18/09/2025
Movie Review: Karma (Netflix Korean Drama Limited Series) Thriller 3.5/5 Stars 👍👍👍👍
Reviewed by GOGI VIRDI for GVF
A Masterpiece of Intertwined Destinies on Netflix
In the vast and often-trodden world of K-dramas available on Netflix, a true gem can be hard to find. "Karma" is not just a gem; it's a meticulously cut diamond that refracts a chilling light on the nature of justice, fate, and human culpability. This limited-series crime thriller, adapted from the webtoon Akyeon (Ill-fated Relationship) by Choi Hee-seon, is a masterclass in non-linear storytelling and psychological suspense. It's an intense, six-episode journey that will leave you breathless and contemplating the price of every action.
A Web of Sin and Consequence
The brilliance of "Karma" lies in its complex, puzzle-box narrative. The series introduces us to six seemingly disparate individuals, each driven by their own desperate desires and moral compromises. We meet a witness to a hit-and-run, a doctor with a haunting past, a man drowning in debt, a laid-off worker seeking a lifeline, a wealthy man in a crumbling relationship, and his dangerously charming girlfriend. The first few episodes lay out their individual plights, creating a sense of fragmentation. However, as the series progresses, a dark and insidious thread begins to weave them together, revealing a shocking tapestry of interconnected fates.
Director Lee Il-hyung, known for his work on the film A Violent Prosecutor, makes a stunning series debut, expertly guiding the narrative and its multiple perspectives. The six-episode format is perfect, avoiding the common K-drama pitfall of stretching a plot thin.
Each episode is a compact, character-driven chapter that peels back layers of deceit and history, leading to a jaw-dropping revelation of how a single, malevolent act in the past set off a chain reaction of tragedy.
A Stellar Ensemble Cast
"Karma" is a testament to the power of a top-tier ensemble. The performances are nothing short of phenomenal, with each actor fully inhabiting their morally ambiguous roles.
Park Hae-soo (Squid Game, Prison Playbook) delivers a career-defining performance as "the witness." He brings a chilling, enigmatic quality to his character, effortlessly oscillating between calculated manipulation and raw, explosive intensity.
Shin Min-a (Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha) shines in a more dramatic role than audiences may be used to. She portrays a surgeon haunted by trauma, conveying immense pain and vulnerability with subtle yet powerful expressions.
Lee Kwang-soo, a beloved comedic actor, completely transforms himself, shedding his variety show persona to portray a man spiraling into moral decay. His performance is a testament to his impressive range.
The supporting cast, including Lee Hee-jun, Kim Sung-kyun, and Gong Seung-yeon, are all exceptional, providing the necessary depth and nuance to make their characters' desperate choices feel tragically real.
Visuals and Themes
The visual language of "Karma" is as gritty and unsparing as its narrative. The cinematography is sharp and deliberate, using a muted color palette to create an oppressive atmosphere that mirrors the characters' internal struggles. There's a persistent sense of unease, a feeling that no one is truly safe from their past transgressions.
The central theme is, of course, karma itself—but not in a simplistic, "good deeds are rewarded" way. The series argues for a more brutal, cosmic form of retribution. It's a "what goes around, comes around" narrative where the sins of the past are not merely avenged but become a destructive force that consumes everyone involved. The show doesn't offer easy answers or clean resolutions; instead, it leaves you with a lingering, unsettling feeling that the cycle of cause and effect is both inescapable and unforgiving.
Final Verdict
"Karma" is a must-watch for anyone who craves a smart, tightly-wound thriller. It’s a series that respects its audience's intelligence, offering a narrative puzzle that is both challenging and incredibly rewarding. With its flawless direction, stellar cast, and a story that resonates long after the credits have rolled, this Netflix Original solidifies its place as one of the most compelling and unsettling K-dramas of the year. It's a chilling and satisfying reminder that in the end, we all get what we deserve.
