Interview: Kim Kkobbi

South Korean actress Kim Kkobbi (김꽃비) has become quite the overnight sensation thanks to her performance as the feisty schoolgirl in the award winning ‘Breathless‘. Not only were the critics singing her praises, but she also won two Best New Actress awards at both the 30th Blue Dragon Film Awards and the 46th Daejong Film Awards.

Despite all this recent recognition though, Kim has actually been in the industry for a few years now and has appeared in movies such as ‘Midnight Ballad for Ghost Theatre’, ‘The City Of Violence’, ‘Diary Of June’ and ‘This Charming Girl’.

We were lucky enough to beat back the crowds of admirers to grab a few words with Kim when she visited the UK to promote the Terracotta Distribution DVD release of ‘Breathless’.

Far East Films: What was it that first prompted you to become an actress and how did you get into the industry?

Kim Kkobbi: It’s a long story. Since I was young I wanted to be an actress. There was a theatre company in my town and a programme for children’s theatre class. When I was in the 4th or 5th year of primary school, I attended the workshop and started acting in performances. In 1997, I also worked with the French ‘Image Aigue’ theatre company on a show called ‘Caponino’. Then I started acting in films when I was in first year of high school. At first I was a cameo but after showing that I was hardworking my next role became a supporting character. My next work was ‘Jealousy Is My Middle Name’ which won an award at Rotterdam Film Festival. From there I was able to leave a good impression and fortunately I could continue with many good projects.

FEF: It must be a great time to be involved with Korean cinema. What have been your highlights so far?

KK: First of all, as mentioned previously, I am very thankful of ‘Jealousy Is My Middle Name’ and think I was lucky. I think my highlights are: ‘Midnight Ballad For Ghost Theatre’ where I played my first leading role, the short film ‘Not A Girl’ and ‘Breathless’.

FEF: Your performance in ‘Breathless’ has received rave reviews in Asia and here in the UK, do you ever realise how far and wide your work will be viewed?

KK: Oh… that’s an honour to hear. I feel honoured and very happy. Thank you very much!!!

FEF: Do you hope it will be a platform for more worldwide roles?

KK: Yesssssss!!! Of course [Laughs] I would love to work in foreign films. Next year I plan to stay in France for one year. I hope that there will be opportunities to work in Europe and am thinking of actively seeking them. If any directors or producers are interested, please contact Terracotta Media!

FEF: ‘Breathless’ shows how Korean films show friendship in many different ways – what other qualities would you point out?

KK: Hmm… was the friendship expressed in our film special? For example, are you referring to Sanghoon and Manshik expressing their intimacy by swearing to each other or Sanghoon and Yeonhue’s rough-mannered friendship? Well… in Korea, it is embarrassing to express your emotions honestly so I think they deliberately swear or are playful with each other. They’re not very tender. Of course it depends on each individual. I’m especially more aggressive to my male friends. If I’m too affectionate, they might like me [Laughs].

FEF: Are you shocked by the success of ‘Breathless’? It’s not a big-budget film by any means, but it’s been very popular.

KK: Yes, I’m shocked. We were very fortunate. I know I keep saying I’ve been fortunate but I honestly think I’m a very lucky person.

FEF: What projects do you have lined up for the future?

KK: Not long ago I finished ‘Life Is Peachy’. It is Director Kim Soo-Hyun’s – who directed ‘So Cute’ – next film.

‘Breathless’ is available now from Amazon.co.uk and YesAsia.com.

Far East Films would like to thank Kim Kkobbi, Paul Smith and Joey Leung.