9 Quick Questions for Daniel Dae Kim

Daniel Dae Kim’s formidable résumé includes roles in the iconic show Lost,  Broadway’s The King and I and the reboot of Hawaii Five-O. The South Korean-born actor also voices the character of David in AMC+’s first hour-long animated primetime drama, Pantheon. And he’s a creative force behind the scenes as founder and CEO of 3AD, a film and television production company that produces ABC’s hit show The Good Doctor.

When you’re not working, what do you do to unwind?

I happen to be in Vancouver [British Columbia] in the middle of a glorious summer [directing an episode of The Good Doctor] so I’m taking a lot of time to walk along the water line. It's just so beautiful here. I will exercise. I’ll go run. I’ll go play golf. I’ll just try and find a place that's meditative and I can reset for the week ahead.

What’s the best thing about being a voice actor for an animated project?

I like the freedom that they afford a performer. You’re free from the limitations that sometimes can be placed upon you because of your appearance — whether you’re old or young, thin or heavier or whatever race you are. In this medium, it’s your voice that does all the communication and tells the story.

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You went to college with plans to become a lawyer. What’s your favorite legal drama?

I loved L.A. Law. I thought that was an amazing show. I remember being able to sing the theme song. I just loved the writing. I was a big fan.

Being stuck on an island on Lost didn't dissuade you from island living?

I’m still living in Hawaii, so I guess not. Lost brought me there; Hawaii Five-O kept me there. It was one of the main reasons why I did Hawaii Five-O. I had a young family at the time, and I wanted to keep them in a place that they loved and I loved and where they could keep their same friends at school and have a continuity of childhood that I think is really important.

Daniel Dae Kim was in more than 100 episodes of the TV show "Lost" from 2004 to 2010.

Mario Perez/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

At one point, you were part owner of a burger place. What’s your favorite topping?

I really love kimchi on my burger. It was a topping that we offered at my restaurant. It was actually a pretty big hit in Hawaii. I guess it’s a little bit of my Korean flavor coming out.

You and 'The Rock' — Dwayne Johnson — went to the same high school in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. What else do you have in common?

He's much more muscular than I am. He's taller than I am. He's probably me — just better in every way.