From Park Hae-soo to Shin Min-a, the intertwining "Karma" of six people seeks audiences around the world.
On the morning of the 31st, a press conference for the Netflix original series "Karma" took place at JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square in Jungnang-gu, Seoul. The conference was attended by director Lee Il-hyung and actors Park Hae-soo, Shin Min-a, Lee Hee-joon, Kim Sung-kyun, Lee Kwang-soo, and Gong Seung-yeon.
"Karma" is a crime thriller depicting the stories of six individuals who cannot escape the intertwining fate they wish to evade. Director Lee Il-hyung explained, "'Karma' tells the story of six characters, each with their own desires, who become ensnared in a web of fate that they wish to escape after experiencing a specific incident."
Based on the webtoon of the same name, "Karma" was transformed into a drama with a script written by director Lee Il-hyung himself. He stated, "I encountered the Kakao webtoon around the time my previous work 'Remember' was about to be released. It was incredibly interesting. I read it all in one sitting. This inspired me to want to film this work. Since it seemed there would be a lot of content for a movie, I thought a drama format would allow us to convey the story more effectively, which led to my initial script work."
Having previously only met audiences through films, director Lee Il-hyung challenged himself with directorial duties for his first drama, "Karma." When asked about the differences in the production process, he remarked, "The biggest difference is that films have a fixed running time of about two hours, while this is a drama. It consists of six episodes that need to sustain viewer tension to encourage audiences to keep watching the next episode, which was my primary focus. The essence of good acting, good directing, and capturing the visuals remains the same, I believe." He also added, "I wondered how to make it so that viewers couldn’t bear to click away from the next episode, but I hope you enjoy it."
He continued discussing aspects he focused on in direction, stating, "The most important point was how the six characters, who experience various incidents, are intertwined as 'Karma' for the audience. I wanted the viewers to gradually unravel the story, understanding the web as they followed along. By the time the series concludes, I wanted viewers to realize how this story completes as 'Karma' and why the drama is titled 'Karma.' Everything was structured around that."
In the drama, Park Hae-soo plays the role of the 'Witness Man,' who becomes entangled in an incident after witnessing a mysterious accident. He said, "What drew me to the script initially was encountering such an extreme and compelling story that could be carried in one breath, which I had never experienced before. I was captivated by the story, the twists, and the structure. As I reviewed the script further, I appreciated that this character, while being instinctive, frightening, and repulsive, also had a foolish and somewhat silly gap that felt comedic, which intrigued me and led to my decision to take on the role."
Regarding his character, he mentioned, "He witnesses a mysterious incident. Trying to intervene, he ends up getting dragged into the situation and attempts to cover it up by accepting money from the Glasses Man, causing the incident to escalate. He is a somewhat ambiguous character" and added, "I pondered the reasons behind this character's choices, which are not similar to mine and parts of which I couldn't empathize with, focusing on how he undergoes transformation in extreme circumstances."
Shin Min-a portrays 'Joo-yeon,' a surgeon burdened with past trauma. He said, "It was refreshing. The name itself and the world of the script captivated me. Although my character appeared a bit later, I found it so interesting that I became immersed in the script to the extent that I almost forgot I had received it. The script was so engaging with surprises and captivating plot twists that even before my story began, I felt compelled to dive right in. I was really impressed with the script."
He further explained, "Joo-yeon is a surgeon living with past trauma. Upon encountering a figure from that past she never wants to cross paths with again, her emotions become tumultuous. Having experienced significant trauma in the past, she currently struggles with sleepless nights due to that pain. I tried to deeply express the depth and weight of that trauma in reality. I discussed these aspects with the director" and added, "I have always wanted to work in the genre field. I was thrilled when I received the script for 'Karma' and wanted to excel in this opportunity. I hope to work much more in the genre after 'Karma.'"
Lee Hee-joon plays the 'Loan Shark Man' who ends up in deep debt due to failed coin investments. He shared, "The script I was first offered was for an eight-episode series. The director decided to shorten it. Although the eight-part series was interesting, I was amazed that the structure was altered to have one person responsible for leading each part in a six-episode format, and I was impressed by the writing. The first part of any series is crucial; it needs to be the most entertaining. Thankfully, I am responsible for the first part," he joked, adding, "I was also attracted to the structure where one individual is responsible for each series, which is why I decided to participate."
He continued, "The 'Loan Shark Man' is in a situation where his debts pile up and he could face death if he doesn't repay within a month. He ultimately makes a poor decision after discovering his father's life insurance policy, suggesting a murder contract to Gil-ryong." He emphasized, "It’s important that when the audience sees this character making such despicable choices, it appears believable. When my character makes that decision, he goes through significant inner monologue. It’s akin to Hamlet's dilemma of whether to kill his father. Ultimately, the character carefully considers and makes the best choice through that process."
Kim Sung-kyun, playing 'Gil-ryong,' who engages in a transaction with 'Loan Shark Man' to escape unjust job loss and make a lot of money, said, "As the story progresses, the intricately woven connections shift into an agonizing tale, which I found very interesting and intriguing." He explained, "Gil-ryong loses his job at a logistics center, facing a need for money for a sick child back in his hometown. At that moment, 'Loan Shark Man' makes a malicious proposal. By accepting that proposal, he gets embroiled in a convoluted plan."
He also mentioned, "While reading the script, I recognized that Gil-ryong is the provider and protector of his family, yet becomes a villain when he encounters someone. I found myself reflecting on how there is not a clear distinction between good and evil. I was attentive to expressing that aspect, and received much help from the makeup team." He emphasized, "'Karma' is about the messy entanglement between characters. If I am being dragged down, it is certain that someone else is dragging me too. Because of that relationship, if we are going to be entangled, I wanted to ensure it was done meticulously."
Lee Kwang-soo, who plays 'Glasses Man,' a successful oriental medicine doctor, teases his transformation into a character who tries to hide an accident stemming from an unintended mistake. He remarked, "The phrase that the script makes you sweat is true; my hands were so sweaty that the script was soaked. Despite it being slightly chilly, the script was the kind that made me sweat profusely. After seeing the director and fellow actors, I felt a richer sense of wanting to collaborate, which led me to want to participate."
He explained, "The 'Glasses Man' is a successful doctor who becomes embroiled in 'Karma' after causing an accident while driving with Yoo-jung. After the incident, he gradually descends into a desperate and pathetic state. I wanted to express well the process of his character’s deteriorating condition in extreme situations. I have always wanted to play a villain, and I feel that I’ve finally realized that dream through 'Karma,' for which I am very grateful to the director."
Gong Seung-yeon also takes on a unique transformation as Yoo-jung, the girlfriend who assists in concealing the 'Glasses Man''s incidents. She said, "The story where seemingly unrelated individuals become entangled in a single incident felt fresh, and the tension maintained throughout the six episodes made me exceedingly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this project. Also, Yoo-jung's character seems like an appearance I haven’t shown until now. I was curious about how I would portray Yoo-jung, which motivated me to join this project."
He mentioned, "Yoo-jung is the charming girlfriend of the 'Glasses Man' who becomes entangled in 'Karma' as she aids in covering up the accident. I focused on the point that a moment can turn a relationship from lovers to a cursed fate. Since it was my first time displaying such an appearance, I received substantial help from the makeup and costume teams. Their implementation of my imagined self provided significant assistance during my acting." He added, "It felt very awkward. I had to think a lot to portray Yoo-jung's femme fatale charm. The makeup and costume teams were incredibly supportive, and being called Yoo-jung on set helped me become more accustomed, allowing me to act more comfortably. By the end, while filming with Kwang-soo, I felt like I was living out a dream myself. This is my first challenge in a genre, and I wish to be associated with the label of being an actor well-suited for genre pieces."
In particular, the fact that 'Karma' is a Netflix new release following the success of 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' starring Park Bo-gum and IU may add pressure. Director Lee Il-hyung said, "I also diligently watched 'When Life Gives You Tangerines.' I teared up from the first episode, but to say there's no pressure would be a lie. It’s been four weeks, leading directly to us meeting audience again. But we have our own genre-based fun. I think that after watching such a warm and human story, viewers might enjoy a taste of something spicier." He expressed his hope, stating, "Rather than expecting outcomes, I simply wish that many people watch and enjoy it."
Finally, director Lee Il-hyung said, "It has been two and a half years since we started preparing, and we are finally about to release it. I am filled with emotion. I am excited to meet audiences from all around the world, and I sincerely ask that you watch and enjoy it." Lee Hee-joon expressed, "I hope this provides comfort in difficult times." Shin Min-a added, "I had high expectations for 'Karma.' I was curious about what the outcome would be working with such great actors, directors, and staff, and I believe you will be able to enjoy this, so please support us until the end."
Park Hae-soo stated, "I believe it is the responsibility of a good creative team to deliver a good work. I don't think I've ever been as tense and excited as I am now, and I have confidence that it will be a great work. I hope that many stories emerge among you all regarding this work. Please have high expectations."
[Photo] OSEN Reporter Min Kyung-hoon
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