Recently, Daniel Dae Kim engaged in an extraordinary procedure that involved microinjections of DNA derived from salmon sperm. This unique treatment, administered in a doctor's office in Seoul, aimed to reduce inflammation and enhance skin elasticity, an innovative practice within the realm of K-beauty.
After the procedure, Kim informed a camera crew that his face appeared a bit red, akin to a mild sunburn, but he felt "camera ready." This experience marked just one facet of his new project, the CNN series “K-Everything: The Global Rise of Korean Culture,” which serves as a heartfelt homage to various elements of Korean culture, including K-beauty, K-pop, K-food, and K-film. The series is set to debut on Saturday on CNN International and will also be available on CNN and HBO Max.
In his own words, Kim described the show as an exploration of South Korea's remarkable transformation from a war-torn country to a modern societal powerhouse within three generations. "We’ll take a look at how that’s happened through food, through cinema, through beauty products, and through music," he explained during an interview.
The series encompasses diverse topics. For instance, at a lively kimchi festival in Pyeongchang, Kim investigates how K-food is influencing fine dining worldwide. In subsequent episodes, he interacts with notable figures such as actor Lee Byung-hun, the iconic "Gangnam Style" artist Psy, and members of the popular group BigBang, among others.
Kim views the series as an introduction for those unfamiliar with Korea, highlighting cultural insights that transcend traditional classroom education. In the beauty segment, he has candid conversations with makeup artist and influencer LeoJ and model Irene Kim about evolving beauty standards. The episode features Kim trying different products and visiting a factory where snail slime is harvested for use in cosmetics.
Having been born in South Korea and migrating to the United States at the age of 1, Kim finds personal significance in “K-Everything.” He recalls how the rapid economic and cultural changes in Seoul reshaped the city so profoundly that it felt foreign to his parents, who depended on him to guide them through their renewed homeland.
In the competitive landscape of celebrity travel hosts, Kim joins the ranks of notables such as Tony Shalhoub, Rainn Wilson, and Stanley Tucci. Recently, Kim earned a Tony Award nomination, adding to his credentials as a performer. He expressed admiration for the late chef and travel host Anthony Bourdain, recognizing him as a pioneer in modern travel presenting. "I loved it because I felt like he was showing me his take on each country; he was a trusted guide," Kim reflected. "If I can be that for some people, then that’s the spirit I’d like to bring into this show."
Amy Entelis, executive vice president for talent and creative development at CNN Originals, praised Kim's deeply personal approach to the series. “It was clear he was incredibly well equipped to tackle this -- deeply passionate about the subject and highly knowledgeable," she remarked, emphasizing his intention to present Korean culture to a broad audience.
Although Kim is not traditionally a television host, he is an experienced traveler who feels confident in his Korean roots. "I get to introduce the world to a culture that I love and has informed who I am as a performer and as a human being," he stated, portraying a sense of comfort in his role.
Furthermore, Kim aims for the series to promote understanding of Korean culture, addressing issues like anti-Asian racism that has escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic. He believes that fostering cultural understanding is essential for building a more unified global community.
