Top star Kim Tae Hee is taking on the challenge of playing a supporting role in a global project, drawing keen interest from drama fans.
The highly anticipated project is the Amazon Prime Video original series 'Butterfly.' As a Korean–U.S. co-production, the series is an espionage thriller about a former U.S. intelligence officer in hiding who is pursued by an assassin sent by his old organization. Based on the graphic novel of the same name by writer Arash Amel, the drama is produced by Amazon MGM Studios and will also air in Korea on tvN.
A notable point is that Korean-American actor Daniel Dae Kim not only stars in the series but also serves as executive producer. The production team also includes Ken Woodruff, known for 'The Mentalist' and 'Gotham,' and Korean-American author Steph Cha, who has won the L.A. Times Book Prize in the mystery/thriller category, adding depth and quality to the project.
At the 'Butterfly' press conference held on August 21 at CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall in Seoul, Kim Tae Hee spoke candidly about her new challenge.
She plays Kim Eun Joo, the Korean wife of David Jung, Daniel Dae Kim’s character. "This is the most ordinary, everyday Korean woman I’ve ever portrayed," Kim Tae Hee explained. She added, "I am a supporting character this time. Until now, I’ve usually been in lead roles carrying the entire project, but here I was able to support the protagonist and add plausibility to the story."
On why she accepted the role, Kim Tae Hee shared, "There was no reason not to. When I read the script, I was drawn into the story. My character doesn’t have a large presence. In some episodes, she only appears in one or two scenes, but it was a role I could relate to. If I could portray a positive image of a Korean woman, I thought it would be fulfilling and an honor."
Her makeup and styling also marked a departure from her previous work. She explained, "My makeup was very minimal, and my hair and wardrobe were natural. This is the most ordinary version of myself. In Korean productions, there’s always pressure to 'look as beautiful as possible.' But here, I focused on supporting the story. Appearing un-styled and unpolished actually felt refreshing for me."
As both lead actor and executive producer, Daniel Dae Kim emphasized the project’s special significance. He explained, "By taking on both roles, I experienced things I never could before. In the original work, the character wasn’t Asian, but we made him Korean and incorporated my own experiences: life as a Korean American, the emotions of returning to Korea."
He added, "I was able to choose my character’s last name as Jung, reflecting Korea’s concept of 'jeong' (emotional connection, bond, and affection). I included points that Korean viewers would recognize, actively weaving in Korean cultural elements."
Actor Kim Ji Hoon, who plays the ruthless assassin Gun, also shared his thoughts. He said, "I portrayed a brutal yet stylish killer. A cool and sexy role. Daniel Dae Kim even nicknamed me the ‘Johnny Depp of Korea.’ I hope to show this side to international fans as well."
'Butterfly' also represents the impact of the Korean Wave. Daniel Dae Kim explained, "Right now, Korean food, dramas, and music are very popular. It was the perfect timing to create such a story for the U.S. market. Honestly, 5–10 years ago, there wasn’t much interest in Korea. If I had proposed this project back then, Hollywood studios wouldn’t have reacted positively."
Filming took place across Korea, including Seoul and Busan, adding authenticity to the series. With Korean culture, props, and Hangul naturally integrated, the show is expected to share Korea’s appeal with global audiences.
Kim Tae Hee also expressed gratitude for the support of her husband, Rain (Jung Ji Hoon), who encouraged her from the start. She said, "He told me it was a great opportunity and urged me to take it. He strongly supported me as Kim Tae Hee, the actress."
The cast includes Daniel Dae Kim, Reina Hardesty, Kim Ji Hoon, Kim Tae Hee, Park Hae Soo, Sean Richard, Sung Dong Il, and Lee Il Hwa, bringing together powerhouse actors from both countries. The series premiered worldwide on Amazon Prime Video on August 13 and will premiere in Korea on tvN on August 22 at 10:40 PM, airing every Friday and Saturday at the same time.
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