Netflix to Drop Another R-Rated Thriller Ahead of Squid Game Season 3 Release

Netflix continues its streak of highly anticipated K-dramas, following the massive success of When Life Gives You Tangerines. The next big release on the horizon is Karma, a dark and intense crime thriller set to captivate audiences when it premieres in April.

On March 11, Netflix unveiled six new character stills from the upcoming series, highlighting its star-studded cast and building excitement for what’s shaping up to be another Korean original hit.

Directed by Lee Il-hyung (A Violent Prosecutor), Karma is based on the popular Kakao Webtoon of the same name. The production team behind Narco-Saints has also joined forces for this project, raising expectations for its gripping storyline and high-quality cinematography.

The drama boasts a powerhouse cast, including Park Hae-soo, Shin Min-a, Lee Hee-jun, Kim Sung-kyun, Lee Kwang-soo, and Gong Seung-yeon. Notably, this marks the first Netflix lead role for Shin Min-a, Lee Kwang-soo, and Gong Seung-yeon, adding an extra layer of anticipation.

A Dark Web of Fate—Character Highlights

The newly released stills offer a glimpse into the complex lives of the six main characters, each trapped in an inescapable cycle of ill-fated encounters.

Park Hae-soo as "The Witness": The image captures Park Hae-soo’s character cycling alone at night, staring into the darkness with an uneasy expression. After witnessing a mysterious accident, he faces a dangerous proposition that pulls him into a deadly game.

Shin Min-a as "Joo-yeon": In her still, she appears tense, blocked by someone unseen. Playing a surgeon haunted by past trauma, Joo-yeon unexpectedly comes face-to-face with a figure from her nightmares, reigniting her buried fears and thirst for revenge.

Lee Hee-jun as "The Loan Shark": With gritted teeth and eyes burning with rage, Lee Hee-jun portrays a man who spirals into debt after a failed cryptocurrency investment. Desperate and cornered, he will do whatever it takes to claw his way out.

Kim Sung-kyun as "Gil-ryong": His still shows him standing ominously behind a car at night, bathed in its rear lights. After losing his job and facing life-or-death stakes, he receives a high-stakes proposal that drags him deeper into the abyss.

Lee Kwang-soo as "The Acupuncturist": Holding his head in frustration, his character finds himself caught in a disastrous accident that forces him to make a split-second, irreversible decision.

Gong Seung-yeon as "Yu-jeong": Dressed elegantly in a dimly lit venue, her character exudes intrigue. As Lee Kwang-soo’s girlfriend, she plays a crucial role in covering up a life-altering mistake, further entangling them in their cruel fate.

Karma explores the tangled destinies of six individuals who become trapped in a web of misfortune, unable to break free from their ever-darkening circumstances. This crime thriller promises to deliver high-intensity drama with layered storytelling and suspenseful twists.

The six-episode series has been rated 19+ for its dark themes, intense violence, and gripping psychological depth, ensuring a raw and immersive viewing experience.

Netflix Korea is set to dominate the streaming world in 2024, following IU and Park Bo-gum's When Life Gives You Tangerines in March, the star-studded Karma in April, and the highly anticipated Squid Game Season 3 in June.

With Netflix’s continued investment in K-content, Korean dramas like Squid Game and The Glory have already cemented their place on the global stage. Now, all eyes are on Karma to see if it can carry on the success of its predecessors.

Can you truly escape your fate? The answer awaits in Karma, premiering globally on Netflix in 190+ countries on April 4.