In an interview held in Seoul on December 22, Kim Da Mi shared her honest surprise: “I didn’t expect the reactions to be this polarized. I thought there would be more middle ground.” She explained that while differences in interpretation are normal, the stark contrast in viewer opinions caught her off guard.
The Great Flood is a sci-fi disaster blockbuster set on Earth’s final day, portraying a desperate survival story as rising floodwaters consume a high-rise apartment complex. Kim plays Anna, an AI researcher entrusted with humanity’s last hope, who must navigate catastrophe while protecting a child.
Though the film’s genre shifts and narrative structure received mixed reviews, Kim noted that she didn’t fully grasp how drastic the genre transition would feel until seeing the final version. “While reading the script, I didn’t sense the shifts strongly. It wasn’t until I saw the film completed that I thought, ‘I can see how people might perceive it that way.’”
Discussing her character, she admitted, “At first, the script felt like a math formula. It was complex, even for me. I had to memorize every detail and assign meaning to each line.” Kim also recalled daily hour-long discussions with director Kim Byung Woo, trying to unpack the dense material.
She praised the director’s openness to collaboration. “If I asked questions, he would explain things thoroughly. There were even moments when, after discussions with me and Park Hae Soo, he changed parts of the script on the spot.” She described the director as logical and reserved in speech, but warm-hearted behind the scenes, even gifting her flowers and a handwritten letter on Christmas to thank her for deepening his vision for the film.
Kim Da Mi also mentioned shooting the same scene ten times despite minimal changes. “At first, I didn’t understand why we kept reshooting. But eventually, I realized everything was part of the director’s plan,” she said.
Ultimately, Kim expressed hope that viewers recognize the effort poured into the film. While The Great Flood may not be universally loved, her dedication and evolving collaboration with the director are a testament to the craft behind the production.
Sources: nate