Hawaii Five-0 adds new AAPI character

Christine Ko

HAWAII FIVE-0, still sensitive about the departure of popular  stars Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park, is adding another AAPI actor to its cast.

Christine Ko, most recently from the short-lived The Great Indoors, has booked a recurring role on the long-running cops-and-robbers series.

Ko will play the part of Jessie, a recently freed ex-convict whom Adam, played by Anthony Dale, recruits to help him with his newly formed special task force to take down the criminal gangs in the island state.

Ko joins other new season 8 additions including Indian/Canadian Meaghan Rath and Pacific Islander Beulah Koale. Dale, a Japanese/American had his role promoted to regular status this season as well.

The cast changes were in response to Kim's and Park's departure over a pay-disparity dispute. CBS said that the two Korean/American actors were given substantial raises but still fell short of their white co-stars.

(Kim later told reporters that walking away from Hawaii Five-0 after seven seasons was about maintaining a “steadfast sense of your self-worth.”)

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Their departure along with Masi Oka's exit earlier in Season 7, drew an online outcry from the AAPI community and industry media. It seemed incongruous to have a series based on Hawaii where AAPI are in the majority not reflect the demographics.

Hawaii Five-0 airs Fridays at 9 p.m. ET on CBS. Ko’s first episode is slated for Jan. 19.

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