Karma, a newly released thriller on Netflix, explores the consequences of poor decisions in a chilling and unpredictable way. The show doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of moral ambiguity, forcing viewers to confront the tangled web of choices made by its characters, all of which lead to devastating outcomes.
The story begins with a man drowning in debt, desperate to make a way out. His solution? A dark and twisted plan to murder his father and claim his life insurance policy. This morally reprehensible idea sets off a domino effect, pulling in a variety of characters whose actions are intertwined with his — each making their own life-altering mistakes.
As the series progresses, what seems like a straightforward narrative soon reveals its complexity. Episode 1 introduces us to the debtor (played by Lee Hee Jun), whose financial troubles push him to the unthinkable. However, it’s clear that this is only the beginning of a much darker story. The show delves into the chaos of bad decisions, with every character contributing to the downward spiral in unexpected ways.
In Episode 2, we meet Lee Kwang Soo, a character who appears harmless at first but is revealed to be far more dangerous than anticipated. His girlfriend, Yu Jeong (Gong Seung Yeon), adds another layer of tension, shifting between evil and mischief. A seemingly accidental hit-and-run leads them to a dead body, and their frantic attempts to cover it up only make things worse.
Then there’s Ju Yeon (Shin Min A), a doctor burdened by a past mistake that resurfaces at the worst possible time, complicating her already difficult life. Meanwhile, Park Hae Soo plays the role of a witness, someone caught between choosing to stay neutral or step into the chaos around him. This dynamic creates a delicate tension, as the characters grapple with their own moral dilemmas.
Watching Karma is a disorienting experience. The plot isn’t hard to follow, but the characters’ decisions are so morally fractured that you can’t help but feel uneasy. The series demands your full attention. One moment of distraction could cause you to miss a crucial detail, and that’s part of its brilliance.
Director Lee Il Hyung excels at creating tension. His ability to build anxiety through small moments — a lingering camera shot, an uncomfortable silence between characters, or a seemingly insignificant detail on a phone screen — showcases his mastery of the genre. Every choice, every shot, feels intentional.
The performances in Karma are exceptional, particularly Shin Min A and Park Hae Soo. Park Hae Soo’s transformation throughout the series is mesmerizing, with his character shedding and gaining layers of complexity in a way that keeps the audience on edge. Shin Min A, on the other hand, serves as the emotional heart of the show. Her moments of inner conflict are brief but impactful, adding depth to her character as she struggles with her own moral battles.
By the time Karma reaches its conclusion, there is no grand redemption or neatly tied-up ending. No one walks away unscathed. The series teaches a harsh lesson: karma doesn’t work in immediate or obvious ways. It waits. It festers. And when it strikes, it’s far more devastating than anyone could have imagined.
The Butterfly Effect and the Cost of Choices
One recurring line in the show kept echoing in my mind: Will you be able to avoid doing the wrong thing in your lifetime? This isn’t just a question for the characters; it feels like a question for the viewer, too. In the world of karma, there’s nothing more dangerous than thinking that your wrongdoings won’t catch up with you. Each character’s choices — whether it’s murder, evasion, or turning a blind eye — ripple outward, affecting not just their own lives, but everyone around them.
Final Verdict: A Must-Watch for Thriller Fans
Karma isn’t easy to watch. It’s dark, complex, and unsettling. But it’s also brilliantly crafted and utterly compelling. It teaches an unforgettable lesson: the choices we make don’t just have consequences — they leave scars on ourselves and everyone we touch.
Watch it if: You’re a fan of dark, thought-provoking thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat.
Avoid it if: You’re looking for a light and easy weekend binge.
Best enjoyed with: Full attention and a reminder that what goes around truly does come back around.
Rating: 4/5
Genre: Thriller, Crime
Episodes: 6
Duration: 60 minutes each
Director: Lee Il Hyung
Release Date: April 4, 2025
Cast: Lee Hee Jun, Park Hae Soo, Shin Min A, Kim Sung Kyun, Lee Kwang Soo, Gong Seung Yeon