Daniel Dae Kim Discusses His Spy Thriller 'Butterfly,' K-Dramas, and Karaoke
In the world of spy thrillers, the new TV series Butterfly stands out with its unique blend of action, family drama, and cultural immersion. Adapted from the graphic novel of the same name by Arash Amel, the series premieres on Prime Video starting on August 13.
At the heart of the story is David Jung, a highly skilled secret agent, long thought to be dead, played by Daniel Dae Kim. The series opens with David singing karaoke in a crowded room, belting out "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers, setting the stage for an unexpected journey. David's personal mission takes him back to South Korea, where he is pursued by Rebecca, a young, complex sociopathic agent, who is later revealed to be his daughter.
The series offers a blend of espionage thrills with an intimate father-daughter drama, a relatively unique approach within the spy thriller genre. It's noted for its fast pace and wall-to-wall action, compressing many plot points into six episodes with visually striking action sequences.
One of Daniel Dae Kim's favorite scenes in Butterfly involves David and Rebecca drinking makgeolli, a traditional Korean liquor, further emphasizing the series' cultural immersion. The show also takes time to celebrate Korean cuisine, adding authenticity and broadening appeal to international audiences.
Key differences between the graphic novel and the TV adaptation include the show's bilingual Korean-English setting and the amplification of the family drama aspect, sometimes at the expense of the espionage suspense. The series also adds subplots and uses cliffhangers to maintain tension across episodes.
The TV adaptation features strong performances by actors like Daniel Dae Kim and Reina Hardesty, bringing a nuanced physicality and emotional depth to the central characters. Kim, known for his roles in television and theater, including his role as Jin Soo Kwon on Lost, found filming in Seoul a different but rewarding experience, with a slightly different philosophy towards acting behind the scenes.
The series also boasts an international cast, including Piper Perabo, Louis Landau, Charles Parnell, Sean Dulake, Kim Tae-hee, Kim Ji-hoon, Park Hae-soo, Sung Dong-il, and Lee Il-hwa. The adaptation of the graphic novel required a balance between respect for the original and originality, a balance that the creators of Butterfly have managed to achieve effectively.
In sum, while the graphic novel Butterfly combines complex espionage with family secrets, the TV series adaptation leans more into action-driven storytelling and family reconciliation, offering a more fast-paced, culturally hybrid experience that trades some suspense for emotional engagement and visual spectacle. Don't miss the premiere of Butterfly on Prime Video on August 13.
- Daniel Dae Kim, an accomplished actor with roles in shows like Lost, found filming in Seoul for the spy thriller Butterfly a different yet rewarding experience, showcasing his versatility in the entertainment industry.
- In addition to the action-packed sequences and family drama, the series Butterfly offers a glimpse into Korean culture by featuring food-and-drink scenes, showcasing the country's authentic cuisine.
- The international cast of Butterfly includes celebrities such as Piper Perabo, Reina Hardesty, and Kim Tae-ri, adding to the series' appeal for audiences interested in movies-and-tv and entertainment.
