Grab a Kleenex because you’re about to cry a bucket’s worth of tears.
After last week’s shocking announcement that both Grace Park and Daniel Dae Kim would not be returning for Season 8 of Hawaii Five-0, fans are finally getting some answers about what transpired behind the scenes. Both Park and Kim, who are also part of the original cast, reportedly failed to receive equal pay as their fellow cast members Alex O’Loughlin and Scott Caan. After negotiations with the network fell through, Park and Kim parted ways from the long-time drama series.
Kim took to Facebook to directly address a heartbreaking message after exiting the CBS series.
“I’m sad to say it is true. I will not be returning to Hawaii Five-0 when production starts next week,” the actor shared. “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.”
Kim also made sure to express his sincerest gratitude to the cast and crew of the show. “I am so deeply thankful 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,” he stated.
In particular, Kim thanked Hawaii Five-0 executive producers Peter Lenkov, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci for providing him with the opportunity to be on the show. “I will always be grateful 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,” wrote Kim.
The Lost alum expressed gratitude to his fans for their continuous support after news of his departure was announced. In fact, Kim even made a nod to the apparent contract negotiations that fell through. “The path to equality is rarely easy. But I hope you can be excited for the future,” he explained.
You can read Kim’s entire Facebook post below.
Hawaii Five-0 returns Friday, Sept. 29 on CBS.
