justice.” Similarly, in financial markets, there will be fluctuations between gains and losses, but the important factor is understanding the overall trajectory. Currently, I am hopeful that this setback is merely a temporary dip, and we’ll maintain our positive progression.

I strongly believe that a large number of individuals appreciate the concept of our community as inclusive, rather than viewing it as a negative term. Moreover, I think it’s essential for everyone, regardless of their background or political affiliation, to strive for understanding experiences beyond their own. This is not exclusive to minorities and majorities. In fact, I learn something new every day from people who are different from me, and I find that living this way adds a lot of interest to my life.

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In our community, we’ve made significant progress regarding representation, but we still have room for improvement. While some may view this as an optimistic or pessimistic outlook depending on their perspective, I prefer to focus on the advancements we’ve achieved while acknowledging that there is more work to be done in fostering understanding and empathy among us. As today’s news demonstrates, our journey towards mutual comprehension and compassion is ongoing.

Reflecting on our show’s theme, it’s essentially about fostering unity within a family, symbolizing the broader community we aim to unite. We may all have faltered in the past or acted in ways we now wish we hadn’t. However, these past errors don’t define us forever. Instead, they serve as opportunities for growth and improvement towards becoming better individuals.

As a movie reviewer, I’m thrilled to share my insights about the current blockbuster sensation, “KPop Demon Hunters,” where I had the privilege of voicing Healer Han. When it comes to choosing projects, I look for stories that resonate with me on a personal level and offer unique perspectives. This intriguing blend of K-pop culture, action, and fantasy drew me in immediately.

The reception has been nothing short of phenomenal. I’ve been genuinely surprised by the enthusiasm and appreciation from fans worldwide. It’s an honor to be part of a production that’s not only entertaining but also breaking barriers and igniting conversations about cultural fusion in entertainment.

Whenever I embark on a project, I ponder over its symbolic essence, its portrayal, its personality, the creators involved, and the narrative – all these factors shape my decision-making process. “KPop Demon Hunters,” much like “Butterfly,” was a project that resonated with this philosophy. It aimed to adapt a Korean entertainment format for American and global audiences. The team behind it consisted of Korean Americans, similar to “Butterfly.” When they approached me for the job, I saw the alignment in our creative vision, making my decision an effortless affirmative.

When creating a project, it’s impossible to predict its exact outcome in advance. Surprisingly, the “KPop Demon Hunters” project turned out to be an enjoyable experience for me, particularly since I relished the opportunity to voice the role. One of the main reasons I accepted this role was my affinity for comedy, as it allowed me to delve deeper into the comedic aspects, which I found to be a delightful aspect of the character.

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The American-produced movie titled ‘K-pop Demon Hunters’ has garnered massive popularity in South Korea, largely due to its incorporation of Korean mythology, popular trends, and lifestyle.

The 4-year-old in my life is obsessed with “KPop Demon Hunters.”

As a movie critic, I’m currently immersed in a wave of excitement for “KPop Demon Hunters” across my social media landscape. It’s heartening to see Korean K-pop stars joining this trend, as it mirrors the growing interest among non-Koreans, making me feel that Korean American narratives are finally gaining traction. Perhaps the release of “Butterfly” will serve as a catalyst, prompting Koreans to recognize and appreciate Korean Americans just as we, Americans, have begun to do so. Historically, we’ve occupied a unique cultural middle ground, and I hope this is the moment when we step into the limelight and shine brighter than ever before.

How have you found the rapid surge in global acceptance and fame of Korean entertainment, particularly K-pop and K-dramas, entering the mainstream?

Initially, I was often taken aback due to the lack of knowledge about Korean identity during my childhood. People would frequently ask me if I was Chinese or Japanese, to which I would respond negatively. The question then became, “Then what are you?” At that time, Korea wasn’t well-known. A visit to my house by friends would often be met with questions about the strong-smelling dish my mom was preparing – kimchi. They would ask, “What is that odor?” Now, not only is this known, but it’s also being consumed widely, and people appreciate its health benefits as a probiotic food. It’s a source of pride for me. I am delighted that my children won’t experience the embarrassment associated with being Korean, which is a positive development.

How would it impact you to not just act, but produce as well, particularly in a project like “Butterfly”?

As an actor, you can only get involved in projects that invite you. We’re constantly auditioning, hoping to be chosen by directors, producers, or studios. However, as a producer, you have the power to generate jobs, which is something I find very appealing – creating chances for others. That’s one of the reasons I ventured into production in the first place. There was a significant lack of roles that I believed needed addressing. I thought, why not tackle the issue at its source? It turns out that not enough roles are being created, so I decided to give it a try and start creating them myself.

My company [3AD] is often perceived as catering solely to Asian Americans, but this isn’t true. It’s a platform for everyone who feels marginalized. As a producer, I want to share this untold narrative. We’ve grown accustomed to hearing stories about high school parties from the popular crowd – the jocks, cheerleaders, and in-crowd. But I’m more interested in the perspectives of those who weren’t at the party: the ones who snuck in, weren’t invited, or were left at home. These are stories that have yet to be told, and they intrigue me because they offer a fresh, unexplored perspective on what we think we know about high school life.

What was it like building the team you’re working with on “Butterfly”?

As a job creator, I not only seek talented individuals to collaborate with but also writers who can bring unique perspectives to our projects. I am particularly proud of our writing team, as a significant portion was Asian American or deeply familiar with Asian culture, particularly Korean culture. Our crew was entirely Korean and we managed to maintain a nearly equal gender balance. These aspects are important to me.

I hold our showrunner, Ken Woodruff, in high regard because despite not being of Asian descent, he understands the importance of being an ally and a collaborative partner. Throughout this process, he has shown immense respect for what he doesn’t know about Korean culture and its impact on characters and storylines. At the same time, he has expertly guided our writers room with his vast experience as a storyteller.

In my opinion, Ken exemplifies an ideal partnership. His actions demonstrate what it means to be an ally in practice. I’ve been working in this industry for 30 years, and I can confidently say that I have never worked with a better showrunner than Ken Woodruff.

You’ve also openly expressed your views on matters that matter deeply to you. Can you share what drives you to voice your opinions so passionately?

As both a person and a citizen, I firmly believe in an informed populace. This doesn’t imply that one side is always right and the other wrong, but rather that education plays a crucial role. In my daily life, I make it a point to question things that seem unfair or unjust, asking questions like “Why is this happening?” or “How did we get here?” Everyone, whether they are a plumber or a politician, should have the right to voice their opinions, especially when those opinions are well-informed and based on thorough research. Just as no one tells an athlete to stop talking and just play, neither should anyone tell a citizen to be silent and only act. After all, we are all affected by the policies around us, and being part of a democracy means using our voices to bring about change together.

Our story’s path is about resolving conflicts between two characters and their disparities. In today’s world, open conversations, eagerness to understand, and respect seem hard to come by, which leaves me feeling a bit melancholic. I am optimistic that the tales I get to share may foster unity instead of discord.

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2025-08-13 13:32