Kim Da Mi Shares Thoughts on Her Latest Drama “Nine Puzzles”

In a recent interview, Kim Da-mi discussed her new Disney+ mystery thriller, Nine Puzzles, highlighting how her character, Yoon Lee Na, stands apart from her previous role as Jo Yi-seo in Itaewon Class.

In Nine Puzzle, Kim Da-mi embodies Yoon Lee Na, a complex character who serves as the sole witness and now a profiler in an unsolved murder case from a decade ago. This case directly impacts her, as the victim was her uncle, Superintendent Yoon Dong-hoon. Despite being the only witness at the scene and even a suspect, Lee Na lost her memory of that traumatic moment, adding layers of mystery to her character.

Kim Da-mi emphasized that Lee Na is a stark departure from her previous roles, particularly Jo Yi-seo. While some viewers might draw parallels between Yi-seo, often labeled a “genius sociopath,” and the “genius profiler” Lee Na, Kim Da-mi was quick to clarify, “Lee Na is not a sociopath.”

She elaborated on her approach to portraying Lee Na: “I thought she was a very different character from Itaewon Class. Since I played both of them, they might feel similar, but I tried to give Lee Na more character.” She explained that while Yi-seo had “cartoonish” elements in Itaewon Class, she remained largely grounded in reality. Lee Na, however, exhibits a heightened sense of theatricality. “Lee Na’s rhythm of speech and actions have more character,” she said, suggesting a more exaggerated, almost fantastical quality. “I know what those reviews (that the two are similar) mean. I try to act differently from my previous works.”

Embracing the “Genius” with a Twist

The concept of “genius” is a common thread between her past and present roles, but Kim Da-mi highlighted the nuances. “Geniuses have shortcomings. It was fun that we shared those points,” she noted. She described her choice to take on Itaewon Class after The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion as seeking an “easy and fun character.” In contrast, Nine Puzzle was a project she embraced to learn and grow, underscoring the differing genres and her evolving artistic intentions.

Kim Da-mi candidly shared her initial apprehension about playing Yi-seo in Itaewon Class. “When I was doing Itaewon Class, I had a lot of worries because it was so different from me and he was a sociopath,” she admitted. Yet, it was precisely this challenge that attracted her. “I wanted to challenge myself, so I thought I’d give it a try. It’s the same now. I want to break things I can’t do, and I tend to do that.” This dedication to pushing her boundaries reveals her artistic ambition. She also hinted at future aspirations, stating, “The only things I haven’t done yet are historical dramas or characters with really dark vibes.”

Nine Puzzles wrapped its 11-episode run on June 4th, with all episodes now available for streaming on Disney+. The series offers viewers a chance to witness Kim Da-mi’s continued versatility and her unique interpretation of a “cartoonish” yet deeply intricate character.