Netflix's 'Karma' Episode 2: The Man Who Disposed of a Corpse - Lee Kwang-soo's Chilling Transformation

The Perfect Life Shattered: Introduction to Han Sang-hoon

Han Sang-hoon, portrayed brilliantly by Lee Kwang-soo, appears to have it all. A successful oriental medicine doctor with a thriving practice, he exudes intelligence and sophistication through his stylish appearance and gentlemanly gestures. Though his refined mannerisms sometimes come across as slightly awkward, they paint the picture of a man who has achieved the pinnacle of success.

Episode 2 of Netflix's gripping thriller 'Karma' (released on April 4, 2025) titled 'The Man Who Disposed of a Corpse' centers on this character, shifting the narrative focus from the loan shark's son in episode 1. The episode begins by showing Sang-hoon's seemingly perfect life, including his romantic relationship with his girlfriend Yu-jung (played by Gong Seung-yeon). Their chemistry is palpable, especially in intimate moments where Sang-hoon appears completely enamored with Yu-jung, even showing vulnerable moments like being dazed after their kiss – a detail that brilliantly conveys his infatuation.

A Fatal Night: The Accident That Changes Everything

The couple's romantic evening takes a devastating turn when they decide to spend the night at a pension. After enjoying wine and anticipating an intimate night together, Yu-jung receives an unexpected call about her friend's father passing away. Despite having consumed alcohol, Sang-hoon insists on driving her to the funeral home in the early morning hours.

Still intoxicated and drowsy, Sang-hoon struggles to stay alert while driving. In a shocking moment that changes everything, Yu-jung attempts to keep him awake by kissing him while the car is in motion – a reckless decision that leads to them hitting someone on the road. When they stop to check, they discover they've killed a man – who viewers recognize as Park Dong-sik, the father of the loan shark's son from episode 1.

This critical moment creates the first major connection between the seemingly unrelated storylines from episode 1, revealing how these characters' fates are intertwined in what the series aptly calls 'karma.' The realization that they've committed a hit-and-run while intoxicated sends Sang-hoon into panic mode, knowing his perfect life now hangs in the balance.

The Witness and the Cover-up: A Spiral into Darkness

The situation becomes even more complicated when they realize someone has witnessed the accident – the character played by Park Hae-soo, known simply as 'the witness.' Rather than calling the police, Sang-hoon makes the fateful decision to cover up the crime, knocking the witness unconscious and planning to bury both the body and the witness in a nearby mountain.

Throughout this sequence, Yu-jung repeatedly pleads with Sang-hoon to stop and do the right thing, but he silences her, declaring that his life is over since he's been drinking and has now killed someone. The contrast between his previous gentlemanly demeanor and his current desperate, commanding tone reveals the fragility of his cultivated image.

When the witness regains consciousness and begs for his life, Sang-hoon offers him 10 million won, declaring them accomplices in the crime and forcing him to help dig the grave. This moment marks Sang-hoon's complete moral collapse as he transitions from victim of circumstance to active criminal.

The Blackmail Begins: No Escape from Karma

After burying the body, Sang-hoon believes he can buy the witness's silence with money. Initially offering 10 million won, he's forced to increase it to 30 million when the witness demands more, claiming he's 'thought about it' and decided the original amount wasn't enough. Sang-hoon reluctantly agrees, emphatically stating that their relationship ends with this transaction.

However, the episode's closing scene shatters this illusion when the witness appears at Sang-hoon's oriental medicine clinic with a smile, clearly indicating that this is just the beginning of a prolonged blackmail scheme. This ending perfectly sets up the ongoing nightmare that Sang-hoon has created for himself through one terrible decision.

The episode also introduces another layer of complication – a young couple in a Grandeur car who encountered Sang-hoon at the accident scene. Their cryptic comment about needing to have recorded the incident suggests yet another thread in this increasingly tangled web of karma.

Lee Kwang-soo's Transformation: From Variety Star to Dramatic Actor

One of the most remarkable aspects of episode 2 is Lee Kwang-soo's powerful performance. Known primarily for his comedic roles and variety show appearances, Lee demonstrates extraordinary range in portraying Sang-hoon's psychological deterioration. His transformation from a composed professional to a desperate man willing to commit increasingly serious crimes is both convincing and disturbing.

Critics and viewers have been particularly impressed by Lee's ability to shed his variety show image and deliver such a compelling dramatic performance. As one reviewer noted, 'Lee Kwang-soo has completely flipped the script,' proving his capabilities as a serious actor through this 'psychological catastrophe' of a character.

The episodes featuring Lee have been described as the most thrilling and engaging of the series, with his ability to draw viewers in and maintain tension being particularly noteworthy. His chemistry with Park Hae-soo (the witness) has also been praised, with their interactions creating some of the most captivating moments in the show.

Viewer Reactions: A Critical Success

Episode 2 of 'Karma' has garnered significant praise from viewers and critics alike. Many have commented on the episode's intense pacing, moral complexity, and unexpected twists. The way the separate storylines from episode 1 begin to intertwine has been particularly appreciated, with viewers noting how skillfully the show creates its web of interconnected fates.

Viewers have specifically highlighted Lee Kwang-soo's performance as a standout element, with many expressing surprise at the depth and darkness he brings to the role. Comments like 'Lee Kwang-soo went crazy' and praise for his ability to portray the character's moral deterioration have been common in online discussions.

The episode's structure, which reveals crucial information gradually while maintaining suspense, has also been praised for keeping viewers engaged and unable to predict where the story will go next. This unpredictability, combined with the strong performances, has made 'Karma' one of Netflix's most talked-about Korean thrillers of 2025.

The Artistic Elements: Direction, Cinematography, and Sound

Director Lee Il-hyung, known for crime thrillers like 'A Violent Prosecutor' and 'Remember,' brings his expertise to his first series direction with 'Karma.' His skill in maintaining tension and methodically following the catastrophic consequences of each character's choices is evident throughout episode 2.

The cinematography employs predominantly dark and cold tones, effectively conveying the characters' anxiety, loneliness, and the oppressive weight of reality closing in on them. The noir-inspired lighting and mise-en-scène emphasize the grim and merciless atmosphere of the story.

The sound design also plays a crucial role in building suspense. The background music intensifies tension at key moments, while sound effects are strategically used to heighten viewer anxiety and maximize suspense. Together, these artistic elements create an immersive experience that pulls viewers into the moral quagmire of the characters' lives.

The Thematic Depth: Exploring Moral Decay

Beyond its thrilling plot, episode 2 of 'Karma' offers a profound exploration of moral decay. Sang-hoon's character arc serves as a stark illustration of how quickly ethical boundaries can collapse under pressure. His transformation from a respected professional to someone capable of attempted murder and corpse disposal happens with disturbing rapidity.

The episode raises uncomfortable questions about what ordinary people might be capable of when their comfortable lives are threatened. It suggests that the veneer of civilization and morality may be thinner than we'd like to believe, particularly when self-preservation instincts kick in.

Additionally, the episode explores the concept of karma itself – how one action leads inevitably to consequences, which then trigger further actions in an unbreakable chain. Sang-hoon's initial decision to drive while intoxicated leads to a death, which leads to a cover-up, which leads to blackmail, creating an ever-tightening spiral from which escape seems impossible.

Conclusion: A Masterclass in Tension and Character Study

Episode 2 of 'Karma' stands as a masterclass in building tension while developing complex characters. Through Lee Kwang-soo's remarkable performance as Han Sang-hoon, viewers witness the disintegration of a man's moral compass in real-time, raising questions about human nature and the choices we make under pressure.

The episode successfully builds on the foundation laid in episode 1, beginning to connect seemingly disparate storylines into a complex web of fate and consequence. The cliffhanger ending ensures viewers will return for more, eager to see how Sang-hoon's situation deteriorates further as the witness tightens his grip.

With its combination of stellar performances, tight direction, atmospheric cinematography, and thematic depth, 'The Man Who Disposed of a Corpse' exemplifies why 'Karma' has quickly become one of the most compelling Korean thrillers on Netflix in 2025. As the series continues to unfold, it promises to further explore the darkest corners of human behavior when pushed to extremes.