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Grace Park andHawaii Five-0are practically synonymous for fans of the hit crime drama. Portraying Kono Kalakaua, Grace wasn’t just another character on the team, she was the heart and soul that gave the show its edge.
From the very first season, Kono stood out displaying a rookie cop with killer instincts and fierce loyalty that made her a fan favorite. And let’s not forget her insane surf skills that added to her badass persona. Whether she was chasing down bad guys or navigating personal challenges, Kono brought depth and relatability to the otherwise action-packed procedural.
For Park,Hawaii Five-Owas more than just a career milestone. It was her role as Kono that catapulted her into success and solidified her as a household name. Over seven seasons and 168 episodes, she was an integral part of the show’s ensemble.
However, as much as fans adored her, Park’s journey on the show wasn’t without hurdles and her sudden departure left a void that was impossible to fill. Her exit wasn’t just about leaving a TV show, it ignited conversations and endless speculation. Though Park spoke at length to explain her decision to leave the show, here is the real reason why she quit the hit show.
Grace Park’s journey onHawaii Five-O
Grace Park’s time onHawaii Five-Owas nothing short of a rollercoaster. Starring as Kono Kalakaua, she joined the Five-O task force fresh out of the police academy. As Chin Ho Kelly’s cousin, Kono was a natural fit for the team, showcasing her sharpshooting skills, martial arts prowess, and undeniable determination.
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Over seven seasons, Park wasn’t just about action. Her love story with Adam Noshimuri was equally heartfelt as her performance. Of course, their relationship had its ups and downs, but they eventually tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony. But, like any couple in a crime show, they couldn’t catch a break for too long. Between going into hiding, dealing with Adam’s prison stint, and constant danger, their love story was a wild ride.
However, by the end of the seventh season, Kono decided to take on a new challenge, leaving Hawaii to join a task force in Nevada to combat s*x trafficking—well, that was a perfect redemption arc for her character. While fans missed her presence on the show, her departure fromHawaii Five-Owas bittersweet. She did leave an unforgettable legacy behind, as her portrayal of Kono remains one of the most beloved characters in the show’s history.
Why Did Grace Park LeaveHawaii Five-Oafter seven seasons?
Back in 2017, when Grace Park and her fellow co-star,Daniel Dae Kim, suddenly leftHawaii Five-0after seven seasons, fans were shocked, and the buzz pointed to a pay dispute. While several reasons sparked for her departure, including that she wanted salary parity with her co-star and Park sharing that she wanted to spend more time with her family, things were a little more complicated than that.
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In an interview withEntertainment Weekly, Park who graced the screen playing a determined attorney inA Million Little Things,finally addressed the reason for her sudden departure. She admitted that the pay wasn’t the only issue, explaining,
“There were a number of factors spanning the show that affected the non-renewal of my contract. I’m grateful for the lessons learned, but I chose what was best for my integrity.”
While she didn’t spill much, Park also revealed that CBS and she just couldn’t agree on a new contract, hence, her decision to move on from the show. Not only this, at the time, she kept pretty quiet on the topic, even skipping a TV Critics Association press event where she knew thatFive-O questions would’ve flown.
Furthermore, Park addressed a tweet from showrunner Peter M. Lenkov that claimed she left to spend time with her family “wasn’t cool.” Park expressed,
“The whole situation was just a bit too charged for me. I let him know, ‘That wasn’t cool that you made a statement on my behalf.’ … I know he did it to be helpful, and I care about Peter as a person, but I didn’t leave for that reason.”
Moreover, during contract talks with CBS, Kim and Park reportedly pushed for equal pay with their white co-stars, Alex O’Loughlin and Scott Caan. Despite being part of the show since its reboot in 2010 and starring in all 168 episodes, the pair were reportedly offered 10-15% less than what their white co-stars were making, as perVariety.
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Her exit, along with Kim’s, sent shockwaves through the entertainment world, prompting fans to question how a network could let such talented actors walk away.
What has Grace Park been upto after leavingHawaii Five-O?
After her dramatic exit fromHawaii Five-O,Grace Park didn’t just fade into the background, she shifted gears and found herself in another fan-favorite show. Park took on the role of Katherine Kim in ABC’s emotional dramaA Million Little Things.Outside of work, Grace has kept a pretty low profile about her personal life.
Hawaii Five-Ois available on Paramount+.
A Million Little Thingsis available on Hulu.
Samridhi Goel
Content Writer
Articles Published :375
Samridhi breathes HOLLYWOOD. A seasoned professional content writer boasting three years of experience. Her expertise shines in the realm of entertainment, where she skillfully craft narratives that breathe life into movies, music, and pop culture. She has completed her Masters in Commerce but her obsession with Hollywood lead her to curate content for the same.
