Kim Dami won the trophy for Best New Actress Award at the 56th Baeksang Arts Awards with her first-ever drama. She announced the birth of a fresh female character through her role as Jo Yi Seo in Itaewon Class. She has once again proved her title of “monster rookie” by showing her bold performances that perfectly match honest and confident Jo Yi Seo.
In an interview with the media Daily Sports, Kim Dami frankly shared her thoughts on Itaewon Class, popularity, and acting.
Q1. Itaewon Class was your first drama.
“In the beginning, I was worried about being able to adapt well to the new field. But I got much more comfortable after meeting the director and fellow actors often. The filming started in May last year and ended in March this year. I am still watching clips on my phone cause I’m sad it’s over.”
Q2. I heard that the team got along very well.
“We all have different personalities, but when we get together, it’s amazing. Everyone’s so busy, so we can’t hang out that often, but the chat room is still open. No one has left the group chat.”
Q3. The popularity of the original work must have been burdensome.
“When I first met the director, he said, ‘There is an original work, but I would like to create your own Jo Yi Seo.’ I built up the character, discussing the tone and personality with the director.”
Q4. Did you always dream of becoming an actor?
“I’ve dreamed of becoming an actor since I was young. I told my parents about my dream when I was in high school and prepared in earnest.”
Q5. I’m sure your life changed completely after The Witch (The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion).
“I think I was lucky. With the film, I won the title of ‘monster rookie,’ and I was quite surprised. At the time, I had no idea that it was such a big movie.”
Q6. What is the charm of acting?
“I was never interested in anything else, but acting was the first thing I had fun with. When I read the scripts, it’s interesting to interpret and express them in my own way. It’s hard, but it’s fun. I would love to play various roles.”
Q7. The popularity of Itaewon Class overseas is unusual.
“I see a lot of overseas fans when I see my SNS accounts. I can’t read all of them, but some fans would send their supports in Korean, and some fans who can’t speak Korean would translate and send their supports to me.”
Q8. I heard you enjoy American TV series. Do you have any dreams of entering Hollywood?
“I’ve thought of acting in English. If I get a chance, I’ll do my best. (laughs)”
Q9. What’s your plan for the second half of this year?
“I start the filming for the movie Soul Mate in August. The Witch 2 is still under discussion as the schedules haven’t been confirmed yet. I would like to work on a new drama, but I think it’ll be around next year at the earliest.”
Q10. What kind of actor do you want to be?
“I want to be an actor who knows herself well. When I think about it, I don’t know much about myself. If I know myself well enough, I think I’ll be able to act more boldly in various ways.”
