Alicia Hannah-Kim Is Gleeful About Playing The Villain On “Cobra Kai”

Photo Credit: Timothy Fernandez

Alicia Hannah-Kim is a Korean Australian actress currently starring on Netflix’s hit, Emmy-nominated series Cobra Kai, in which she plays the formidable and ruthless South Korean sensei Kim Da-Eun – the first female sensei of the Karate Kid universe. The show is in its sixth and final season; parts 1 & 2 now available on the streamer and part 3 due out in 2025. Outside of Cobra Kai, Hannah-Kim just wrapped production in Seoul on the upcoming Disney+/Hulu’s Korean spy drama, Tempest, which she also produced, and she previously recurred on the Max series Minx. Here, she discusses why she’d much rather be the villain than a hero.

Photo Credit: Timothy FernandezFor those that may not be familiar, can you give us your COBRA KAI elevator pitch?

Karate wars for the whole family. Unexpected global enemies. Redemption always on the cards. Laughs along the way.

Tell us more about your character, sensei Kim Da-Eun.

Sensei Kim Da-Eun is powerful, relentless, and intimidating. She’s the granddaughter of Master Kim Sun-Young and the heir to the ‘Way of the Fist’ style of Tang Soo Do that was the foundation of Cobra Kai.

What was it like joining an established hit series?

A dream. Cobra Kai is the full package. Warmest cast and crew, fantastic showrunners and a wonderful dedicated fanbase. It’s really easy to step into a series when you feel welcomed.

Do you like playing the menacing and villainess characters?

The simple answer is yes… it feels a bit like a cheat day with your emotions. You get to let it all out without filter.

What is it like to play a villain? Do you love it or would you prefer to play the hero?

Playing a villain is always delicious. I think actors want to play as wide a range as possible, so I feel lucky to play the villain this time and hopeful to play a hero next time. Although, I think Sensei Kim thinks she’s the hero all the time.

What did your training look like for the series? Have you continued with your martial arts training now that the show is wrapped?

A regular session in our stunt dojo is usually a warmup of stretches and kicks and then walking through the fight choreography. We’ll then run through that choreography until we have it memorized like a dance.

Cobra Kai features a lot of strong female characters. What is it like portraying a strong female lead while also representing the AAPI community?

I feel lucky to have the distinction to be the first female sensei on the show. I feel proud to represent Korean culture through this character and I also feel supported by the other strong female characters.

Photo Credit: Timothy Fernandez

Why do you feel there’s been such a resurgence of interest in the Karate Kid universe?

I think the themes – friendship, rivalries, redemption – are universal. There’s a lot of humor and so much heart too.

What are some of your favorite behind-the-scenes moments from shooting?

The Sekai Taikai was pretty epic to film. Hundreds of extras and unbelievable fight scenes. I loved those high energy days on set.

If you could have one guest star join the series, who would it be?

Ken Jeong. He’d be so fun. I feel like he’d have the best one-liners during a fight.