Spoiler alert: This story incorporates spoilers for Cobra Kai Season 6 Half 1, now streaming on Netflix.
Whereas Kim Dae-Eun — Alicia Hannah King’s character on Cobra Kai — was one in all final season’s essential antagonists (and seemingly completed for good), you should not depend her out . Kim is again and teaming up with Kreese (Martin Kove) to guide their new technology of Cobra Kai fighters to the following stage within the World Karate Championship Sekai Taikai.
The pair, led by Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) and Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), will tackle opponents from throughout Miyagi Street. “Cobra Kai” originated in 2018 as an unique script on YouTube, detailing the story that befell a long time after the 1984 “Karate Child” film. (To learn particulars from an in-depth interview with Cobra Kai showrunners Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg — half one in all Season 6 — click on right here.)
Forty years after the sequence started, Hannah-Kim is the primary feminine instructor within the Karate Child universe, one thing she says she is aware of “very effectively.” Her character debuted within the sequence’ fifth season, when Terry Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith) introduced her in to coach his Cobra Kai karate children. She can also be the granddaughter of Grasp Kim (CS Lee), a karate knowledgeable who educated Silver and Chris and laid the inspiration for Cobra Kai’s villainous, win-at-all-costs values.
Within the fifth episode of season six, Tori (Peyton Checklist) – one of many present’s first sequence finales – leaves Miyagi Island after the dying of her mom. Tory returns to Cobra Kai to combat for Kim Da-Eun and Kreese at Worlds in Barcelona, which ends with a shocking episode time.
in a latest interview sortHannah King There’s speak of Kreese and Kim’s “friendship,” not watching “The Karate Child” till Cobra Kai season 5 — and the following step in her master-student relationship with Tory.
What was it like so that you can discover your character’s evil facet?
To be sincere, it is very satisfying. If you concentrate on all of the moments in life the place you need to management your mood or be accepted by society, I do not assume Kim Da Eun has any of these safeguards. She feels free to precise her anger or disappointment. Any emotion that comes up, I can see her simply letting it out, and it is actually satisfying to have the ability to expertise that vicariously.
Is there any inspiration that may make it easier to channel the evil anger inside Kim Da Eun?
All of us have a darkish facet. Work is ongoing to take care of this concern in a wholesome method and change into a suitable member of society. Nonetheless, entry shouldn’t be tough in any respect for me. I do not know what this implies to me.
I like watching dangerous guys. I get a whole lot of bizarre inspiration from Kylo Ren, Adam Driver. Adam Driver has a letting-go high quality that I discover actually thrilling.
Had been you a fan of the world of “The Karate Child” earlier than becoming a member of the sequence?
I really did not watch The Karate Child as a child – it type of missed my household. In fact I knew who Ralph was, and Billy and I each knew that “Cobra Kai” was a very huge present. However I am not very aware of the universe, and I believe that is good for me.
I got here out throughout COVID, which was the tail finish of the pandemic. I lived in Canada for many of that yr. It is like the sensation of breaking out of a cocoon, and it is very unconscious, so there’s not a lot strain. I embrace each expertise and haven’t any premeditated nervousness or intimidation about becoming a member of this huge 40-year-old franchise universe. I am very very similar to them and know them as themselves. This can be a very pure introduction. In fact, once I completed filming Season 5, I went residence, ate the whole lot, and had a belated star-struck response.
What’s it like to hold on that legacy alongside “Karate Child” legends like Ralph Macchio, Billy Zabka and Martin Kove?
I’m very conscious that I’m the primary feminine instructor; I’m the one lady of colour at Senses. Within the 40-year historical past of The Karate Child lore, occupying this place is thrilling and unprecedented. I actually really feel that power once we’re all in a scene collectively – it is a very welcome change. It’s a very good steadiness of feeling actually honored but additionally excited to have the ability to inject one thing completely different.
What does it imply to you to be the primary feminine instructor within the Karate Child universe? With so many robust ladies on the present, how do you hope to enhance feminine illustration on the present?
I believe it was an ideal choice by the present’s producers to introduce this character due to its duality: it is a illustration of Korea, but additionally a illustration of ladies. I get to symbolize these two issues whereas additionally being a beacon for younger Asian women watching the present who can see themselves in me. I do know the opposite feminine characters, undoubtedly the scholars, and Vanessa [Rubio] and courtney [Henggeler], there are various very robust feminine characters in our drama. So I do not really feel like I convey something completely different to the desk in that sense as a result of we’re all so robust on the present. However the considered a Korean or Asian lady having the ability to see me on display and really feel seen makes me so excited.
What was it like working with Martin Kove, who performs Chris?
I am trying ahead to this as a result of clearly in season 5 we introduced up the truth that Kim Dae-eun got here to America on Chris’ behalf. In fact, one thing went unsuitable. So we lastly get to discover what their relationship means. There’s a very pure master-disciple friendship between them. We get a whole lot of perception into the connection and the historical past, and Crisey, alongside along with her grandfather, actually advocated and guarded her when she was a toddler.
Marty is a legend on the set. His character within the unique “Karate Child” is the supply of nightmares for a lot of “Karate Child” followers. I get a whole lot of texts from pals, “Oh my gosh, you are working with Marty Koff! What’s he like?”
Marty could be very humorous. In between takes, he likes to joke round. He has nice resilience and perseverance. In one in all our early scenes in Korea, Atlanta was experiencing a very chilly snap. We had arctic winds and it was 20 levels outdoors, and we shot into the evening. After spending about 12 hours in freezing temperatures, Marty did not complain as soon as. I am impressed as a result of he put in a whole lot of effort.
In Episode 3, Chris utterly adjustments your unique instructing model within the dojo. What affect do you assume it will have on college students at WorldCon?
That is what occurs if you get along with pals and also you’re continually evaluating your self to one another. Clearly, they’re aligned with their objectives. After which they type of – I do not wish to say they introduced out the worst in one another – however they only stored taking it up a notch. Chris is hell-bent on making it to the World Sequence with Cobra Kai, which appears like an extended, well-thought-out ambition for him.
You will have to attend and see. That is fairly disastrous.
We all know Peyton Checklist’s Tori went to coach on Miyagi Street after the occasions of final season, however now she’s again on Cobra Kai. What’s subsequent on your relationship, particularly after your characters put a lot strain on her final season?
Tory’s return to Cobra Kai has the complete solid in disarray. All the Miyagijima youngsters, particularly Kim Da-eun, have very difficult relationships. It is debatable, nevertheless it’s additionally virtually a mentor-mentee relationship as a result of I believe Kim Dae-eun sees all of the potential and similarities. She noticed herself within the Tories and knew precisely the right way to harness these feelings to win, molding her right into a mini model of herself.
What can I say that is not a spoiler? This season we get to discover their relationship in new methods, which is actually satisfying for me as an actor.
What was it like working with Payton?
I like Peyton. She is so spectacular. I do know she’s been on this trade for a very long time; she’s been working since she was a child. What struck me once I met her was how easy-going she was, however she was additionally very skilled and exact. It actually speaks to her expertise within the trade. She is a powerful actor and a profound and real individual.
As a result of we had been on this very contentious relationship, we tried to make it as straightforward as doable. I keep in mind singing Taylor Swift songs many instances between takes with Peyton.
Wait, I like that. What songs are you able to sing?
“22” after which we’ve got to floss. As a result of if we yelled, I’d yell at her and he or she would stare at me with these huge stunning eyes. Then they referred to as lower, we’re all Swifties, in order that’s the place we related and obtained relaxed between takes.
What was it like filming some intense karate scenes?
That is essentially the most enjoyable. That is the good pleasure of Cobra Kai – if you’re midway via a combat scene and also you’re spinning round, utterly immersed within the second. Particularly for those who and your scene accomplice do it multi functional take, it may be thrilling. That is actually my favourite half, actually.
What can viewers anticipate out of your character within the subsequent two components of the season?
Kim Da-eun experiences life-changing moments in all three components of the sequence. Half 1 was very a lot a preparation for what was to come back. Keep tuned for half two: it’ll be loopy, enjoyable, and sudden. And stunning!
This interview has been edited and condensed.
