Daniel Dae Kim to Lead CNN’s New Multi-Platform Korea-Focused Journey

CNN is set to produce a travel-entertainment series centered on Korea. Daniel Dae Kim, the Tony Award-nominated actor, director, producer, and activist, will serve as executive producer and on-screen host for the new multi-platform program ‘K-Everything.’ The show is produced as an original CNN series by CNN’s Asia-Pacific-based global production team and is scheduled to premiere in 2026 as part of CNN Originals.

Kim said, “I have been fortunate to witness Korea grow into a cultural and economic powerhouse,” and he added that he is excited to “deeply showcase the unique value of Korea and its culture” with CNN.

The four-part series will follow Kim as he explores how Korea rose to the center of global popular culture, journeying from Busan to Seoul and tracing the roots of Korean culture. It will feature appearances by world figures who help spearhead Korea’s cultural renaissance.

Ellana Lee, CNN’s senior vice president for Asia-Pacific and global production, described ‘K-Everything’ as a series that shines a personal and expansive lens on the profound influence of Korean culture worldwide. She said that “Daniel is the ideal storyteller to lead viewers on this journey,” thanks to his deep understanding of Korean culture, curiosity, and authenticity, and that the series demonstrates CNN’s commitment to compelling storytelling for a global audience.

Kim is widely known for his roles in ABC’s Lost, CBS’s Hawaii Five-O, Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon. He has also produced projects through his company 3AD, including ABC’s The Good Doctor and the IFC documentary Bad Axe.

A noted activist, he has testified before the U.S. Congress to help establish the Covid-19 Hate Crimes Act and recently completed a term as a White House initiative appointee for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.

‘K-Everything’ is the first joint production by CNN Originals and CNN’s Asia-Pacific-based global production team. Executives include Daniel Dae Kim, CNN Originals’ Amy Entelis, Ellana Lee, Katie Hinman, Jon Jensen, and Ryan Smith.

Hyundai Motor Company is sponsoring the CNN Originals series ‘K-Everything.’