Actor Daniel Dae Kim reveals two things that Korea has which he wishes were in America as well

Cultural differences shape not only individual lifestyles but also influence nations on a broader scale. These nuances significantly impact work ethics, efficiency and interpersonal relationships. Korean-American actor Daniel Dae Kim touched on this topic during a recent appearance on the popular talk show "LIVE with Kelly and Mark." When the hosts asked the "Hellboy" star about aspects of Korean society he wished to see adopted in the U.S., his thoughtful response earned widespread applause from the audience, as shared in an Instagram post by @livekellyandmark.

“Anything they have in Korea that you wish they would have here in America?” Mark asked during the talk show. Kim took no time to think of the answer and immediately came up with a response, as shown in the widely shared video. The actor highlighted two key areas where he hoped to see change in the U.S. Spoiler alert: his suggestions weren’t about food or the economy but focused on enhancing overall efficiency. “There are actually two things that I wish they had here,” Kim said, describing them as “very small” yet “super important” things.

Kim highlighted two simple yet impactful changes he would love to see in America. The first was the inclusion of Korean elevators, which allow users to cancel a floor selection by pressing the same button again—a feature that eliminates accidental stops. “In elevators in Korea, when you press a button, and you mistakenly press that floor, if you press that button again, it cancels,” Kim explained in the one-minute clip. The second change he admired was a feature common in Korean restaurants: a small button at each table to call the server. This system, he noted, streamlines the dining experience and adds convenience, a tradition he hoped American eateries could adopt.

“In restaurants in Korea, when you go there, every table has a little button that you press when you want a server,” Kim explained, highlighting the simplicity and convenience of the system. “So, you don’t have to say hello, and excuse me, all the time. You literally press a button within 30 seconds, and someone is there,” the 56-year-old added, calling it an effortless experience. He referred to this and Korean elevators as “simple” yet much-needed changes, noting their practicality. “Oh! It's such a simple thing, right?” the "Lost" star asked the hosts, who were amused by his answers. “Simple thing,” they agreed, with Kim emphasizing, “But I don't think it's that technologically difficult, but it makes life so much easier.”

Kelly Ripa jokingly asked, “Do they have a button you press for them to come over and ask you how the first few bites are tasting?” Her witty question left both Kim and Mark Consuelos laughing, with Kim stepping back and playfully responding, “That I don't know. But some restaurants definitely need that.” The lighthearted exchange resonated with audiences, sparking widespread reactions on social media and garnering 434,456 likes. “In Portugal, we actually have restaurants that have the little button to call the server. It’s life-changing,” @withlovedanny commented. “That’s called great hospitality, which most Western nations lack,” @tracejeffery70 wrote.

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