Netflix’s Karma is not just another crime thriller — it’s a masterclass in storytelling, suspense, and the chilling ripple effects of human choices. Released in April 2025, this Korean miniseries has already captured audiences worldwide with its gripping narrative, morally complex characters, and haunting atmosphere. Directed by Lee Il-hyung and based on Choi Hee-seon’s Kakao webtoon, Karma takes viewers on a tense, emotional rollercoaster that proves: you can run from your mistakes, but you can never outrun karma.
Plot Summary: Where Destiny and Decision Collide
Set against the somber backdrop of Guhoe, a fictional Korean town, Karma introduces us to Park Jae-yeong (played brilliantly by Lee Hee-joon) — a desperate factory worker drowning in debt after a failed crypto gamble. Gripped by hopelessness, he hatches a horrifying plan: murder his estranged father to claim life insurance money.
But Jae-yeong cannot walk this dark path alone. He enlists Jang Gil-ryong (Kim Sung-kyun), an ex-gang member with his own demons, to carry out the crime. What should have been a “simple” plan spirals into a chaos that pulls six strangers into its wake — each with their own sins, secrets, and scars.
As the story jumps through different timelines, we learn how one deadly decision entangles:
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A morally gray witness who manipulates evidence for personal gain.
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A traumatized doctor trying to heal but haunted by a forgotten past.
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A young couple caught in an ever-tightening net of deceit.
Karma isn’t just about a murder gone wrong; it’s about the far-reaching consequences of every selfish act, every cowardly lie, and every lost opportunity for redemption.
Meet the Powerhouse Cast
Each actor brings chilling authenticity to their roles, making Karma feel painfully real:
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Park Jae-yeong (Lee Hee-joon): A man on the brink, choosing desperation over dignity.
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Jang Gil-ryong (Kim Sung-kyun): A reluctant killer shackled by his own past mistakes.
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Kim Beom-jun (Park Hae-soo): A “witness” who weaponizes information for personal survival.
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Lee Ju-yeon (Shin Min-a): A doctor whose compassion inadvertently reopens old wounds.
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Han Sang-hun (Lee Kwang-soo): A naive boyfriend whose love blinds him to growing danger.
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Lee Yu-jeong (Gong Seung-yeon): A woman whose actions escalate an already deadly spiral.
Every performance, from quiet despair to explosive confrontations, grips you and doesn’t let go.
Why Karma Hits Harder Than Other Thrillers
Unlike typical crime thrillers that focus on who-did-what, Karma focuses on why people make the choices they do — and how even small moral failings can lead to irreversible devastation.
Key elements that make Karma a standout:
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Non-linear storytelling: Each episode slowly reveals a new piece of the puzzle, forcing you to rethink what you thought you knew.
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Deeply flawed characters: Nobody is purely good or evil. Everyone is just human — and that’s what makes their downfalls so gut-wrenching.
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Stunning cinematography: The cold, muted tones mirror the bleakness of Guhoe and the inner turmoil of its people.
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Unpredictable twists: Just when you think you have the story figured out, Karma pulls the rug out from under you — again and again.
This isn’t a series you watch while scrolling on your phone. Karma demands your full attention — and rewards it with storytelling that’s as brutal as it is beautiful.
Critical Acclaim: Why the World Is Buzzing About Karma
Since its debut, Karma has received widespread acclaim:
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🌟 Rotten Tomatoes score: 83% (and climbing)
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🌟 Praised for: Complex character arcs, psychological depth, and breathtaking tension.
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🌟 Critic’s note: “Karma doesn’t just show you violence; it shows you the consequences of violence echoing through generations.”
While some viewers found the non-linear structure challenging at first, those who stayed committed were rewarded with one of the most emotionally devastating finales of any K-drama in recent memory.
Final Verdict: Is Karma Worth Watching?
Absolutely — Karma is not just a thriller; it’s a dark mirror held up to society, asking uncomfortable questions about morality, selfishness, and forgiveness. If you loved series like Stranger, My Name, or Beyond Evil, Karma will feel like a chilling evolution of the genre.
Prepare to be disturbed. Prepare to be moved. Most of all, prepare to confront your own ideas about right, wrong, and whether redemption is ever truly possible.
Stream Karma now on Netflix — but be warned: once you start, you won’t be able to look away.
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