Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park will say aloha to “Hawaii Five-0” ahead of Season 8. We’ve known for a while that the CBS drama was teetering on the edge of a casting shakeup, but, while Kono’s (Park) departure was expected, Chin’s (Kim) exit blindsided viewers with a move that knocked out 50 percent of the original cast.

Now it’s time to answer two fundamental questions: why did Park and Kim pull anchor, and what does their farewell mean for fellow characters and the future of the series?

Why did Park and Kim leave ‘Hawaii Five-0’?

For the most part, the rationale behind the actors’ untimely exit is simple: pay equality.

According to Variety, the pair was battling for a raise to put their salaries on par with that of the other original cast members, i.e. Alex O’Loughlin (McGarrett) and Scott Caan (Danny). When CBS failed to follow through, Park and Kim decided it was time to move on. As women and POC actors continue the fight for equal pay in Hollywood, CBS has provided yet another example of why that struggle is nowhere near over.

Nevertheless, the studio bid a fond farewell to the characters we’ve come to know and love.

“We are so appreciative of Daniel and Grace’s enormous talents, professional excellence and the aloha spirit they brought to each and every one of our 168 episodes,” CBS said in a statement.

“They’ve helped us build an exciting new Hawaii Five-0, and we wish them all the best and much success in their next chapters. Mahalo and a hui hou.”

What’s next for ‘Hawaii Five-0’?

As Season 8 begins, the Friday night drama will use the closing moments of the finale to account for Chin and Kono’s absences. A potted summary will presumably address the fact that Kono is now the scourge of human traffickers on the mainland while Chin is busy heading up a Five-0 division in the Bay Area.

Since that the pair is out of the picture, however, there are a few other characters that might fall by the wayside as well. Adam (Ian Anthony Dale), Kono’s husband, will undoubtedly relocate with his wife, and it’s safe to assume that Sara (Londyn Silzer) and Abby (Julie Benz) will do the same for Chin. It’s a ripple effect that could have dire consequences for a host of fan favorites.

O’Loughlin, meanwhile, also voiced a desire to put down the badge and gun. The Aussie’s contract will expire following the Season 8 finale, leaving his future as murky as any crystal ball. Just don’t expect him to kick the bucket in the process. No minor bout of radiation poisoning can waylay this Navy SEAL. Showrunner Peter Lenkov confirmed as much with the following tweet.

Already lamenting the loss of Chin and Kono? Ready to meet their rabblerousing replacement, a lifeguard named Tani? Catch the “Hawaii Five-0” fall premiere Sept. 29 at 9 p.m. ET on CBS.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED