Netflix
The “Karate Kid” franchise, known for its action-packed scenes, quotable dialogue, and unforgettable characters, has always made room for romance. The series has consistently spotlighted unlikely love stories, starting with Ralph Macchio’s underdog character Daniel LaRusso pursuing the wealthy and popular Ali Mills (Elisabeth Shue) in the original film, and later leaving Ali for a vacation fling with Kumiko in “The Karate Kid Part II.”
Similarly, the sequel TV series “Cobra Kai” has seamlessly woven romance into its narrative. The show, which closely mirrors a live-action sports anime in a world where karate is the center of everything, has delved into romantic storylines involving the fresh-faced newcomers and their seasoned senseis, with Johnny Lawrence’s transformation from antagonist to a genuinely good partner being a series highlight.
The sixth season of “Cobra Kai” gives us an unexpected twist in the form of a budding romance between two unlikely characters: Cobra Kai Sensei Kim Da-Eun (Alicia Hannah-Kim) and Miyagi-do master Chozen (Yuji Okumoto). Amid the excitement of the Sekai Taikai karate tournament, these two characters evolve from adversaries to lovers during an intense evening in Barcelona. This unexpected romance, which seems to make perfect sense, takes the concept of “fraternizing with the enemy” to a whole new level.
Discussing this surprising development, co-creator and showrunner Hayden Schlossberg shared with TVLine, “Chozen and Kim Da-Eun share many similarities in their personalities. They are both very stoic, very serious, and they both are tasked with ensuring the safety of the kids. It made sense that they would clash, but these similarities, and the friction they create, can sometimes lead to a spark.”
Chozen’s Potential Role in Kim’s Redemption
Netflix
In a conversation with EW, Hannah-Kim expressed her surprise at Kim’s romantic storyline with Chozen. “She’s in vacation mode, in a different mindset. He’s out there on his own looking for the kids; she’s out there on her own. It’s akin to a ‘great minds think alike’ scenario.”
Kim and Chozen’s relationship is intriguing because it not only allows these two serious characters to enjoy some passionate fun but also adds depth to their somewhat underdeveloped backstories. Chozen, a standout character in season 5, spends most of season 6 pining over Kumiko. The latest batch of episodes reveals that Daniel’s former adversary traveled to Japan to declare his love for Kumiko, only to find another man in her apartment (likely a misunderstanding that will become a joke in the final episodes). This sends Chozen into a downward spiral of alcoholism.
Kim, introduced as an aloof and heartless karate master on the brink of becoming as sadistic as Kreese or Silver, undergoes significant character development in season 6. This growth is not just due to her fling with Chozen but also her relationship with Tory. Kim represents an older version of what Tory could become if she continues to follow Kreese: a person so consumed with power and karate that she loses her identity and the chance for love and happiness. When Tory questions whether sacrificing everything was worth it in the season finale, Kim is visibly taken aback, hinting at possible second thoughts about her past with karate.
Chozen’s role in Kim’s life is crucial because he offers her a chance for redemption. Chozen had a similar path, having a harsh mentor who took pleasure in tormenting students, taking karate too seriously, and even getting involved in a deadly fight. Chozen managed to learn from his mistakes and transformed into a balanced and healthier individual. Perhaps he can guide Kim in finding her way back, too.
Credit: www.slashfilm.com
