Why Fans of Squid Game Need to Check Out the New Netflix K-drama Karma

Karma, a new South Korean series on Netflix, delves into themes of crime, fate, greed, and revenge. A must-see for fans of Squid Game, this series captures similar dark undertones and complex narratives.

Given the monumental success of Squid Game—Netflix’s most-watched show—it’s clear why the streaming platform is keen to create more content that resonates with its audience. Following this trend, Squid Game: The Challenge transformed the gripping series into a reality competition featuring games like Red Light, Green Light, Dalgona, Marbles, and Glass Bridge, allowing viewers to engage with its premise in an interactive format.

Karma, however, adopts a different narrative style, offering a dramatic exploration of six characters whose lives collide in profound and destructive ways, making it an intriguing watch for Squid Game enthusiasts.

The Struggles of Financial Hardship

Karma's Episode 1 protagonist waiting at a hospital reception. — Netflix

Similar to Squid Game, which depicts contestants vying for life-changing cash prizes against the backdrop of poverty, Karma portrays financial struggles from the outset. The inaugural episode introduces a warehouse worker struggling with low wages, mounting rent, and crippling credit card debt, compounded by threats from a ruthless loan shark.

Unlike the participants in Squid Game, this character’s path diverges into darker territories rather than competing for survival. This sets the tone for a gripping narrative fraught with tension and desperate choices.

A Narrative of Crime and Its Consequences

Karma character seated in a church. — Netflix

Karma intricately weaves a tale of morality, juxtaposing crime with themes of fate and consequence. Like Squid Game, which revealed shocking twists related to the players’ identities and the clandestine operations behind the game, Karma emphasizes how poor choices yield dire repercussions.

In its first episode, the protagonist’s early missteps create a ripple effect that shapes the storyline, underscoring the profound consequences of one’s actions. As in Squid Game, the pursuit of wealth often leads to devastating outcomes, reinforcing the notion that crime seldom pays.

Featuring Fan-Favorite Park Hae-soo

Notably, Park Hae-soo, who captured hearts as Cho Sang-woo (Player 218) in Squid Game, returns in Karma in an engaging role that sees him entangled in morally ambiguous situations. His interactions in Episode 2 epitomize the show’s exploration of interconnectedness and the reverberating effects of choices made under duress.

All six episodes of Karma will be available for streaming on Netflix starting April 4, 2024. For more shows to enjoy while eagerly awaiting Squid Game Season 3, check out Netflix’s current most popular series.

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