Daniel Dae Kim Speaks Out About ‘Sad’ Exit From ‘Hawaii Five-0’

Fans of Hawaii Five-0 were met with some devastating news last week, as it was announced that stars Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park wouldn’t be returning for Season 8 this fall.

Kim, who played Chin Ho in every episode of the CBS series, has finally broken his silence regarding the untimely exits.

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During a 500-word Facebook post, Kim confirmed the news to his fans.

“I’m sad to say it is true. I will not be returning to Hawaii Five-0 when production starts next week. Though I made myself available to come back, CBS and I weren’t able to agree to terms on a new contract, so I made the difficult choice not to continue.”

The two actors reportedly left after they sought parity with their fellow stars Alex O’Loughlin and Scott Caan, and the deal for pay equality could not be reached.

Leaving a show after seven years can be incredibly sad, but Kim used the post to express how grateful he was for the opportunity.

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“What I feel most is gratitude… to our crew, writers and everyone associated with the show – and especially the cast, who have been nothing but supportive through this entire process. They and the crew have been my second family for seven years and I wish them nothing but success for Season 8 — and beyond.”

The actor thanked the producers of the show, “and everyone at CBS… for their faith in me to bring Chin Ho Kelly to life. As an Asian-American actor, I know first-hand how difficult it is to find opportunities at all, let alone play a well-developed, three-dimensional character like Chin Ho. I will miss him sincerely.

“What made him even more special is that he was a representative of a place my family and I so dearly love,” added Kim, who has been working in Hawaii since his Lost days. “It has been nothing short of an honor to be able to showcase the beauty and people of Hawaii every week, and I couldn’t be prouder to call these islands home. To my local community, mahalo nui loa.”

Kim did address the pay equality rumors in his post.

“I encourage us all to look beyond the disappointment of this moment to the bigger picture. The path to equality is rarely easy. But I hope you can be excited for the future.”

While he won’t be returning to Hawaii Five-0 this fall, Daniel Dae Kim will be on television for all to enjoy. He will serve as an executive producer and actor on ABC’s medical drama The Good Doctor.