 |
| ▲ This still image of Shin Min-a in Netflix Kdrama series "Karma" is provided by the OTT giant. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, April 10 (Yonhap) -- Netflix’s original series 'Karma' introduces a slew of morally bankrupt characters — a son who attempts to kill his father for insurance money, an unfaithful husband, scheming lovers who blackmail, and even contract killers. Amidst this chaos stands one distinctly virtuous character: Lee Ju-yeon, a doctor carrying the trauma of childhood sexual assault, played by Shin Min-a.
In a press interview held at JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul on Wednesday, Shin described her role as deeply grounded in reality. Unlike many revenge-driven thrillers, Ju-yeon chooses not to retaliate, instead opting to reclaim her peace and return to a normal life.
“Revenge can often feel too much like a genre device,” Shin said. “When victims confront their perpetrators, I believe the most realistic path is to distance themselves from pain — not to seek vengeance.”
Though her character is dissuaded by her boyfriend from taking violent action, Shin noted, “Even without him stopping her, I don’t think she would’ve gone through with it.”
Shin also stressed the importance of not using Ju-yeon’s trauma as a narrative tool for shock value or entertainment. “The director and I were both very mindful not to exploit the victim’s experience for catharsis or drama,” she said.
 |
| ▲ This still image of Shin Min-a in Netflix Kdrama series "Karma" is provided by the OTT giant. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
Lee Ju-yeon has minimal screen time — appearing briefly in the early episodes before reemerging toward the end — but Shin said she found the ensemble nature of the series refreshing. “It’s nearly a special appearance in terms of screen time,” she admitted, “but the fact that it was a story driven collectively by several strong characters made it a valuable experience.”
Looking ahead, Shin expressed an interest in playing darker, more villainous roles, pointing to the femme fatale character Yu-jeong (played by Gong Seung-yeon) in Karma as a source of inspiration. “I enjoy thrillers and often imagine what I’d look like in one. Yu-jeong is such an alluring character — I’d love to try playing a villain someday,” she said with a smile.
Karma has been gaining global traction since its release, ranking fifth on Netflix’s global non-English TV chart last week and landing in the Top 10 in 37 countries including Korea, Japan, and Greece.
“This was my first Netflix project, and I’ve felt firsthand how much global attention these shows receive,” she said, citing the show’s clear moral message — that wrongdoing leads to consequences — as one of its strengths.
As for her next role, Shin is currently reviewing an offer for the drama The Remarried Empress, another series based on a popular webtoon — much like Karma.
“Some people choose projects based on the director, the writer, or the character. I don’t have a set rule, but I look for a strong, irresistible pull,” Shin shared. “I want to be part of stories that have power and meaning.”
(C) Yonhap News Agency. All Rights Reserved
