Karma Overview – Cast, Plot and Original Webtoon

“Karma” is an upcoming South Korean crime thriller series set to premiere on Netflix in early 2025. The series delves into the intertwined lives of six individuals, each ensnared by fate and personal turmoil, leading them down a path of irreversible decisions and unforeseen consequences.

Karma Overview

Karma CAST

Park Hae-Soo as Mok Gyeok-Nam

Name : Park Hae-soo

• Date of Birth: November 21, 1981
• Place of Birth: Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea
• Debut Work: Musical “Mr. Lobby” (2007)
• Notable Works: “Squid Game” (2021), “Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area” (2022), “Prison Playbook” (2017)
• Role in Karma: Mok Gyeok-nam, a man who witnesses a mysterious accident and makes an irreversible deal that changes his fate.
• Social Media: Not publicly available

Shin Min-A as Joo-Yeon

Name : Shin Min-A

• Date of Birth: April 5, 1984
• Place of Birth: Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea
• Debut Work: Film “Volcano High” (2001)
• Notable Works: “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” (2021), “Tomorrow with You” (2017), “My Girlfriend is a Gumiho” (2010)
• Role in Karma: Joo-yeon, a dedicated doctor haunted by past trauma who faces the person responsible for her nightmares.
• Social Media: Instagram

Lee Hee-jun as Yoo Tae-hyun

Name : Lee Hee-jun

• Date of Birth: June 29, 1979
• Place of Birth: Daegu, South Korea
• Debut Work: Film “The Pit and the Pendulum” (2008)
• Notable Works: “Mouse” (2021), “Mistress” (2018), “Legend of the Blue Sea” (2016)
• Role in Karma: Yoo Tae-hyun, a man obsessed with accumulating wealth through risky investments, leading to his downfall.
• Social Media: Not publicly available

Kim Sung-Kyun as Gil-Ryong

Name : Kim Sung-Kyun

• Date of Birth: May 25, 1980
• Place of Birth: Daegu, South Korea
• Debut Work: Film “Nameless Gangster: Rules of the Time” (2012)
• Notable Works: “D.P.” (2021), “Reply 1988” (2015), “The Fiery Priest” (2019)
• Role in Karma: Gil-ryong, a man dismissed from his job, tempted by a shady deal that spirals into chaos.
• Social Media: Not publicly available

Lee Kwang-Soo as An Gyeong-Nam

Name : Lee Kwang-Soo

• Date of Birth: July 14, 1985
• Place of Birth: Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea
• Debut Work: Sitcom “Here He Comes” (2008)
• Notable Works: “Live” (2018), “The Sound of Your Heart” (2016), “Running Man” (2010-present)
• Role in Karma: An Gyeong-nam, a successful clinic owner whose relationship with his manipulative girlfriend leads him down a dangerous path.
• Social Media: Instagram

Gong Seung-yeon as Seo Ji-won

Name : Gong Seung-yeon

• Date of Birth: February 27, 1993
• Place of Birth: Seoul, South Korea
• Debut Work: Television series “Heard It Through the Grapevine” (2015)
• Notable Works: “Bulgasal: Immortal Souls” (2021-2022), “Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency” (2019), “My Only Love Song” (2017)
• Role in Karma: Seo Ji-won, Gyeong-nam’s girlfriend with a dangerously charming demeanor who influences his fate.
• Social Media: Instagram

Karma Plot

Karma” unfolds as a dark and gripping crime thriller that delves into the lives of six individuals whose fates become dangerously intertwined. At its core is Mok Gyeok-Nam (Park Hae-Soo), an ordinary man who witnesses a mysterious accident and finds himself drawn into a shadowy underworld through an irreversible deal. His choices set off a domino effect that touches everyone around him.

Joo-Yeon (Shin Min-A), a talented doctor, struggles to maintain her composure while battling haunting childhood trauma. When she unexpectedly encounters the very person responsible for her nightmares, her controlled life begins to unravel, pushing her toward a dangerous path of revenge.

Meanwhile, Gil-Ryong (Kim Sung-Kyun), a man unjustly dismissed from his job, is lured by a get-rich-quick scheme. Desperation blinds him to the risks, and he soon finds himself entangled in illegal activities that threaten not only his freedom but also his family’s safety.

An Gyeong-Nam (Lee Kwang-Soo), a successful private clinic owner in Gangnam, seems to have it all—until his relationship with his girlfriend (Gong Seung-Yeon) takes a twisted turn. Her charm hides a manipulative nature, and Gyeong-Nam is pulled into a world of deception and betrayal, where love becomes a weapon.

Lee Hee-Jun’s character, still shrouded in mystery, is a risk-taker obsessed with accumulating wealth through high-stakes investments. However, when his ventures collapse, he is forced to confront the harsh realities of greed and the heavy price of ambition.

As each character’s story progresses, their lives intersect in unexpected and often dangerous ways. What begins as a series of personal struggles evolves into a larger narrative of crime, manipulation, and retribution. “Karma” masterfully weaves these storylines together, exploring the concept that every action has a consequence. The series promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats, questioning how far individuals will go when confronted by their darkest desires—and what fate awaits those who cross the line.

With its intense character-driven storytelling and morally complex plot, “Karma” offers not just suspense but also a profound exploration of human nature and the inescapable law of cause and effect.

Karma View Points

Original Korean Webtoon

“Karma” is based on the popular Kakao Webtoon titled “악연” (translated as “Ill-Fated Relationship”), created by Choi Hee-Sun. The webtoon began serialization on Kakao’s platform in 2018 and quickly garnered a substantial readership due to its intricate plot and compelling character development. Its popularity is evident from its high ratings and numerous reader reviews, reflecting its strong fanbase and critical acclaim within the webtoon community.

Why “Karma” Could Be Netflix’s Next K-Drama Hit

The upcoming Netflix series Karma is already creating a buzz among K-drama enthusiasts, and for good reason. This crime thriller is adapted from the highly successful Kakao Webtoon “Ill-Fated Relationship” (악연) by Choi Hee-Sun, which captivated readers with its complex narrative and morally ambiguous characters. The original webtoon not only achieved high ratings on Kakao’s platform but also built a dedicated fanbase, setting strong expectations for its live-action adaptation.

One of the most exciting aspects of Karma is its exploration of intertwined fates and the consequences of choices. The plot promises to delve deep into the lives of six individuals whose destinies collide through a series of unfortunate events. The concept of karma—where every action leads to a consequence—adds a philosophical depth to the story, offering more than just a typical crime drama. It challenges viewers to reflect on how seemingly small decisions can lead to life-altering outcomes.

The series boasts a stellar ensemble cast, featuring Park Hae-Soo, Shin Min-A, Lee Hee-Jun, Kim Sung-Kyun, Lee Kwang-Soo, and Gong Seung-Yeon. Each actor has demonstrated incredible range in past performances, from Park Hae-Soo’s intense role in “Squid Game” to Shin Min-A’s emotional depth in “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha.” The combination of these talented actors with director Lee Il-Hyung, known for his work on “A Violent Prosecutor,” suggests that Karma will deliver both suspenseful storytelling and nuanced performances.

What makes Karma particularly intriguing is its ability to blend gritty realism with the philosophical concept of karma. The storyline promises a mix of psychological tension, crime mystery, and personal redemption arcs, making it a multi-layered viewing experience. Fans of the original webtoon are eager to see how the adaptation will handle key plot twists and whether it will stay true to the source material’s dark and thought-provoking tone.

With Netflix’s global platform, Karma has the potential to follow in the footsteps of previous Korean hits like “The Glory” and “Sweet Home.” As international audiences continue to embrace K-dramas, a well-crafted series with strong visuals, a gripping plot, and top-tier acting could easily find widespread appeal.

Whether you’re a fan of crime dramas, psychological thrillers, or just great storytelling, Karma is a series to keep an eye on. As it premieres in early 2025, viewers can expect a captivating exploration of how fate, choice, and consequence can dramatically alter the course of life.

Karma OST

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Poster

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