Simu Liu, widely recognized for his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, recently opened up about his experiences on Kim’s Convenience and admitted to feeling insecure during his time on the show. The actor, whose perspective has evolved in the years since his initial social media response, now views his involvement with the Canadian sitcom as an important chapter in his career.
The focus keyword, Simu Liu Kim’s Convenience, is central to this story as Liu revisits his relationship with the celebrated series and examines the factors behind his prior frustrations. The candid reflections come nearly four years after he publicly expressed concerns over creative differences with the production team and the lack of diverse voices in the writer’s room.
Initial Outcry and Reactions to the Series’ End
When Kim’s Convenience concluded its fifth and final season on Netflix, Simu Liu addressed the show’s sudden cancellation and speculations about his departure. Liu directly refuted rumors suggesting his growing Hollywood career, marked by his Marvel casting, was a reason for the show ending, stating,
“I wanted to be a part of the sixth season. I’ve heard a lot of speculation surrounding myself – specifically, about how getting a Marvel role meant I was suddenly too ‘Hollywood’ for Canadian TV. This could not be further from the truth.”
– Simu Liu, Actor
Strongly identifying with the show’s impact, Liu described both his affection for the series and his frustrations with its creative direction, stating,
“I love this show and everything it stood for. I saw firsthand how profoundly it impacted families and brought people together. It’s truly SO RARE for a show today to have such an impact on people, and I wanted very badly to make the schedules work. I WAS, however, growing increasingly frustrated with the way my character was being portrayed and, somewhat related, was also increasingly frustrated with the way I was being treated.”
– Simu Liu, Actor
Creative Input and Concerns Over Representation
Liu acknowledged that disagreements and differing creative visions are common when making an ensemble television show, mentioning,
“I think this is a natural part of a collaborative undertaking like making a TV show; everyone is going to have different ideas on where each character ought to go, what stories ought to be told,”
– Simu Liu, Actor
Still, he believed cast members should have greater influence over their characters, particularly given their unique backgrounds. This feeling was intensified by the demographic makeup of the production team and the absence of other Korean voices in leadership roles:
“But it was always my understanding that the lead actors were the stewards of character, and would grow to have more creative insight as the show went on. This was not the case on our show, which was doubly confusing because our producers were overwhelmingly white and we were a cast of Asian Canadians who had a plethora of lived experiences to draw from and offer to writers.”
– Simu Liu, Actor
Liu also highlighted the shortcomings in diversity within the writer’s room, expressing that more perspectives—including East Asian and female representation—were sorely needed:
“Our writer’s room lacked both East Asian and female representation, and also lacked a pipeline to introduce diverse talents. Aside from Ins [Choi], there were no other Korean voices in the room. And personally I do not think he did enough to be a champion for those voices (including ours). When he left (without so much as a goodbye note to the cast), he left no protege, no padawan learner, no Korean talent that could have replaced him.”
– Simu Liu, Actor
Liu’s Attempts to Influence the Show’s Direction
Attempting to contribute to the series both creatively and behind the scenes, Liu described how his offers to help shape its narrative were overlooked:
“I tried so hard to be that person; I sent him spec scripts I was working on, early cuts of short films I had produced…I voiced my interest in shadowing a director or writer’s room… my prior experience had taught me that if I just put myself out there enough, people would be naturally inclined to help. And boy was I wrong here.”
– Simu Liu, Actor
He noted that this lack of creative access was not unique to him but affected other cast members as well:
“I wasn’t the only one who tried. Many of us in the cast were trained screenwriters with thoughts and ideas that only grew more seasoned with time. But those doors were never opened to us in any meaningful way.”
– Simu Liu, Actor
At the time, these professional obstacles and disappointments contributed to his harsh critique of the writers and producers, particularly with regard to issues of race and opportunity in Canadian television.
Growth and New Perspective After Leaving the Show
Following his departure from Kim’s Convenience, Simu Liu reflected deeply on both his personal grievances and the realities of working within an ensemble cast. In a recent interview with Therese Lacson from Collider, Liu shared that he has since come to a place of gratitude:
He shared that the competitive environment on the show and in the broader entertainment industry inevitably causes insecurity but is not unique to him. With time and maturity, he has recognized that nearly everyone in creative projects faces challenges regarding visibility and recognition.
Liu also admitted to acting out of frustration at the time and explained how feeling unseen for his talents has been a recurring trigger throughout his acting career:
“I certainly wasn’t where I wanted to be — and especially when you don’t feel like you’re getting the material that is emblematic or indicative of your skill level, that’s when I would get this very specific feeling. It’s a very specific trigger that is repeated at many points in my career, that I’m not being seen. When I feel that way, it’s really hard to rein me in.”
– Simu Liu, Actor
The Show’s Enduring Impact and Cultural Importance
Despite his struggles, Liu ultimately acknowledged that Kim’s Convenience remains as central to his public identity as his globally recognized role as Shang-Chi. He emphasized the show’s special status and its contribution to media representation:
“Maybe it’s that nobody can really fully appreciate the kind of cultural impact of something if they’re on the other side of it. I kind of forgot that we were making an important show, and a show that people watched and appreciated and resonated with, and saw themselves in.”
– Simu Liu, Actor
He noted that the reach of Kim’s Convenience extended far beyond his personal experiences, resonating with audiences worldwide and offering visibility to Asian Canadian perspectives.
What Lies Ahead for Liu and Industry Representation
Having come to terms with his earlier insecurity and emotional reaction to behind-the-scenes challenges, Liu is now focused on building a future that fosters diversity, inclusion, and stronger creative partnerships. His journey has become an example for emerging actors facing similar trials, reflecting ongoing conversations about representation in Hollywood and Canadian media alike.
The events surrounding the end of Kim’s Convenience and Liu’s subsequent reflections highlight the complexities of collaboration, the ongoing need for diverse voices in television, and the far-reaching influence one show can have on culture and community. While the series has ended, its legacy — and the lessons learned by its cast — continue to shape conversations in the entertainment industry.
Simu Liu’s candid account serves as a reminder of the importance of self-reflection, open dialogue, and the pursuit of genuine inclusivity in creative fields.
