Daniel Dae Kim Wears Modern Hanbok at Tonys
Blending heritage and aloha he wowed the red carpet in a stunning designer fusion ensemble
Image: Instagram
Red Carpet Hanbok Showcase
At the recent 2024 Tony Awards in New York City, actor-producer Daniel Dae Kim paused the flashbulbs with a breathtaking modern take on traditional Korean dress. Kim stepped onto the red carpet wearing a pastel-hued hanbok designed by Meehee Hanbok, featuring a sleek jeogori jacket, tailored baji trousers, and a subtle rainbow-accented sash. After striking a few poised poses, he flashed a shaka sign and waved to fans in Hawaiʻi, snapping photos that celebrated both his birthplace and his cultural heritage. On Instagram, he shared two images—one a poised profile shot, the other showing the playful hand gesture—captioning them with: “Maybe more than any other photo, the second one sums me up best: a proud #American celebrating his #Korean heritage by wearing a modern #hanbok and throwin’ a #shaka to all the folks back home in #Hawai’i. Thank you to @meehee.hanbok for helping me represent all of who I am. What a special night it was. #tonyawards #한복 🇺🇸🇰🇷🌈🎭❤️.”
Kim’s ensemble quickly became a top trend on social media. Fans and fashion editors praised the actor’s commitment to authentic craftsmanship while infusing a contemporary edge. Meehee Hanbok posted behind-the-scenes images of fittings in Seoul, underscoring Kim’s attention to detail and his respect for centuries of Korean textile tradition.
From Screen Star To Broadway Producer
While the red carpet moment drew headlines, Kim’s presence at the Tonys marked more than a fashion statement. He attended as a producer of the Broadway revival of Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright David Henry Hwang’s play “Yellow Face,” which earned a nomination for Best Revival of a Play. In a separate pre-ceremony Instagram post, Kim thanked the American Theater Wing, writing, “Thank you to the American Theater Wing for my nomination. I couldn’t be more grateful. #tonyawards,” alongside images of his official nomination card.
That post followed another candid update: Kim had earlier shared a humorous shot capturing his reaction to not winning in a previous category. “I always wondered what I would look like if I was ever nominated for an award and had a camera in my face the moment I found out I didn’t win. Now I know. 😅 I’m glad I looked how I felt—thrilled for @coleescola and very grateful to be there. #tonyawards.” The actor’s blend of wit and gratitude underscored his journey from television sets to Broadway stages.
Daniel Dae Kim’s nomination reflects his expanding role as a creative force behind the scenes. After studying theater at Haverford College and earning an MFA at Columbia University, he rose to fame on network television with Lost and later led the cast of Hawaii Five-0. In 2013, he founded 3AD, a production company dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices. His work on “Yellow Face” continues that mission, exploring themes of identity and representation in a play originally written in 1996 but still resonant today.
Heritage, Humor, And A Shaka
Kim’s red carpet appearance also highlighted his personal narrative. Born in Busan, South Korea, and raised in New York and Hawaiʻi, he embodies a multicultural identity. The shaka gesture, common in Hawaiian surf culture, paired seamlessly with the hanbok, signaling a bridge between worlds. His Instagram tags—#American, #Korean, and #한복—along with the flag emojis for the United States and South Korea, reinforced his dual heritage.
The actor’s commentary on representation isn’t limited to fashion. In a recent interview, he spoke about the need for more nuanced roles for Asian Americans, both on stage and screen. “I want young actors to see someone who looks like them telling a story that matters,” he told a theater magazine. His own trajectory from a guest star on CBS procedurals to producer-nominee represents a roadmap for aspiring artists.
As the evening wrapped, Kim joined fellow nominees and winners backstage for celebratory photos and dinner tables. Though the award for Best Revival of a Play ultimately went to another production, his hanbok moment left a lasting impression. Social media buzzed not just about the winners, but about how Kim’s style and grace elevated the red carpet, proving that awards season is about more than trophies—it’s also a chance to showcase culture and conviction.
From flashbulbs and shaka to nomination cards and heartfelt thanks, Daniel Dae Kim’s Tony Awards journey combined fashion, heritage, and humor on one memorable night.
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