Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park are leaving Hawaii Five-0. The reason why these actors are leaving before season eight begins is because of pay inequality. Both Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park are being paid less than their co-stars. Their characters, Chin Ho Kelly, and Kono Kalakaua, will not appear in the upcoming eighth season. The characters’ absence will be addressed in the new season.
Sources told Variety that Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park have been asking for pay equality with stars Alex O’Loughlin and Scott Caan. Unfortunately, they were unable to reach a deal with CBS Television Studios, which produces the series. CBS’s final offer to Kim and Park was still 10 to 15 percent lower than what O’Loughlin and Caan make in their salary. They’re not the only actors who have been making deals with CBS. O’Laughlin and Caan also have their own deals with percentage points with the show.
Executive producer Peter Lenkov spoke out about Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park leaving the series. He explains that there was no other actor he saw as the park of Chin Ho Kelly. He also went on to commented Grace Park’s “grace” and “serenity” in every episode of Hawaii Five-0. Both actors from there from the beginning of the series. Lenkov claims they will still be a part of the series in spirit, and he wishes both the actors the best. Their departure has not left any bad blood on the cast and crew.
A CBS spokesperson also released a statement. According to the statement, the progression of Hawaii Five-0 will change in the near future. Expect a lot of changes in the eighth season. The spokesperson is happy with Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park’s acting talents.
The actors brought the essence of Hawaii to the series. Kim and Park have been cast members on Hawaii Five-0 alongside O’Loughlin and Caan since CBS premiered the rebooted version of the classic television show in 2010.
Hawaii Five-0 is the latest show to get a major change. NBC’s Taken and ABC’s Once Upon A Time and Quantico have experienced cast shakeups after veteran cast members left prior to the upcoming season. What are your thoughts on Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park leaving Hawaii Five-0? Are you disappointed by this news? Do you think the actors deserved to get paid as much as O’Loughlin and Caan? Sound off below in the comments section and check out all our recaps of Hawaii Five-0.
Image Credit: CBS
