As a huge fan of both television and acting, I can’t help but be in awe of C.S. Lee’s impressive and diverse career. His ability to slip into various roles and breathe life into each character is truly commendable.
Contains spoilers for “Cobra Kai” Season 6, Episode 2 — “The Prize”
In the fifth season of “Cobra Kai,” when viewers encounter Master Kim Sun-Yung (Don Lee) in flashbacks with John Kreese (Martin Kove, Barrett Carnahan), it appears clear that he has been deceased for a long time in the show’s current timeline. This is because Master Kim trained George Turner, Kreese’s superior officer, during the Korean War of the late 1940s to early 1950s – around six or seven decades prior to “Cobra Kai”‘s storyline. However, Kreese is taken aback when he learns that Master Kim is actually still alive.
In “Cobra Kai” Season 6 Episode 2, titled “The Prize,” we get an up-close introduction to the enigmatic and often referenced Tang Soo Do master whose harsh training produces many of the series’ primary adversaries. To bring this character to life, a well-known actor has been brought in to portray the role.
C.S. Lee brings depth and weight to the role of Master Kim, once concealed by his long hair and beard. With a distinguished acting background from notable TV projects under his belt, Lee adds authenticity to “Cobra Kai.” You may recognize him from past performances.
Dexter (2006-2013)
Since 1998, C.S. Lee has featured in various TV shows and films. However, it is clear-cut which role brought him significant recognition: from 2006 to 2013, he played the pivotal character of Vince Masuka on Showtime’s hit series “Dexter.”
At the Miami Metro Police Department’s crime lab, being the most unsettling forensics expert is a challenging feat, especially when your partner is a genuine serial killer. However, Masuka, played by Wilfredo Vargas in Lee’s version, puts in an impressive effort. While Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall) strives to maintain a semblance of normality as he murders left and right, Masuka is unapologetically crude and humorous. His odd remarks and persistent failure to sense the appropriate atmosphere, though, obscure what could be the most brilliant forensic intellect in the entire show.
In a 2007 conversation with The Seattle Times, Lee relished portraying the irritating character of Masuka, yet held the view that this quirky forensic expert might be hiding behind his provocative actions as a means to cope with the grotesque aspects of his job. According to Lee, “I assume that’s how he handles the grisly situations.” Based on my understanding, Masuka appears even stranger than Dexter.
Chuck (2007)
After making a splash on “Dexter,” I continued to gain recognition by playing Harry Tang in “Chuck.” In this NBC series, I found myself in the role of Chuck Bartowski, an unassuming and geeky guy (portrayed brilliantly by Zachary Levi). One day, he stumbles upon a government secret that transforms him into a living database for intelligence agencies. Before long, he’s thrust into the dangerous and thrilling world of espionage. However, I had to keep up with my normal life as well, which meant juggling between the familiar faces from my everyday routine and the new characters I encountered while solving complex and perilous cases.
At Buy More, Harry, being Chuck’s senior colleague with a confrontational demeanor, stands out as one from the past. His irritating actions create a stark distinction between the mundane challenges Chuck encounters in his everyday life and the perilous situations he finds himself in during his secret spy missions.
Harry is featured in seven episodes during Season 1 of the series, marking the end of his storyline. Despite this limited screen time, Harry significantly contributes to the development of the show’s plot and provides a distinct contrast to Lee’s previous role as Vince Masuka on “Dexter.” In these episodes, Harry’s comically serious demeanor adds depth to “Chuck,” allowing Lee to display an entirely new facet of his acting abilities.
East New York (2022-2023)
The TV series “East New York” on CBS draws inspiration from actual happenings in Rockford, Illinois, but sets itself apart by focusing not just on typical crime investigations, but also on building relationships and fostering cooperation between law enforcement and the East New York community.
In “East New York,” a distinguished ensemble of actors such as Amanda Warren, Jimmy Smits, Kevin Rankin, and Richard Kind come together. The storyline centers around a police precinct where several officers reside voluntarily in a housing project they serve. Beyond addressing and preventing crimes, this series explores the impact of this unique living arrangement on both the community and the law enforcement personnel themselves. It delves into how the community influences the police force, as well as vice versa.
C.S. Lee significantly featured in the show as Sergeant Jimmy Kee, appearing in nearly half of its 21 episodes titled “East New York.” Although the series didn’t continue past its initial season, it was praised by critics and offered viewers a fresh perspective on Lee’s acting talents.
For All Mankind (2022-24)
In an intriguing twist, the science fiction series “For All Mankind” on Apple TV+ explores an alternate timeline where countries engage in a prolonged space race, filled with characters both real and fictional. The primary objective for many nations is to colonize Mars, which is a logical ambition given the storyline. Surprisingly, North Korea becomes the first nation to achieve this milestone by putting a man on Mars – an unexpected turn of events even the most avid viewers would not have predicted.
In the third season of the series, C.S. Lee portrays the character Lee Jung-Gil, who clandestinely arrives on Mars in early 1995, accompanied by Park Chol (Jason Her), who unfortunately perishes. Stranded alone, Lee endures for months, fulfilling his mission while gradually succumbing to desperation. Eventually, he encounters astronauts from NASA’s Happy Valley Mars base. Lee’s gripping storyline in Season 3, detailing his struggles on Mars, is a standout, ultimately leading him to play a significant role in the show’s fourth season.
Matt Wolpert, a co-creator, shared with CBR that creating the opening sequence with C.S. Lee was an enjoyable experience for our team. It felt more like making a small film than just part of an episode. I personally consider it one of the best parts of this season due to the time we spent with him.
C.S. Lee’s other roles
Over the course of his career, C.S. Lee has appeared in an impressive array of TV shows and films. As a result, it’s quite likely that “Cobra Kai” viewers have come across him in various roles prior to his portrayal of Master Kim Sun-Yung. For instance, he made appearances in no fewer than six one-episode roles on “Law & Order” and “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.” Additionally, he had a part as Dr. Ba on HBO’s “The Sopranos,” and played Richard Geldof for four episodes in “True Detective” Season 2.
I, Lee, have had the privilege of bringing various recurring characters to life in shows like “Power” as Jae Shin, “Sneaky Pete” as Joseph Lee, and “Chicago Med” as Bernard Kim. Additionally, I’ve made quite a few appearances as a guest star on shows such as “The Rookie,” “Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens,” and Netflix’s live-action “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” Not to mention, I’ve had roles in movies like “The Stepford Wives,” “The Unborn,” “Altered Minds,” and “Innocent Blood.” With each new project, I continue to add to my impressive resume. Playing the role in “Cobra Kai” is yet another exciting opportunity for me to showcase my acting skills and keep fans engaged.
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2024-07-18 23:31