Kakao Entertainment announced on the 26th that it will unveil the thoughts of webtoon creator Choi Hee-sun ahead of the launch of the Netflix series 'Karma,' based on the Kakao Webtoon of the same name.
The Netflix series 'Karma' is a work that garners expectations as a case of synergy in the intellectual property (IP) value chain created directly by Kakao Entertainment based on the Kakao Webtoon original. Various webtoon events will also be held to coincide with the global release on Netflix.
The webtoon 'Karma', serialized for 10 months starting in April 2019 on Kakao Webtoon, has attracted attention for vividly depicting complex and twisted relationships between multiple characters. The story follows a man with malicious intent trying to solve his loan debts, another man who has disposed of a body, and a woman with scars not yet healed in her heart, as their paths intertwine due to a series of events, culminating in an intense suspenseful conclusion.
Including webtoon 'Encounter', which has amassed 46 million views, and works like 'Motel OA' and 'Smiling Man,' each piece by Choi Hee-sun provides unique twists and thrills. 'Karma,' which has recorded over 10 million views, is also a work that fans have greatly anticipated for a screen adaptation.
Choi Hee-sun, the original creator, revealed her thoughts and the reasons for writing the webtoon 'Karma' ahead of its Netflix series release on the 4th of next month. She stated regarding the webtoon 'Karma,' "From the very beginning of the conception, I started with the mindset of 'how can I deceive the readers?' I often included tricks in my short stories, and expanding that into a longer format became the start of 'Karma.' She noted, 'The stories of different protagonists intersect, creating a seemingly disjointed narrative, and many people have shown interest in the process of their weaving together.'
Regarding the soon-to-be-released Netflix series, she shared, "As someone from a generation more accustomed to published comics than webtoons, I had long dreamed of a printed edition, and it's fascinating that it is now coming out as a series. I am also waiting to see 'Karma' adapted by visual experts as a viewer. I hope it is an engaging piece that I can binge-watch in one go."
The Netflix series 'Karma' also draws interest as a case that fully utilizes Kakao Entertainment's capabilities across all areas of entertainment. It is being produced in collaboration with Kakao Entertainment and a studio label renowned for its excellent production capabilities and for showcasing numerous global hits, based on the Kakao Webtoon IP. The series tells the story of six individuals entangled in an inextricable relationship of karma that they cannot escape, directed by Lee Il-hyung, known for the films 'The Prosecutor' and 'Remember.' This fresh ensemble cast includes trusted actors Park Hae-soo, Shin Min-a, Lee Hee-joon, Kim Sung-kyun, Lee Kwang-soo, and Gong Seung-yeon.
Kakao Webtoon will also hold various application (app) events to coincide with the series release. First, there will be the 'Choi Hee-sun Author Exhibition,' which will give a chance to win 5,000 cash through a lottery for readers who enjoy more than 50 episodes of the author's works, including 'Karma,' 'Motel OA,' 'Smiling Man,' and 'Encounter' until May 11. An event will also be held until the 10th of next month for readers who have watched 'Karma,' offering prizes such as usage rights for the work, cash lucky draws, and coffee gift certificates. Additionally, starting on the 4th of next month, pre-orders will be available for 'Encounter' audio webtoon packaged in limited edition collections, including DVDs and photo books. The audio webtoon, produced as mobile-exclusive content based on spatial sound technology, aims to provide users with a different content experience from the original webtoon.