Somaek Bomb on US Talk Show! Daniel Dae Kim and Jimmy Fallon Celebrate K-Culture’s Global Rise

NBC’s popular “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” recently caught everyone’s attention with a “Somaek” (a bomb drink mixing soju and beer) performance. The scene is being viewed as a clear reflection of the rising status of Korean culture.

On May 8, Korean-American actor Daniel Dae Kim (58) appeared on the show to discuss the K-culture craze. Daniel Dae Kim is well-known for the US series “Lost” and the movie “K-Pop Demon Hunters.”

He shared, “When I was growing up, being Korean wasn’t accepted as cool as it is now,” adding, “But now, it’s completely different, and I feel like there’s a ‘cool factor’ to it.”

Having provided the English voice for a traditional Korean medicine doctor in “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” he admitted, “I didn’t know it would be this successful,” and expressed that it was a great honor to be part of the project.

Daniel Dae Kim also introduced “K-Everything,” a 4-part CNN documentary series he executive produced. Released on May 9, the series takes a deep dive into the power and driving force behind Korean culture, which is leading global pop culture. “I wanted to introduce Korea to those who don’t know it and help those who think they know it find something new,” he said, adding that now is the perfect time for such a program.

Fallon also revealed himself to be a K-culture enthusiast, saying, “I really love kimchi” and “I often visit H Mart, the Korean grocery store.” To this, Daniel Dae Kim responded, “K-pop, K-drama, K-beauty, and K-food are no longer just trends, but have become a global cultural phenomenon.”

The highlight of the show was the “Korean drinking culture experience.” With soju, beer, and chopsticks ready in the studio, Daniel Dae Kim explained, “Koreans love Somaek, which is a mix of soju and beer. There’s a very dedicated process to making it.” After taking off his suit jacket, he placed chopsticks over a beer glass, set a soju glass on top, and slammed the table with his fist. Fallon followed along with excitement. Once the soju glass dropped into the beer to create the “Somaek,” the two shouted “Geonbae!” and drank up.

Daniel Dae Kim also explained drinking etiquette, noting that in Korea, it is polite for younger people to pour drinks using both hands.

Other Korean stars, including BTS, BLACKPINK, and Lee Byung-hun, have previously appeared on the show.