Gong Seung-yeon, Lee Kwang-soo praised for standout performances in 'Karma'

Actors Lee Kwang-soo, left, and Gong Seung-yeon deliver powerful performances in “Karma.” Courtesy of Netflix

There are moments in life when a seemingly chance encounter later reveals itself as a toxic tie. The Netflix series “Karma,” recently released worldwide, explores the devastating consequences of such entanglements through the stories of six individuals linked by ill-fated relationships. Fueled by powerful performances, the dark thriller captures the emotional cost of betrayal and survival.

The series features a star-studded cast including Park Hae-soo, Shin Min-a and Lee Hee-jun, but it is the standout performances of Gong Seung-yeon and Lee Kwang-soo that have gained particular attention.

Known for taking on transformative roles, Gong and Lee push their craft to new levels, immersing viewers in a suspenseful narrative filled with twists and revelations.

Lee plays Han Sang-hoon, a seemingly timid doctor of traditional Korean medicine. His quiet life spirals out of control after a drunk-driving accident during a trip with his partner, Yu Jeong, played by Gong.

In a panic, Sang-hoon hides the body, making Yu Jeong an accomplice. But when a witness surfaces, played by Park Hae-soo, the couple’s secret begins to unravel, exposing their darkest instincts.

Lee seamlessly transitions from meekness to madness, portraying a man consumed by fear and rage. Gong, meanwhile, transforms into a chilling figure of duplicity, her expressions shifting between terror and cold-blooded manipulation.

Reflecting on a particularly intense scene, Park Hae-soo said, “When I think about the scene where I fight with Gong Seung-yeon and Lee Kwang-soo, it’s oddly comedic — but also terrifying. The situation is absurd, but the violence makes it brutal.”

He added, “Seung-yeon improvised a lot that night. We shot the scene late at night after several full rehearsals, and it was emotionally charged.”

Actor Gong Seung-yeon poses during a press conference for the Netflix series “Karma” at JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul, Mar. 31. Yonhap

He also praised Lee’s acting in a key moment involving a dashcam recording. “When Kwang-soo checked the footage, I thought he did such a great job. It made the scene where my face appeared afterward even more shocking,” he said.

In “Karma,” villains form the emotional and narrative backbone. The casting was critical, as each antagonist needed enough charisma and menace to provoke debate over who was “the worst.”

Gong and Lee, initially seen as unconventional choices, proved to be magnetic in their roles, delivering unpredictable and layered performances.

Gong, who debuted in 2015, reflected on her career during an interview. “I’m not sure if my acting is worthy of a 10-year milestone. Honestly, I hope no one realizes I’ve been acting that long," she said. "I don’t have grand ambitions. Big expectations can lead to big disappointments. I just want to do my best with what I’m given and keep acting until the day I’m no longer needed.”

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.