‘Hawaii Five-0’ Alum Daniel Dae Kim Says ‘Self-Worth’ Was Reason For Departure

“Hawaii Five-0” alum Daniel Dae Kim recently attended the Television Critics Association summer press tour for his upcoming TV show, “The Good Doctor.”

While at the event, Kim was asked to comment on his recent departure from CBS’ “Hawaii Five-0.” “It’s possible to be grateful for the opportunity and respectful of the colleagues and the people that I worked with and still maintain a steadfast sense of your self-worth. All good things come to an end,” he said on Sunday.

According to Kim, playing the role became a huge part of his life. “That was a really important part of my life for seven years. I’m really grateful to CBS and everyone else involved in the show for giving me the opportunity,” he said. Kim’s character Chin Ho Kelly’s fate will be revealed in the premiere episode of “Hawaii Five-0” Season 8.

Read: Daniel Dae Kim, Grace Park reunite in Vancouver after leaving “Hawaii Five-0”

Last month, Kim penned a lengthy post on his Facebook account saying that he and Grace Park decided to leave after not securing pay parity with their co-stars. However, “Hawaii Five-0” executive producer Peter Lenkov fired back saying that there’s no truth to Kim’s claims since CBS offered him and Park hefty increases.

Unfortunately, they still decided to leave after seven seasons. “CBS was extremely generous and proactive in their renegotiation talks. But in the end they chose to move one. No one wanted to see them go – they are irreplaceable,” Lenkov said (via TV Line).

Meanwhile, Kim reunited with his TV cousin, Park, last week in Vancouver. On his Instagram account, the actor posted a photo of himself with Park. The snap also marked the first time that Kim and Park met publicly since leaving “Hawaii Five-0” in July.

In the series, Park played the role of Kono Kalakaua. After the actress’ exit, CBS announced that Park’s onscreen husband, Ian Anthony Dale, has been promoted to series regular.

Other than Dale’s promotion, CBS has also cast Meaghan Rath and Beulah Koale in major roles for “Hawaii Five-0” Season 8. Rath and Koale are now both series regulars.

“Hawaii Five-0” Season 8 will premiere on CBS on Sept. 29 at 8 p.m. EST.