Actor Daniel Dae Kim is starring in the new Prime series “Butterfly” as David, a former spy who faked his own death to protect his daughter. The show follows David’s journey as he tries to save his young daughter from entering the world of espionage herself.
Kim, who also executive produced the series, drew inspiration from his own experiences as a father and his desire to create complex family relationships on screen. “At its heart, it’s actually a family relationship drama,” Kim says.
The show was filmed in over 20 locations throughout South Korea, with Kim returning home for filming and reconnecting with his cousins and aunts and uncles. This experience was meaningful to him as he brought together different aspects of his life into one project.
Kim also opened up about his experiences in the entertainment industry, including doing most of his own stunts and feeling pressure to represent his Asian-American heritage well. He shared his concerns about representation and how it affects his work, particularly with regards to playing complex characters.
With “Butterfly,” Kim hopes to see more representation on screen, particularly for underrepresented communities. The series is a step in the right direction, marking significant progress in recent years in terms of diversity and inclusion in Hollywood.
Despite this progress, Kim still faces challenges in securing roles that showcase his range as an actor. He expressed his desire to play a romantic lead and continue pushing boundaries in his craft.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/08/11/nx-s1-5496250/daniel-dae-kim-butterfly-lost