Netflix has delivered dozens of epic thrillers over the years, but in 2025, it released one of its best ones, Karma. The South Korean six-part drama starred Squid Game actor Park Hae-soo and had a gripping storyline that unearthed buried secrets.
The show, which was based on the webtoon of the same name by Choi Hee-sun, features six central characters, whose lives all become intertwined in unexpected ways. However, as they all strive to fulfil their own destinies, they have the capability to ruin the lives of the others.
The synopsis for the series reads: “Bound by their harrowing destinies, a physician plagued by nightmares, a man shaken after his world was unexpectedly disrupted and a debtor drowning in private loans become caught in inescapable circumstances.”
The show was incredibly popular when it first aired, with data confirming that it had been viewed for up to five million hours on the platform in the weeks after its initial release. So if you missed the show the first time around, read on for all you need to know…
Karma’s reception
Fans were obsessed with the drama, with many sharing their love for the Korean drama. One enthused that it was the year’s “darkest surprise”, as they said: “Brutal. Thoughtful. Unforgiving. That’s Karma. It might not be for everyone, but for those who appreciate grounded, character-driven thrillers that respect the audience’s intelligence, it’s easily one of 2025’s standout series. Don’t sleep on this one.“
A second added: “From the very first episode, Karma grips you and doesn’t let go. What makes it even more impressive is how it weaves multiple storylines together-each compelling on its own-without ever feeling messy or overwhelming. It all ties together beautifully in the end, leaving you both satisfied and impressed,” while a third posted: “This drama has only six episodes, but each one is so intense that I couldn’t stop, that’s why I binge-watched it. I love every single episode. The actors truly brought their roles to life.”
Meanwhile, a fourth wrote: “I was hooked after the first episode and binge-watched the entire series in one go. While this is a series, it feels more like a long movie. When a series gives you that sensation, it’s probably because it’s really good.”
The critical reception was similarly great, with Karma holding an 83% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
© Jihyeong Seo/NetflixWriting in Collider, Jasneet Singh opined: “As the title suggests, the show is less about revenge and more about characters getting their comeuppance after their unsavoury behaviours. The storyline with which this is achieved is nothing short of brilliant. It constantly turns in on itself, cleverly rewriting events from new perspectives and dropping our jaws as each clue pans out to its reveal.”
Who stars in Karma?
One of the show’s biggest names is Park Hae-soo, who rocketed to fame when he played Cho Sang-woo in Squid Game’s first season. Park is joined by Shin Min-a (No Gain No Love), Lee Hee-joon (Handsome Guys), Kim Sung-kyun (Divorce Attorney Shin), Lee Kwang-soo (Running Man) and Gong Seung-yeon (The First Responders).
© Jihyeong Seo/NetflixThe cast is rounded out by Kim Nam-gil (Memoir of a Murderer), Park Ho-san (Lawless Lawyer) and Park Bo-yeon (My Lovely Journey).
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