Karma cast and character guide: Who plays whom in Netflix's new thriller series? 

"Phantom" Press Screening - Source: Getty
"Phantom" Press Screening - Source: Getty

Netflix's new Korean thriller, Karma, boasts an all-star ensemble cast that brings to life a suspenseful story of interconnected fates and dark secrets. The show, which debuted worldwide on April 4, 2025, revolves around six people whose lives become forever entwined following a tragic accident.

Each of them is stuck in a cycle of karma, driven by their past choices and events. The cast features some of the country's top actors, such as Park Hae-soo, Shin Min-a, Lee Hee-joon, Kim Sung-kyung, Lee Kwang-soo, and Gong Seung-yeon.


A comprehensive rundown of the main characters of Karma and the actors who play them

1) Park Hae-soo as The Witness

"Squid Game Season 2" Global Premiere - Source: Getty
"Squid Game Season 2" Global Premiere - Source: Getty

Park Hae-soo, best known for his appearances in Squid Game and Money Heist: Korea, stars as Witness. His Witness unwittingly witnesses a strange occurrence and strikes a bargain that snowballs into an inescapable sequence of events. Having built a reputation for playing morally ambiguous characters, Park's performance will be tasked with grounding the series in intensity and depth.


2) Shin Min-a as Joo-yeon

"Our Season" Press Screening - Source: Getty
"Our Season" Press Screening - Source: Getty

Shin Min-a, known for her performances in Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha and Our Blues, portrays Joo-yeon, a doctor who is tormented by childhood trauma. Her character confronts her worst nightmare when she meets someone from her past. Juoo-yeon's journey toggles between revenge and living through inner hurt, making her the most emotionally charged character in the series.


3) Lee Hee-joon as The Debtor

45th Blue Dragon Film Awards - Arrivals - Source: Getty
45th Blue Dragon Film Awards - Arrivals - Source: Getty

Lee Hee-joon acts as a man who is deeply involved in financial difficulties. His character borrows extensively to invest in cryptocurrency only to lose all he had. His hopelessness drives him into precarious ways as he attempts to run away from his increasing debts. Lee Hee-joon, who has previously appeared in Vincenzo and Behind Every Star, contributes a raw vulnerability to this character.


4) Kim Sung-kyung as Gil-ryong

Disney+ "Moving" Press Conference - Source: Getty
Disney+ "Moving" Press Conference - Source: Getty

Kim Sung-kyung portrays Gil-ryong, a man who embarks on a dangerous assignment after being unjustly terminated from his former job. The arc of his character follows a theme of injustice and survival against impossible odds. Kim Sung-kyung has already left an impression on viewers through his acting in Reply 1988 and D.P.


5) Lee Kwang-soo as Glasses

Disney+ 'The Zone: Survival Mission' Press Conference - Source: Getty
Disney+ 'The Zone: Survival Mission' Press Conference - Source: Getty

Lee Kwang-soo plays an oriental medicine doctor whose seemingly ideal life falls apart after one pivotal moment. Popular for his comedic performance in Running Man, Lee plays a darker role in Karma, a man whose wealth and success cannot protect him from the turns of fate.


6) Gong Seung-yeon as Yu-jeong

45th Blue Dragon Film Awards - Arrivals - Source: Getty
45th Blue Dragon Film Awards - Arrivals - Source: Getty

Gong Seung-yeon stars as Yu-jeong, the lovely girlfriend of Lee Kwang-soo's character. Her character brings depth to the story as her romance gets caught up in the cycle of karma linking all six characters. Gong is renowned for her performances in dramas such as Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency.


7) Kim Nam-gil as Jung Min

TVING Original "Island" Press Conference - Source: Getty
TVING Original "Island" Press Conference - Source: Getty

Aside from the main cast, Kim Nam-gil plays Jung Min, a fellow physician and love interest of Joo-yeon. His role offers emotional comfort while keeping his secrets hidden. Kim Nam-gil's interpretation brings another depth of intrigue to the plot. He is known for his roles in A Man of Reason and Nocturnal.


Thematic overview of Karma

Karma looks into how spur-of-the-moment choices and unaddressed pasts may hold people in traps of tragedy. The series deals with ethical choices, deception, and forgiveness with its entangled characters. Produced by Lee Il-hyung (A Violent Prosecutor), the series is derived from a webtoon and features suspenseful storytelling intertwined with powerful character relationships.


Netflix's Karma has an extraordinary cast that provides depth to its complex storyline of destiny and causality. Watch it on Netflix now!

Edited by Sroban Ghosh
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