Kim Da Mi on “Nine Puzzles”: “It’s Nothing Like “Itaewon Class”—More Stylized and Complex” – kdramadiary
Actress Kim Da Mi is back with another bold transformation—and she’s setting the record straight.
In a recent interview with the media, Kim Da Mi opened up about her latest role in the Disney+ mystery thriller Nine Puzzles.
The series follows Yoon Lee Na (played by Kim), a brilliant profiler and sole witness in a decade-old murder case that has resurfaced. As new killings linked to an eerie puzzle piece emerge, Detective Han Saem (Son Seok-gu) investigates with suspicion that Lee Na might be more than just a bystander.
While the character may seem like familiar territory to fans—particularly those who remember her as the razor-sharp sociopath Jo Yi-seo in Itaewon Class—Kim insists Lee Na is a different beast altogether.
“At first glance, they might seem alike because they’re both highly intelligent and complex women,” Kim said. “But Lee Na isn’t a sociopath. I actually think she’s quite the opposite—her character is more stylized, almost cartoonish in her delivery, but still grounded in reality.”
Kim revealed she intentionally shaped Lee Na’s speech patterns and gestures to stand apart from her previous roles. “Yi-seo in Itaewon Class was bold but somewhat rooted in a real-world setting, while Lee Na moves with a rhythm and tone that feels more heightened and layered,” she explained.
She also shared insight into her approach to choosing roles: “With Itaewon Class, I wanted something light and fun after The Witch. But with Nine Puzzles, I saw an opportunity to learn and push myself. The genres—and my mindset—were totally different.”
Despite the psychological complexity, Kim embraces the challenge. “Whenever a role feels out of reach, I tend to lean into it. I like breaking those boundaries. I haven’t done a historical drama yet—or played someone truly dark—but I’d love to explore that side someday.”
Nine Puzzles, which wrapped with its 11th episode on June 4, is now streaming in full on Disney+.
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