Kakao Entertainment has revealed the impressions of webtoon author Choi Hee-seon ahead of launching the Netflix series based on the KakaoWebtoon 'Karma'.
The Netflix series 'Karma' is a highly anticipated work being produced directly by Kakao Entertainment based on the original KakaoWebtoon, which serves as a case of synergy in the IP value chain. In conjunction with the global release on Netflix, various webtoon events will also take place.
The webtoon 'Karma', serialized on KakaoWebtoon from April 2019 for 10 months, has drawn attention for its gripping depiction of the complex karmic relationships among several characters. The story showcases a man with malicious intent seeking to resolve his loan shark debts, another man who disposes of a corpse, and a woman with an unhealed scar in her heart, as these characters become intertwined due to a series of events leading to a dramatic conclusion filled with intense suspense. The work, which has garnered about 46 million views, is part of the portfolio of Choi Hee-seon, who is known for her unique twists and thrills in each piece, including 'Encounter', 'Motel OA', and 'The Man Who Tears Smiles', and is a highly anticipated work for adaptation, recording around 10 million views.
The original author Choi Hee-seon shared her thoughts ahead of the Netflix series 'Karma' release on April 4. Choi noted that the webtoon 'Karma' started with the mindset of 'how can I deceive the readers' from the very beginning. While creating short pieces, she often included tricks in the stories, which became the foundation for expanding into a full-length work titled 'Karma'. She mentioned, 'The stories of different protagonists intersect in a way that may seem disconnected at first, but many people found interest in how they intertwine.'
In particular, regarding the soon-to-be-released Netflix series, she expressed, 'Coming from a generation more familiar with published comics than webtoons, I had dreamed of releasing a volume, so it's simply fascinating that it is coming out as a series.' She added, 'As a viewer, I am also looking forward to seeing 'Karma' adapted by video experts. I hope it's an engaging work that I can binge-watch at once.'
The Netflix series 'Karma' (directed and scripted by Lee Il-hyung/produced by Young Film Co., Ltd., Baram Pictures, Kakao Entertainment) also garners attention as a case exploiting the capabilities of Kakao Entertainment across all areas of entertainment. Based on the IP from KakaoWebtoon, it is co-produced by a studio label renowned for its excellent production capabilities and global hits. The story depicts the intertwined lives of six individuals caught in karmic bonds they cannot escape. It is the first series work by director Lee Il-hyung, known for the films 'The Prosecutor's Guide to the World' and 'Remember'. Furthermore, a fresh ensemble of trusted actors including Park Hae-soo, Shin Min-a, Lee Hee-jun, Kim Sung-kyun, Lee Kwang-soo, and Gong Seung-yeon adds to the anticipation.
[Photo] Kakao Entertainment
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