Karma is a 2025 South Korean crime thriller based on Choi Hee-seon’s Kakao webtoon, released on Netflix. It traces the haunting intersections of four lives—a witness to a cryptic accident, a doctor burdened by past trauma, a debt-ridden gambler, and a man undone by misfortune—as they become entangled in a web of ill-fated consequences and moral decay.
Review
Karma unfolds as an intricately woven psychological thriller that explores the repercussions of moral choices through the lens of fate, revenge, and retribution. Directed and written by Lee Il Hyung, known for his work on A Violent Prosecutor and Remember, this series deviates from typical K-drama tropes, offering a sharp, unpredictable ride through interconnected lives, steeped in sin and karmic justice. Centered around six morally compromised characters, Karma excels in its portrayal of characters whose reckless choices from the past resurface with devastating consequences.
The series opens with the burning of a man, identified only as "the Debtor" (Lee Hee Jun), whose failed investments have led him into the clutches of loan sharks. The tragic accident sparks a series of events, drawing together a host of characters who are unknowingly bound by a shared, tumultuous past. From here, the story gracefully shifts into an exploration of betrayal, redemption, and inevitable destiny. What initially feels like a simple chase turns into a haunting psychological maze, marked by power plays, hidden identities, and explosive revelations.
Shin Min Ah and Park Hae Soo shine in their roles as Lee Ju-yeon, a trauma surgeon haunted by her own troubled past, and the chilling, morally ambiguous figure of Park Hae Soo’s character, respectively. Shin’s portrayal of Ju-yeon is a powerful example of emotional restraint, a character navigating the delicate balance between seeking justice and confronting personal demons. Meanwhile, Park Hae Soo's transformation from a calculating villain to a figure marked by guilt and vulnerability is nothing short of mesmerizing. The supporting cast, particularly Jang Gil Ryong, Kim Nam Gil, and Detective Park Ho San, bring gravity to the narrative, though their roles, at times, could have been more fully explored.
What sets Karma apart is its unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries, never falling into the trap of drawn-out episodes or filler material that often plagues longer K-dramas. At a brisk pace, the show delves straight into its dark world, providing no easy answers, and leaving its audience tangled in a web of mysteries, false leads, and shocking twists. The storyline's predictability may subtly seep in, but the layered character arcs, gripping atmosphere, and the moral complexity of its central themes keep it compelling.
However, the series falters in its treatment of some of its most promising characters, notably Shin Min Ah’s, whose role feels criminally underused in comparison to the heavy marketing of her involvement. The brief 30 minutes of screen time allotted to her in a six-episode run feels like a missed opportunity to dive deeper into her character's emotional core. Other characters, too, face abrupt narrative shifts that leave potential arcs unexplored, a regrettable limitation for a series with such promise. Yet, despite these setbacks, the finale ties the narrative together effectively, delivering a closure that resonates with the essence of Karma itself—the inescapable consequences of one’s past actions.
Karma offers an engaging, thought-provoking experience, with moments of brilliance that will stick with you long after the credits roll. It isn’t just about revenge or retribution; it’s about the scars that linger and the price that must be paid, no matter how much time has passed. Despite its flaws, it remains an unforgettable exploration of human frailty and the relentless pursuit of justice. The shocking ending, complete with a symbol of betrayal in the form of a Rolex watch, adds a final layer of complexity to the narrative, ensuring that Karma stays with you long after it concludes.
Information
Karma (Korean title: 악연, Agyeon) is a South Korean psychological thriller series. It was directed and written by Lee Il-hyung and is based on a Kakao webtoon by Choi Hee-seon. The series premiered on Netflix on April 4, 2025. It has 1 season with a total of 6 episodes. The main cast includes Park Hae-soo as Kim Beom-jun, Shin Min-a as Lee Ju-yeon, Lee Hee-joon as Park Jae-yeong, Kim Sung-kyun as Jang Gil-ryong, Lee Kwang-soo as Han Sang-hun, and Gong Seung-yeon as Lee Yu-jeong.
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