‘Hawaii Five-0’ Stars Quit; Daniel Dae Kim Pens Goodbye Note To Fans

Daniel Dae Kim addressed the news that he is quitting “Hawaii Five-0” in a note on social media Wednesday. The actor seemed to hint that it was indeed an issue with pay equality that led to both his and Grace Park’s exit from the CBS show.

“Though transitions can be difficult, I encourage us all to look beyond the disappointment of this moment to the bigger picture,” Kim wrote on Facebook. “The path to equality is rarely easy. But I hope you can be excited for the future. I am.”

Both Kim and Park are Asian Americans. Variety reported last week that they left the show after CBS gave them a final offer that was 10 to 15 percent lower than that of Alex O’Loughlin and Scott Caan. Kim didn’t get into details, but he confirmed that it was a contract dispute that caused him to leave.

READ: Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park Exit “Hawaii Five-0”

“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 explained.

Kim also noted that his fellow cast mates were very encouraging of his and Park’s fight to for pay parity. “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,” he noted. “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 “Lost” alum also thanked the writers and CBS, and he pointed out that he was walking away from a rare acting opportunity. “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,” he wrote.

READ: Fall TV Schedule Released

Kim play Chin Ho Kelly on “Hawaii Five-0” for seven seasons. He has been with the legal drama since it was rebooted in 2010. With an average 9.2 million viewers tuning in last season, the actor knew he had to thank his fans as well. “I never, ever forget that YOU are the reason ‘Hawaii Five-0’ is the success that it is, and interacting with you online and in person around the world(!) has been one of the greatest joys of this entire experience. I’m so sorry we won’t be continuing this journey together.”

CBS has not addressed the reports about pay equality. They simply released a statement confirming that the actors would be leaving. “We are so appreciative of Daniel and Grace's enormous talents, professional excellence and the aloha spirit they brought to each and every one of our 168 episodes. They’ve helped us build an exciting new ‘Hawaii Five-0,’ and we wish them all the best and much success in their next chapters. Mahalo [thanks] and a hui hou [until we meet again],” CBS said in a statement.

“Hawaii Five-0” will continue without Park and Kim. Season 8 starts filming this month and will premiere Sept. 29 at 9 p.m. EDT on CBS.