Lost star Daniel Dae Kim returns in another captivating series, this time portraying David Jung in the Prime Video spy thriller, Butterfly. Kim plays a former U.S. intelligence agent residing in South Korea, who finds himself pursued by his former partner, Piper Perabo’s Juno. As his past resurfaces, his family’s safety is once again at risk.
In Lost, Jin starts as a controlling, toxic husband before he ultimately improves, and in Butterfly, his character David and his daughter Rebecca (Reina Hardesty) navigate complex family dynamics (to say the least). More than 20 years have passed since Lost premiered, and it’s essential to acknowledge that Jin deserved better, while Kim’s new series Butterfly has the potential to provide him with the leading TV role he truly deserves.
Daniel Dae Kim’s ‘Lost’ Character Jin Has One of the Series’ Best Character Arcs
At the start of the series, we quickly discover that Jin was a toxic husband. He was fiercely controlling towards his wife, Sun (Yunjin Kim), and exhibited cold and bitter behavior. Frequently angry at her for interacting with others (especially men) on the island, he often emotionally abused her. It is later revealed that she secretly learned English as part of a plan to leave him, but the plane crash disrupted her intentions.
Before the crash of Oceanic Airlines flight 815, Jin came from humble beginnings as a fisherman’s son in a small village in South Korea. This complicated his relationship with Sun, as her father, Mr. Paik, deemed Jin unworthy due to his lowly social status as a fisherman. In an effort to win her father’s approval, Jin took a job with Mr. Paik’s company, which entangled him in shady business dealings that brought him trouble at every turn. This situation became a significant source of conflict and shame for him, making him resentful of his life.
Once on the island and with his wife’s assistance in learning English, Jin transformed into an honorable friend and husband, becoming one of the most trusted survivors of that Oceanic flight. His relationship with Michael (Harold Perrineau) exemplifies this transformation. Initially at odds due to language barriers, they eventually collaborated to build a raft in an attempt to escape the island and seek help. This moment was pivotal as it bridged the gap between the previously aggressive Jin and the other survivors on the beach.
Jin Has a Romantic and Tragic Ending on ‘Lost’
Later on, he adeptly handles action-packed scenes, such as the Season 4 finale where he narrowly escapes death during a freighter explosion or when he is held at gunpoint by Danielle Rousseau (Mira Furlan) in Season 5, Episode 5’s “This Place Is Death.” These plotlines rapidly elevated Jin to one of the leading men in the series. The island ironically provided him with a renewed sense of freedom, culminating in a tragically romantic conclusion for him and Sun.
After years apart (due to the show’s somewhat convoluted time-travel narrative), they are reunited. However, their reunion is short-lived when Sun becomes trapped in a sinking submarine. Refusing to abandon her, they perish together. Jin deserved a full and happy life with his wife, whom he rediscovered love for. Despite their love story being abruptly cut short, their time together as a healthy couple was invaluable.
Thanks to his remarkable evolution from the early seasons’ Jin, the character quickly became a fan favorite as the series progressed. His transformation clearly established Jin as the series’ best character, thanks to Kim’s portrayal. (There are extensive Reddit threads dedicated to analyzing Jin’s behavior during those early seasons.) It has been some time since we have seen Kim deliver such a compelling performance on television in another highly discussed series, making it high time for one. Butterfly is precisely the show Kim deserves.
Prime Video’s ‘Butterfly’ Is Exactly What Daniel Dae Kim Needs
Kim’s David Jung in the new Prime Video series fulfills the desires of Lost fans eager to see him in a fresh role. Both characters share similarities as they strive to do right by their loved ones. A highly skilled and dangerous former U.S. spy, David fakes his death in a heart-wrenching decision to protect his daughter Rebecca. After discovering her whereabouts as an adult, he will stop at nothing to reunite with her. In scene after scene filled with action, he fully embraces this new role.
Kim makes fight scenes appear effortless. In Episode 3 titled “Busan,” David skillfully dodges bullets at a train station while evading Juno’s intelligence agency, Caddis. His transformation into this character allows viewers to forget his previous role in Lost. The series is loud and high-energy, set against stunning Korean landscapes that make it a must-watch. Notably, Kim’s long-awaited leading role is exhilarating to witness.
Given his impressive resume, it’s no surprise that years of hard work are finally paying off for him. Whether as Jin in Lost or even Fire Lord Ozai in Avatar: The Last Airbender, despite not being the lead role, his past characters were pivotal for advancing their respective storylines. This was no small achievement for an actor but Kim makes it look easy. As David Jung, Kim transitions from ensemble cast member to center stage. This role challenges him to showcase his emotional depth while driving this thriller forward—a task requiring a seasoned actor willing to embrace it. With Kim’s expertise and versatility on display through his acting skills, he proves himself worthy of leading a series.
