AsiaSource, June 23, 2005.
Video interview with transcript, "Interview with Daniel Dae Kim". In a wide-ranging interview, Daniel talks about his role on Lost, Asian American roles in the entertainment industry, and what TV shows he liked as a child.
Available online as a video or transcript at AsiaSource.org.
Excerpt--
Asiasource: How has Lost been received in Korea?
Daniel: It's been mixed. Before the show ever aired there was [...] a pretty scathing article about my character and Yunjun's. [...] They are protective of how their culture is perceived abroad as we all should be to a certain degree. So there was an uphill battle from the beginning. [...] But the show does have a fan base in Korea because people like the show. I've been told that there is a cable company that is going to start to air it at primetime so I am curious to see how that changes things.
DanielDaeKim.org & Lost-TV.com, March 11, 2005. Interview by Christine Berni.
Website interview, "DDK interview for LOST-TV.com and DanielDaeKim.org" Exclusive interview! Daniel answered questions submitted by the fans on the DDK yahoogroup and the LOST-TV.com Forum. Most of the questions were about the recent Lost episode which featured Daniel's character Jin, such as why he lied about his father being dead, whether there's still hope for Jin and Sun, and why Jin is still wearing the one handcuff. Daniel also answered questions about 24, Angel, and his future plans.
Available right here at the Interview: Lost page!
Excerpt--
Christine: Where would you like to see Jin go from here?
Daniel: I'm really happy with the way he's progressing. I think his motivations are clear, his storyline is being fleshed out, and his journey is coming into focus. I guess the only thing left now is for him to start speaking English. Let's keep our fingers crossed!
The Trades, March 8, 2005. Article by Scott Juba.
Website interview, "Scott's Spotlight: Daniel Dae Kim Interview" Interview discusses what the Lost cast know or don't know about their character's future, compares actors to their roles, and touches on the possible impact of the show. The Trades is an online publication specializing in entertainment industry analysis.
Available online at http://www.the-trades.com/column.php?columnid=3038.
Excerpt--
So, who is least like their character? “I’d like to think it’s me,” Kim says lightheartedly. I would certainly agree. Jin’s confrontational, aggressive personality is entirely different from Kim’s personable nature.
Ain't It Cool News, March 6, 2005. Interview by Moon Yun Choi.
Website interview, "AICN’s Moon Yun Choi Chats Up LOST Star Daniel Dae Kim!!"
Interview covers recent work on Lost and other upcoming projects, including Cave and "Over the Shoulder".
Available online at http://www.aint-it-cool-news.com/display.cgi?id=19568.
Excerpt--
AICN: Has [sic] things changed for you since LOST has become so popular?
DDK: In so many ways. One cool thing is that lately I‘ve been asked a lot to get involved with issues involving Asian Americans. From emceeing events to commenting on certain issues, LOST seems to have raised my profile in the community. It’s a role I’m happy to take on, though. I’m as proud to be Korean as I am to be American. It’s an honor to be asked to contribute.
Zap2it, February 17, 2005. Article by Kate O'Hare.
Website interview, "Kim Talks About the 'Lost' Art of Being Jin" Article done just before the important Lost episode "...In Translation" and discusses Jin and Sun's relationship and some of what will be coming in the episode.
Available online at http://tv.zap2it.com/tveditorial/tve_main/1,1002,271|93634|1|,00.html (This awkward URL sometimes doesn't work so you might need to cut and paste it into your browser's address line.)
Excerpt--
"This is the way I think about Jin," Kim says. "He is a man who commits 100 percent of himself to the thing he believes in. Once he got to the island, he found out that the things he believed in were not necessarily worth believing in. It really shook his world. He's in a recovery process, so he's questioning everything about himself."
Asia Pacific Arts, December 16, 2004. Interviewed by Ada Tseng and Eyvette Min. Transcription by Ada Tseng.
Video Interview, "Finding Daniel Dae Kim" A 12-minute video interview focusing on Lost and overcoming Korean stereotypes. Also touches on a number of other topics such as Daniel's plans for the future, his movie The Cave, and his mention on Will & Grace.
Listen to the interview! (RealVideo format)
Go to the APA website for a full transcript.
Excerpt--
APA: Hollywood is very image-conscious. Is it a challenge for you?
DDK: Honestly, I don't look at it that way. When I was in college, I was pretty athletic, I played football, I played tennis, I played a lot of sports, so it's always been a part of who I am. I never work out to get huge or anything like that, I work out to stay fit, because I feel better. And I watch what I eat, not because I'm on a extreme carb diet or anything like that. I want to live a long life, you know? So I just generally like to be outdoors, and when you're in Hawaii, why not?
KoreAm Journal, October 2004 / Vol 15, No 16, Pg 74-81. Article by Corina Knoll. Photographs by Reising & Taylor and Mario Perez.
Magazine cover story, "'Lost' in Paradise" Article and interviews done before the premiere of Lost. An excellent comprehensive article about Daniel and Yunjim Kim - their backgrounds, experiences in the film industry, and their Lost characters.
I'm guessing the article will be available online at some point at
http://www.koreamjournal.com/.
The print issue is also available through the website.
Excerpts (unconnected)--
Daniel says, "The plan that the producers have for these characters is not just for one episode. The plan is a five-year arc. So the Asian Americans and the Asians who watch this show -- I would just ask them to be patient about what they see because at first glance you're going to see something that you think you may have seen before, and it's easy to kind of hop on a critical bandwagon about. But the characters are a lot more complex than they first appear."
Lost producer Bryan Burk says, "There was a big casting process, and [Daniel] came in and just blew us away. He was just spectacular. I'd never seen any of his work before, but he just came in and we said, 'Oh, he's the guy'. The levels of his performance were leaps and bounds better than anyone else we had seen. Plus he spoke Korean."
Honolulu Star Bulletin, Wednesday, Sep 22, 2004. Article by Tim Ryan.
Newspaper article, "Actors explore Korean heritage in ‘Lost’" A very interesting article where Daniel and his co-star Yun Jin Kim discuss the unique challenges and opportunities in their roles in Lost as an on-the-surface stereotypical Korean couple.
Article is available online at Starbulletin.com.
Excerpt--
"There aren't that many chances for Asian actors to be part of a series and move beyond the stereotype," Daniel says. "I trust J.J. and Damon to flush out my character to make him three dimensional, someone interesting to play and watch develop.
"The writers have told me Jin has many layers to reveal. I trust them."
Allentown Morning Call, Jul 3, 2004. pg. D1. Article by Jodi Duckett.
Newspaper article, "Freedom grad lends a hand to Doc Ock in 'Spider-Man 2'" Article focuses on Daniel's local connections.
Article is available online but for a subscription fee ($2.95 for one article) at Morning Call Online.
Free abstract: Now, the 1986 Freedom High School graduate can add to his resume a blockbuster of superhero proportions. Kim plays the serious lab assistant of Dr. Otto Octavius, the scientist who shakes up New York City in "Spider-Man 2."
As the clipboard-carrying Raymond, Kim assists Octavius in a presentation of the doctor's latest energy-harnessing device in which powerful mechanical tentacles are fused to the doctor's spine. ...
Excerpt--
Kim's part isn't large; he only has about five minutes of screen time in the early part of the movie. But he's happy. "It's always better for me when I get to work on a show that I really like. I grew up reading Spider-Man and it was a thrill ... Just seeing him come to life was pretty amazing."
|
Jasmine, Spring/Summer 2004. Article by Christine Miguel.
One page article, "Class Act". Article discusses how Daniel got into acting, being an active member of the asian cultural community, and how personal history makes an impact on every acting role. (Includes address of this website!) Also has sidebar of "burning questions" like "boxers or briefs?".
Print issue available at newstands now in Canada.
Excerpt--
What is the worst '80s trend you fell victim to?
Gotta say parachute pants and espadrilles - Thank you, Don Johnson.
Dreamwatch, November 2003, Issue 109 USA, p.53. Words by Abbie Bernstein.
Sidebar article, "Starship Trooper". Article is part of feature about Enterprise's new direction for its third season. Part of the changes are bringing on board a new military security unit, including Daniel's role, Corporal Chang.
Print issue available at newstands now. Also available through Dreamwatch UK.
Partial interview available online at Sci-Fi Pulse.
Excerpt--
Do you have an affinity for the sci-fi/fantasy genre or do you just work in it a lot?
I enjoy it. I have done a lot of things outside of science fiction, but there has been an almost disproportionate amount of that genre in my body of work. I don't know what to make of it. Maybe I'm just a freak [laughs]! ... I'm happy to be back in space [laughs]!
KoreAm Journal, May 2003. Article by Ju Yon Kim. Photograph by Eric Sueyoshi.
Feature article, "Sesame Street Dreams". One great picture. Article discusses 24, Gavin Park's demise, and the challenges of being an Asian American actor.
Should be available online soon at http://www.koreamjournal.com/ArtistsTrax.asp.
Print issue available at www.koreamjournal.com.
Excerpt--
As a family man, Kim has further incentive to look for lighter roles. “The way I do projects is a little bit different,” Kim says. “Now I watch things like violence, and whether my sons would be proud of their old man. And honestly, I would love to do ‘Sesame Street.’”
Kim adds with a laugh, “You can call the article ‘Sesame Street Dreams.’”
Audrey, May/June 2003. Story by Ju Yon Kim. Photos by Eric Sueyoshi.
Feature article, "Man of Action". Six fanciful and fabulous pictures! Article talks about Daniel through the prism of Shakespeare's Henry V and Hamlet.
Available online at http://www.audreymagazine.com/June2003/Features03.asp.
Print issue available at bookstores and www.audreymagazine.com.
Excerpt--
He may want to play both hero and anti-hero, but Kim is undoubtedly more Henry than Hamlet. Like Henry, he is a man of action, not one who simply broods about what he should do.
Yolk, 2002 Volume 9 Number 6, pg. 12. Article by Caroline Hong.
A scrambled yolk -- One page spot article, "Rebel Thespian". A large picture with a few paragraphs and quotes overlaid.
Issue available at bookstores and www.yolk.com.
Excerpt--
"I would love to play the lead in a romantic comedy. ... You never see Jackie [Chan] kiss a girl, or even Chow Yun-Fat; you never see a love relationship where it's physicalized on stage. It's always buddy-buddy."
Click for a graphic of the full text.
Jade Magazine, January 2003. Interview by Jill SBK Morneau.
Feature interview, "You Voted Him One of the Sexiest Asian American Men--Daniel Dae Kim". Interview due to recent online poll. Question and Answer format -- Daniel talks about The Hulk, what roles he would like to get, and being an Asian male in Hollywood.
Available online at http://www.jademagazine.com/23ae_jill.html.
Excerpt--
Q: And your wife...how does your wife feel about you being one of JADE's sexiest Asian men?
A: She actually chuckled when she first heard about it. But then she gave me a little kiss and said, "You should have been THE sexiest..." Isn't that nice?
USAsians.net, April 2002. Interview/Article by Christine Berni.
Feature Article, "Daniel Dae Kim: Choosing It All". Part article/part interview format with some great discussion. Article also has sidebars for a biography, a filmography, and some featured roles.
Available online at http://us_asians.tripod.com/features-ddk.html
If you have difficulty viewing it there, I have posted a copy here.
Excerpt--
Q: I would love to see [you] in a role which would allow [you] to go through a broad spectrum of emotions.
A:I have to say I totally agree with you. I'm waiting for the role that will let me show the entire range of emotion as well. I'd really love to play a romantic lead, maybe in a comedy, especially because I've been playing so many "heavies" recently. I've been able to on stage, but it's harder for an actor of color to get those kinds of roles the way show business is today. Let's hope that changes in the future.
The BronzeShelter Webzine, January 2002. Interview/Article by Barbara Pollak.
Feature Article, "Beyond the Mask of Evil Lawyer". Focuses on Daniel's reoccuring role on
Angel as Gavin Park. Excellent article also explores Daniel's background, opinions, and personality.
Unhappily, the BronzeShelter is now offline. I have reposted the article here.
Excerpt--
[Regarding a scene in Angel where Daniel's character attacks a female co-worker]
"I was actually really surprised at how difficult it was [to shoot that scene]. I haven't done anything like that on stage or on screen in a really long time and I certainly haven't done it in my personal life, so I knew it might be difficult, but I was still surprised by how moved by it I actually was. At the end of the day, I found myself a little bit shaken." He agreed that overall, the episode's subject matter of violence against women was terrifying, saying, "The reality of it is pretty grim." Daniel also acknowledges that the show dealt with a sensitive topic in a thoughtful and considered way, but from a personal standpoint it was still rather difficult to handle.
Urbanasian.com Online Magazine, December 2001.
Spotlight Exclusive Interview, "The Many Faces of Daniel Dae Kim". Question and Answer format -- Daniel talks about how he got started as an actor, career highs and lows, being an Asian American in the film industry, and his role on Angel.
Available online at http://www.urbanasian.com/spot29a.html
Excerpt--
Q: Describe the difficulties of being an actor.
A: Being an actor is hard - not only the craft, but also the lifestyle. And it gets harder as you get older because you have more at stake. Dealing with rejection is something people aren’t normally configured to do, so when you are rejected 90% of the time, sometimes it’s difficult not to take it personally. You have to develop a really thick skin. Working actors are "gluttons for punishment," but I do it because the personal satisfaction is so great. I have a hard time recommending a career in acting to anyone, though. I usually say that if you can do something else, do it. If you can’t, then you have no choice. Another thing that’s been said a lot, which I happen to agree with, is that often this profession chooses you, you don’t choose it.
Looking For Bobby D: Actors - Daniel Dae Kim
KoreAm Journal, February 2000 / Volume 11, Number 2
Korea Times, Vol 9, No 1, Pg 8, January 31, 2000. Interview by Philip W. Chung.
"Daniel Dae Kim Is Busy In Acting Career". Article discusses Daniel's work with the Lodestone Theatre Ensemble and "Golden Child", relating the works to themes in Daniel's own life. See transcription.
Excerpt--
"Daniel Dae Kim is an intelligent, honest and instinctual actor of great proportions," Yew [the director of "Golden Child"] says. "I always believe in casting an actor who is the best and most appropriate for a role. In this case, an actor who possesses keen emotional awareness of the character and who is able to share the stage with four other equally indominitable actors of great spirit. And that actor is Dan Kim."
B5/Crusade Spoiler Junkies Page, July 11, 1999. Interview by Mark Rivera.
Available online at http://www.visi.com/~wildfoto/interview5.html
Excerpt--
Q: There has been a long history of Asian Americans appearing in science fiction television from "Star Trek: TOS", and
"Voyager" through "Space: Above and Beyond", "Earth: Final Conflict", and CRUSADE. How do you feel the portrayal of Asian
Americans has been in science fiction ... ?
A: ... I think it's probably the most forward thinking genre there is in terms of race and
gender representation. I give a lot of that credit to Gene Roddenberry. He really broke a lot of molds with "Star Trek" and paved
the way for other sci-fi creators to envision a world - and a universe - that is truly inclusive. Imagine how many feathers he must
have ruffled back then... I think that the Asians I've seen on sci-fi shows have been actively non-stereotypical in their depiction,
and I'm not sure I could say that about any other genre. The characters, from Sulu to Paul Wang to Harry Kim, have all been
allowed to develop 3-dimensionally in their respective shows, and it really is a privilege to be a part of that tradition. I think
Matheson represents an even more interesting development because he wasn't even written for an Asian, and there is no remark
or explanation of his heritage. Hopefully in the future there won't need to be, and we won't be bound by what we expect someone
to be like based on his or her appearance. Now if we can just get an Asian in the Captain's chair... :)
TNT's Crusade site News of Earth. Interview by Sandra Bruckner.
Available online at http://tnt.turner.com/crusade/news_intv_matheson.html (This is the
direct link to the page without the frames. With frames it would be
http://tnt.turner.com/crusade/ and then the News of Earth section.)
Excerpt--
Q: What did you particularly like about Crusade?
A: I genuinely enjoyed all the actors I was able to work with, the scripts I got to read, and most of all, the
character I got to play. It was great to be able to go over each script as it came out and see where
John Matheson was heading in this new universe that unfolded a little bit every week. I'm going to miss
it.
Official Babylon 5 Magazine Vol 2, No 16, October 1999, page 16-20. Interview by Lou Anders. Lieutenant Matheson Profile by Fiona Avery.
Out of print. I have found it for purchase at Intergalatic Trading and Ebay.
See graphics from the article.
See transcription.
Excerpt--
"My character harbours a lot of secrets, and I'm glad. Nothing's interesting about a guy who only sticks to the straight and narrow, without any conflict. It's our weaknesses that make us interesting."
Starburst Special #40, Summer 1999, page 88-91. Interview by Joe Nazzaro.
Universe Today, Fall 1998, Vol. 6, Iss. 4, pg. 14. Interview by Michael
Zmuda.
Out of print. See transcription.
Excerpt--
Q: What does Daniel feel is different on CRUSADE compared to other series that he's acted on?
A: For me, I've never done a Sci-FI TV show before, or a series. The thing that I found really interesting about working on this show, and specifically how it differs from working on soap operas, is that Sci Fi gives the writers and the actors a lot of license to explore social issues of today and place them in the setting of the future. So there's not that kind of onus on people -- that they don't feel pressure that they talk about them -- there's a freedom there. And I think that's a really important function of what we're doing.
KoreAm Journal, December 1997.
Bergen Record, Section: Your Time, pg Y09, Tuesday, December 16, 1997. Interview by Geoff Gehman.
"A Storyteller's Slow Climb". Out of print. See transcription.
More expanded version of the same interview below in The Morning Call.
Excerpt--
Kim responds [to stereotypes] by refusing roles with few challenges and many prejudices. One reason he enjoyed "NYPD Blue" is that his character's behavior was fairly universal. Simon Lee 'was a bad person, but he was not bad because he was an Asian person,' Kim says. 'It was an American story. It's not like I beat up a cop with martial arts and used Chinese proverbs. It was like a blood feud between samurai.'
A. Magazine: Ethnic News Watch, page 79, November 30, 1997. Interview by Terry Hong.
Two page article titled "Leading MAN" discussing how Daniel started acting and how his parents reacted. Out of print. See transcription
The Morning Call, Friday, November 28, 1997. Interview by Geoff Gehman.
"Valley Native Earning Roles in TV, Movies". Out of print. Available online at http://www.mcall.com/cgi-bin/slwebsto.cgi?DBLIST=mc97&DOCNUM=46051
Excerpt--
At NYU, Kim learned to act with "a sense of fun and joy and
play." In his third-year elective project he staged his dilemmas.
"Split," a solo piece, addressed the occupational conflict with his
parents; being an American minority; pursuing a demanding
profession while contemplating marriage, perhaps the toughest job
of all. His most challenging assignment helped convert his parents
into supporters of a career of realistic make-believe.
Articles which are solely theatre reviews are on the Filmography page.
If you have information on any interviews or articles not listed here, please email me at webmistress@danieldaekim.org!
(Thanks to Chris for providing leads and links and Louise for her ancient article collection.)
