Daniel Dae Kim Reflects on Behind-the-Scenes ‘Difficulties’ on “Lost”, Shares How He Feels About the Show Now (Exclusive)

Daniel Dae Kim Reflects on ‘Lost’ 16 Years After Finale

In a recent interview, actor Daniel Dae Kim expressed fondness for his time on the iconic ABC series “Lost,” which ran for six seasons from 2004 to 2010. Attending the Gold Gala at The Music Center in downtown Los Angeles, Kim shared his thoughts with PEOPLE about the much-loved drama, stating that he holds “nothing but affection” for the series even after more than 15 years since its conclusion.

The 57-year-old actor reminisced about the complex experiences he had during the show’s production, acknowledging some of the challenges that surfaced only after its airing. “There were difficulties on the show, most of which I didn’t know at the time. But I’ve made lifelong friends through that show. It helped my career in a way that no other job has,” he commented. Kim credited “Lost” with opening doors for him in the entertainment industry that he believes would not have been accessible without it.

Following the conclusion of “Lost,” various reports began to emerge, revealing a contentious work environment, with allegations of toxicity and discrimination behind the scenes. In a recent Vanity Fair exposé, one former writer described the atmosphere on set as “nakedly hostile.” Despite these revelations, Kim emphasised the enduring bonds he has formed with his fellow cast members, including co-stars Harold Perrineau and Josh Holloway. “I’m in touch with Harold regularly, as well as Ian Cusick and Josh. The raft boys from season one—we bonded over that experience,” he noted, reflecting on the strong camaraderie that developed during filming.

Interestingly, Kim revealed that he has yet to revisit the series since its finale. “I haven’t done a rewatch, actually, and it’s something I’ve been meaning to do. So I think it’s in my near future,” he said, suggesting that fans may soon see his personal take on the series that brought him widespread recognition.

The series finale, which concluded with a transformative revelation regarding the characters’ experiences on the mysterious island, remains a contentious topic among viewers. Kim articulated his thoughts on the polarising ending, stating, “I cared most about the characters, and the fact that the characters were all together at the end of the series was the thing that mattered most to me.” He found closure in the ending, noting that it allowed the cast to bid farewell to each other both on-screen and off during those pivotal final scenes.

As Kim continues to look back on his past, he also remains focused on future projects. Currently, he is hosting and executive producing “K-Everything,” a four-part docuseries for CNN that dives into the global rise of Korean culture. The series explores various facets of K-culture, including K-beauty, K-pop, K-drama, and K-food, and is available for streaming on HBO Max.

Kim’s reflections on “Lost” serve as a reminder of the lasting impact the series has had on its cast and audience alike. With a cast that continues to connect years after the show’s end, the bonds formed during that time remain strong, even as the cast navigates their individual paths in the industry.

As Kim embarks on new endeavours and acknowledges the show that significantly shaped his career, fans eagerly await any news on his potential rewatch of “Lost.” The series, which has left an indelible mark on popular culture, will undoubtedly remain a significant part of his legacy as he continues to explore new avenues in storytelling.