Introduction – Wait, They Were on NCIS?!
We love those “Wait a second, I know that face!” moments. And if you’ve recently rewatched early episodes of NCIS, you might’ve done a double take when a certain fan-favorite star from Lost showed up on screen. That’s right—before she was surviving mysterious islands and dealing with smoke monsters, she was solving crimes with the NCIS team.
Let’s rewind the timeline and shine a spotlight on this surprise crossover in TV history.
The Star in Question? Michelle Rodriguez? Nope. It’s… Yunjin Kim!
Okay, so no, it’s not Michelle Rodriguez (though that would’ve been awesome too). The Lost alum who made an appearance in NCIS before boarding Oceanic Flight 815 is none other than the incredible Yunjin Kim, who played Sun-Hwa Kwon on Lost.
Yunjin Kim’s Guest Role on NCIS – A Deep Cut for Die-Hard Fans
Season 1, Episode 3 – “Seadog” (Original Air Date: 2003)
In this early episode of NCIS, Yunjin Kim played Lt. Commander Chang, a Navy officer tied to a mysterious case involving a supposed suicide that turns out to be anything but routine. It’s one of those blink-and-you-miss-it roles—but she commands the screen, even with limited lines.
This was well before Lost made her a household name, and her performance hinted at the kind of emotional depth and intensity she’d soon bring to one of TV’s most compelling dramas.
From Military Precision to Island Survival – A Wild Career Shift
From Uniforms to Jungle Clothes
Seeing Yunjin go from a disciplined Navy officer in NCIS to a struggling, emotionally layered survivor on a deserted island in Lost is a testament to her range. If you look closely, both characters share her signature quiet strength and steel resolve—but in very different worlds.
Why You Probably Missed It
Simple reason: her NCIS cameo aired in 2003, just a year before Lost premiered in 2004. At the time, she wasn’t a known name outside of Korean cinema. The timeline is tight—she was probably filming Lost around the same time her NCISepisode was still fresh on TV.
This Isn’t the First Time NCIS Has Featured Future Stars
NCIS: A Launchpad for Hollywood Greats
Over the years, NCIS has quietly served as a launching pad for many now-famous faces:
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Zoe Saldana made an early appearance.
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Troian Bellisario (yes, from Pretty Little Liars) had a guest role—she’s also the stepdaughter of Donald Bellisario, NCIS creator.
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Even Millie Bobby Brown showed up in NCIS before going full Eleven on Stranger Things.
Fans React – “How Did I Not Notice This Before?”
Reddit threads and fan pages occasionally revive this fun trivia fact, with fans saying things like:
“I just rewatched that episode and had to Google if that was really her!”
“Wild seeing Sun from Lost in a military uniform. She nailed it.”
“NCIS really had a future Emmy contender in a one-episode role.”
Yunjin Kim’s Career Since Lost
After Lost, Yunjin Kim didn’t just fade away. She:
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Starred in Mistresses (the U.S. version).
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Returned to Korean dramas and films.
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Most recently appeared in hit series like Money Heist: Korea on Netflix.
Her global fanbase has only grown, and her role in NCIS remains a fascinating footnote in her versatile career.
Where to Watch That Episode
Wanna see it for yourself? Here’s how:
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Episode: NCIS – Season 1, Episode 3 – “Seadog”
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Streaming: Available on Paramount+, CBS.com, or on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video.
Trust us, it’s worth the 42-minute trip back in time.
Conclusion – A Hidden Gem in the NCIS Universe
In the massive web of long-running TV franchises, these little Easter eggs remind us that everyone starts somewhere. Yunjin Kim’s brief NCIS appearance is more than just trivia—it’s a glimpse into the making of a future global star. So the next time you see Lt. Commander Chang on screen, remember: before she was escaping a mysterious island, she was working with Gibbs and the NCIS crew.
And who knows—maybe she’ll come back in a future episode? Stranger things have happened in the NCIS universe.
🎯 5 Unique FAQs
Q1: What episode of NCIS did Yunjin Kim appear in?
A: Season 1, Episode 3 – “Seadog.”
Q2: Did her NCIS character have any major plot relevance?
A: Not a major arc, but her role helped anchor the mystery of that week’s case.
Q3: Was this before or after Lost aired?
A: This was before—a year prior to Lost‘s debut in 2004.
Q4: Has she returned to NCIS since then?
A: No return appearances yet, but fans would love to see a comeback.
Q5: Where can I watch that NCIS episode?
A: You can stream it on Paramount+, CBS, or purchase it digitally.
