Net Worth Ranker
What Is Daniel Dae Kim’s Net Worth?
Daniel Dae Kim, a prominent South Korean-American actor and producer, has cultivated a substantial net worth estimated at $10 million. This financial standing is a result of his extensive work in television, film, and production. Kim’s career spans over two decades, and he has strategically diversified his income streams to include acting roles, production ventures, and voice acting engagements.
His roles in notable television series such as “Lost” and “Hawaii Five-0” have been pivotal in building his wealth. Additionally, his presence in blockbuster films and his endeavors as a producer through his company, 3AD, have solidified his financial success.
Details of Daniel Dae Kim’s Career and Earnings
Daniel Dae Kim’s acting career began in the early 1990s, with appearances in television shows and films that gradually increased his visibility. He made his film debut in 1991 with “American Shaolin.” In 1994, he appeared on “Law & Order,” earning early credits that set the stage for more significant roles.
His breakthrough role came with “Lost” (2004–2010), where he portrayed Jin-Soo Kwon. This role not only elevated his profile but also provided a steady income over six seasons. The show’s success, marked by a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series in 2005 and a Golden Globe for Best Television Series – Drama in 2006, amplified the cast’s earning potential. While specific salary figures for “Lost” are not publicly detailed, his involvement in such a high-profile series undoubtedly contributed significantly to his net worth. His role in “Lost” earned him recognition as Outstanding Television Actor at the 2006 Asian Excellence Awards, further enhancing his career.
Following “Lost,” Kim secured a lead role in the CBS reboot of “Hawaii Five-0” (2010–2017), playing Chin Ho Kelly. This role sustained his presence on television for seven seasons. However, his departure from the show in 2017 was notably due to a dispute over equal pay with his co-stars, Alex O’Loughlin and Scott Caan. Despite this, “Hawaii Five-0” was a significant contributor to his earnings over those years. Kim’s departure from “Hawaii Five-0” was a significant moment, highlighting issues of pay equity in the entertainment industry. The controversy brought attention to the fact that despite his significant contributions to the show, he was not being compensated at the same level as his counterparts.
Kim has also appeared in several films, including “Spider-Man 2” (2004) as Raymond and “Crash” (2004) as Park. These roles, while not leading ones, added to his income and diversified his portfolio. Later film credits include “The Divergent Series: Insurgent” (2015) and “The Divergent Series: Allegiant” (2016), where he played Jack Kang, and “Hellboy” (2019), where he portrayed Ben Daimio. These roles in major film franchises have helped to maintain a consistent income stream.
In addition to acting, Kim has ventured into producing through his production company, 3AD. He has served as an executive producer on “The Good Doctor” and the films “Ms. Purple” (2019) and “Blast Beat” (2020). Producing allows him to have more control over projects and share in the financial success beyond just acting fees. His work as an executive producer on “The Good Doctor” has been particularly noteworthy, giving him creative influence and a share in the show’s ongoing success.
Kim has also lent his voice to various animated projects, including the film “Raya and the Last Dragon” (2021), where he voiced Benja. His voice acting roles also include TV shows like “The Legend of Korra” (2012–2014) and video games such as “Saints Row” (2006). Voice acting provides a supplementary income and allows him to explore different creative avenues. His role in “Raya and the Last Dragon” introduced him to a new audience and demonstrated his versatility as a performer.
In 2016, Kim starred as the King of Siam in a Broadway production of “The King and I,” demonstrating his range as a performer and adding another dimension to his career earnings. The move to Broadway was a strategic decision that allowed him to engage with a live audience and gain experience in a different medium. His performance in “The King and I” was well-received, further cementing his reputation as a versatile actor.
His contracts with CBS Television Studios (2014) and Amazon Studios (2019) have provided him with additional financial opportunities. These first-look deals mean that his production company has the first right to develop and produce content for these studios, potentially leading to significant financial gains.
These diverse roles and ventures collectively contribute to Daniel Dae Kim’s $10 million net worth, showcasing his ability to navigate and succeed in various facets of the entertainment industry.
Daniel Dae Kim’s Early Life, Personal Life and Career Milestones
Daniel Dae Kim was born in Busan, South Korea, on August 4, 1968. When he was two years old, his family moved to the United States, where he spent his youth in New York City and Pennsylvania. He attended Freedom High School and later enrolled at Haverford College in Pennsylvania, earning double bachelor’s degrees in political science and theater in 1990. This educational background laid a solid foundation for his future career.
He furthered his education at New York University’s Graduate Acting Program, earning his MFA in 1996. This formal training equipped him with the skills necessary to excel in acting.
One of Kim’s personal milestones includes his marriage to Mia Haeyoung Rhee on June 12, 1993. They have two sons, Zander and Jackson. Maintaining a stable family life while navigating a demanding career highlights his ability to balance personal and professional commitments.
While filming “Lost” and “Hawaii Five-0,” Kim resided in Hawaii. In 2014, he was the speaker at the University of Hawaii’s graduation ceremony, demonstrating his connection to the local community and his role as a public figure.
In March 2020, Kim tested positive for COVID-19. He used his platform to speak out against the racism and xenophobia experienced by Asian people during the pandemic. He emphasized that despite being Asian and contracting the virus, he did not get it from China but in America, advocating for an end to prejudice and violence against Asian communities. This act of social advocacy reflects his commitment to using his influence for positive change.
In February 2021, Kim and Chinese American actor Daniel Wu offered a $25,000 reward for information related to assaults against Asian Americans in Oakland, California. This financial contribution aimed to support the community and bring perpetrators to justice. A few days later, Yahya Muslim was arrested for the assaults. This event underscores Kim’s active role in addressing issues affecting the Asian American community.
Additionally, Kim’s sister, Connie, was the victim of a hate crime in 2015, where she was intentionally targeted and injured by a driver due to her race. This personal experience further fueled his advocacy against racism and discrimination.
Throughout his career, Daniel Dae Kim has received several awards and nominations. In 2006, he shared a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series with his “Lost” co-stars. He was named Outstanding Television Actor for “Lost” at the 2006 Asian Excellence Awards and received the Influential Asian American Artist Award at the 2010 San Diego Asian Film Festival. These accolades recognize his contributions and impact in the entertainment industry.
Daniel Dae Kim’s Real Estate Investments
In June 2010, Daniel Dae Kim purchased a 3,354 square foot home in Honolulu for $2.21 million. The property featured five bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. This investment reflected his financial stability and his commitment to living in Hawaii while filming “Hawaii Five-0.”
However, in January 2011, he sold the Honolulu home for $2.43 million. While the sale resulted in a profit, the relatively short period of ownership suggests that the property may have been a temporary residence rather than a long-term investment.
Detailed information about other real estate holdings is not publicly available. It is common for high-net-worth individuals like Kim to have additional investments in real estate, but specific details are often kept private.
The purchase and sale of the Honolulu home provide a glimpse into Kim’s financial decisions related to real estate, but without further details, it is challenging to fully assess the extent of his property investments.
