Actor and producer Daniel Dae Kim hopes his new spy thriller, “Butterfly,” will help bridge American and Korean cultures through its emotional storytelling. The show follows a former CIA agent who must work with an unlikely ally – a skilled Korean operative – to take down a global terrorist threat.
Kim, who is of Korean descent himself, drew from his own experiences growing up as a Korean-American to create the complex characters and nuanced storyline. “I think that’s where we can learn so much about each other,” he says. “We may not always agree on things, but at the end of the day, we’re all human beings.”
The show features an ensemble cast, including Kim, Ken Leung, and Constance Wu, among others. The production team worked to create a 50-50 balance between men and women on set, with a crew comprised entirely of Koreans.
Kim’s company, 3AD Productions, focuses on producing stories that haven’t been told before – those from the margins and often overlooked groups. “I want to hear the story of that same high school party from the people who snuck in or weren’t even invited,” he says.
The show tackles issues like identity, community, and social justice, all through a lens of hope and empathy. Kim hopes it will inspire viewers to seek understanding and ask questions about the world around them.
In an industry where representation matters, “Butterfly” offers a unique perspective on what it means to be Korean-American in America today. With its thought-provoking themes and talented cast, this emotional spy thriller has something for everyone.
Source: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2025-08-13/daniel-dae-kim-butterfly