When a Beer Glass Balanced with Chopsticks Drops with a Bang: So-Mac Bomb Cocktail on a US Late-Night Talk Show

A Studio Set with Soju, Beer, and Chopsticks
The Two Shout "Geonbae" in Korean and Down Their Drinks

Korean-American actor Daniel Dae Kim (Korean name: Kim Dae-hyun) introduced Korean-style “So-Mac” culture firsthand on a popular American late-night talk show. Viewers responded that the scene—where Kim, along with host Jimmy Fallon, made a bomb cocktail by mixing soju and beer and then emptied their glasses while shouting “Geonbae!” in Korean—symbolically showcased the global spread of K-culture.

Actor Daniel Dae Kim appeared on the NBC show "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" on the 8th (local time) and demonstrated how to make Somaek, a Korean-style bomb cocktail. Photo by NBC "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon"

On May 8 (local time), Daniel Dae Kim appeared on NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and spoke about the Netflix animation “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” in which he participated, as well as the Korean culture wave. He voiced an English-speaking character who is a traditional Korean medicine doctor in the show. Reflecting on when he was first offered the role, Kim said, “I didn’t expect it would become this successful. I just thought it would be a good movie for kids, and I was simply curious to see how it would turn out.” He added, “It’s a huge honor to be a part of this project.” Kim also talked about his experiences growing up as a Korean-American, noting, “When I was growing up, being Korean wasn’t seen as ‘cool’ as it is now. But now, things have changed completely. There’s definitely a ‘cool factor’ to Korean things these days.”

Host Jimmy Fallon also expressed interest in Korean culture, saying, “I really love kimchi,” and revealed that he often shops at H Mart, a Korean grocery store. In response, Daniel Dae Kim said, “Now, K-pop, K-dramas, K-beauty, and K-food are not just trends but have become global cultural phenomena.” In the latter part of the show, they experienced Korean-style drinking culture. The studio was set with soju, beer, and metal chopsticks. Kim took off his suit jacket and began the demonstration, explaining, “Koreans love mixing soju and beer to make So-Mac. There’s a very deliberate process involved in making it.”

Actor Daniel Dae Kim appeared on the NBC show "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" on the 8th (local time) and demonstrated the Korean-style bomb drink, so-maek. Photo by NBC "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon"

He also introduced Korean drinking etiquette, saying, “In Korea, it’s polite for the younger person to pour drinks with both hands. Right now, I’m pouring as a sign of respect as your fan.” Kim then demonstrated the “So-Mac bomb” method: placing a shot glass of soju atop chopsticks balanced over a beer glass, and then striking the table so the soju glass drops into the beer. Fallon followed along and succeeded in making the So-Mac, and the two shouted “Geonbae!” together before emptying their glasses. The studio was instantly transformed into the lively atmosphere of a Korean company dinner.

Daniel Dae Kim also introduced “K-Everything,” a CNN Original documentary series he hosts. This four-part documentary explores how Korean culture—including K-pop, dramas, beauty, and food—has become a global phenomenon. Kim explained, “I think now is the perfect time to introduce a program like this. For those unfamiliar with Korea, I wanted to introduce the country, and for those who think they already know it, I wanted to help them discover something new.”

Born in Busan, Daniel Dae Kim immigrated to the United States as a child. He rose to international fame for his role as Jin-Soo Kwon in the ABC drama “Lost,” and has since worked in Hollywood as both an actor and producer. Recently, he has gained attention for promoting the appeal of Korean culture on Broadway and in the global content market.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.