BY IRVIN RIVERA

Korean-Australian actor Alicia Hannah-Kim plays Kim Da-Eun, the major big bad of Cobra Kai Season 5. She is the first female sensei on COBRA KAI and is Miyagi’s antithesis.

Alicia played Kim Da-Eun’s character with precision and grace. It takes a really good actor to bring a terrifying character to life and exude that energy throughout the whole season and Alicia delivered.

Aside from Cobra Kai, Alicia is also busy developing a Korean horror film and a docuseries.

Alicia also recurs on the HBO Max 70’s period comedy series Minx, in the role of ‘Wendy Mah,’ which was just renewed for a second season. Her other television credits include ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy and the Starz series Crash.

In this interview Alicia Hannah-Kim dishes on the joys of playing her Cobra Kai character, the challenges and the highs she experienced while filming, dreams, inspirations, her desire to work with Steven Spielberg, life lessons and more.

Hi Alicia! How are you? 

Hello! I’m very well, thank you! Comfortable in my skin, cozy with who I am. (Sorry, I’ve been listening to Beyoncé all day)

What’s keeping you busy nowadays?

I’ve been doing press for COBRA KAI Season 5. It’s been hectic but also really joyful to celebrate the show. I have some projects I’ve been developing too - a Korean horror film and a docuseries – and, like any actor, I’m always auditioning for the next job. 

How would you characterize Kim Da-Eun's evolution throughout the season of the show?

Terrifying. From beginning to end! Kim Da-Eun is thrown into the season like a ticking bomb with permission to explode at any moment. I think she is very quick to ascertain the lay of the land, and, even though she’s allied with Terry Silver, she’s not as invested in these local feuds. Kim Da-Eun seems like she has bigger plans, and you always get the feeling that she is constantly strategizing her next move. She has such an invincibility to her that it’s quite moving to see her as a child in her pink gi in those flashback scenes and then you sort of have to unpack the awful journey/training she must have been put through to morph into this supervillain. 

What’s unique about her character?

Kim Da-Eun is like nothing we’ve ever seen before on COBRA KAI. She’s the first female Sensei. The anti-Miyagi. An extreme and dark character descended directly from the source of Cobra Kai as the granddaughter of Master Kim Sun-Young. The power that emanates from her is rooted in her family’s traditions and she’s as unforgiving and menacing as you can imagine. She’s unique in that she brings a real international aspect to the storyline and is not afraid to take everything to level 100. It’s always high stakes for Kim Da-Eun.

What’s the best part about playing Kim Da Eun?

Feeling her energy. She has this serpentine quality that I really enjoy, it’s nice to be in control of that and steer the beast. The physical exertion of the fight scenes. Her fighting style is an extension of that sort of reptilian element, so I love how vicious and surprising she can be. And the ponytail, of course. Talk about Cobra style! 

Talk about the challenges and the highs that you experienced during filming?

Honestly, the hair. The braid is heavy and had to be put up during takes to keep it in place. It was time consuming to construct, but my hairstylist, Michealle Vanderpool, was so patient and sweet and always took care of me. The other challenge would be the fight training - that was the most intricate detail for me. I wanted to really do my best and was very eager to please our awesome stunt team - Don Lee, Ken Barefield, Selkie Hom, Olivia Brown, Jake Huang, Jesse Haus, etc. Those guys were inspiring me every day to do better. It took a while, but I managed to pull off decent spinning hook kicks by the time we wrapped. 

The highs were many but I think my highlight of the season has to be the huge fight scene in the season finale. There was lots of running around and scores of people throwing punches and kicks, so that was pretty thrilling to film. 

How did you manage to rise above the challenges?

The support of the warmest cast and crew. It is a hugely encouraging environment so one feels safe to try your very best.

What’s the most memorable moment for you throughout the whole process of making the series?

My first scene was Kim Da-Eun’s arrival by private jet so that felt pretty momentous. Goading Tory to smash her hand was a big moment, really a culmination of the dynamic between Kim Da-Eun and Tory all season. 

What is your proudest moment in your career ever?

The proudest moments of my career are always when I’m able to find resilience in failure. Humor helps, but the grit of taking a hit and not being defeated is something every actor can understand. We celebrate our wins so publicly, and I think it’s important to share the entirety of the journey. Getting up after being knocked down is hard and a moment to be proud of as much as anything. 

To answer your question at this particular moment, I would say it’s watching COBRA KAI hit number #1 in 77 countries. Surreal. And testament to our hardworking crew, cast, writers and creators. 

Everyone’s process is different and each has their unique approach to things. Can you walk us through your creative process whenever you go and film a scene?

My creative process is rooted in theatre and rehearsal. I thrive on preparation. I love rehearsal, love getting in there with a scene partner and hashing it out. I will marinate on something for ages before I can crack it. In film, it’s then very much about letting it go and being flexible in the moment. That surrender can make space for something magical. 

How did acting start for you? Was it something that you’ve always wanted from a young age?

It started for me with theatre school in Sydney and booking my first job through the school, which led to me getting an agent. I always loved old movies and did a lot of dance and music but I’m not sure I ever thought acting was something I could do seriously, I just loved the escapism of it. 

Who and what inspires you?

Sincerity and integrity are the big ones. Being in nature. It’s so Pollyanna, but I could fill this page with inspiration because I find it anywhere I can. Good design - architecture, clothes, art or just a thing that works properly. Actors who make interesting choices. Courage. Jane Goodall. A good meal. Everyone on Chef’s Table! Jeong Kwan. My parents. SERENA WILLIAMS. IU. I could go on. I’m an unapologetic

What’s the biggest discovery that you’ve made about yourself in the last few years?

You can do more than you think. And it’s okay to be seen. 

What’s your dream project?

I’d love to work for a master director like Spielberg. I’d love to work in Korea and Australia, too. There’s such a wealth of artistic excellence in Korea right now. Director Bong Joon-Ho, obviously, and I’m a huge fan of Director Kim Won-Seok. Can I play a spy in MISSION IMPOSSIBLE, please? Everything. The list is endless and it’s good to dream…

Out of all the roles that you’ve played, is there any role/character that resonated with you the most and why?

I remember doing Saint Joan as a kid in theatre school and feeling electrified by her conviction. I think that connection is the thrill of acting… for me anyway… 

What’s a valuable lesson that you’ve learned that you always carry with you?

Be nice to yourself. I think we’re all really hard on ourselves in the privacy of our own thoughts, and it’s much more constructive to do the opposite!

If you were a book, what book would you be and why? 

A very tattered old Pride and Prejudice that has all its pages curled up because I’ve read it so many times.