Daniel Dae Kim on leaving 'Hawaii Five-0': 'The path to equality is rarely easy'

July 5 (UPI) -- Daniel Dae Kim says leaving Hawaii Five-0 was a "difficult" decision.

The 48-year-old actor addressed his exit from the show in a lengthy Facebook post Tuesday following news he and Grace Park will depart the CBS series.

"I will not be returning to Hawaii Five-0 when production starts next week," Kim confirmed. "Though I made myself available to come back, CBS and I weren't able to agree to terms on a new contract, so I made the difficult choice not to continue."

"As sad as it feels to say goodbye, what I feel most is gratitude," he said. "As an Asian American actor, I know first-hand how difficult it is to find opportunities at all, let alone play a well developed, three dimensional character like Chin Ho. I will miss him sincerely."

"I'll end by saying that though transitions can be difficult, I encourage us all to look beyond the disappointment of this moment to the bigger picture. The path to equality is rarely easy. But I hope you can be excited for the future. I am," the star added.

Kim and Park played Chin Ho Kelly and Kono Kalakaua in Seasons 1 through 7 of Hawaii Five-0. CBS and executive producer Peter Lenkov confirmed Friday that the actors won't return for Season 8.

"We are so appreciative of Daniel and Grace's enormous talents, professional experience and the aloha spirit they brought to each and every one of our 168 episodes," the network said. "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."

Variety reported last week that Kim and Park were seeking pay equality with Alex O'Loughlin and Scott Caan, who portray Steve McGarrett and Danno Williams. Sources said CBS offered the pair 10 to 15 percent less than their co-stars.