Netflix's 'Karma' Episode 5: Betrayal, Revenge, and Shocking Revelations That Left Viewers Speechless

The Shocking Truth Revealed: Kim Beom-joon's Real Identity

Episode 5 of Netflix's original thriller 'Karma' serves as a pivotal turning point in the series, where the core truths behind the characters' tangled fates are finally exposed. Following the events of episode 4, this installment reveals why Kim Beom-joon (played by Park Hae-soo) has been impersonating Park Jae-young (Lee Hee-joon) and uncovers the full story behind the abandoned building fire incident that connects all the characters.

The episode masterfully intertwines the past and present of each character, making the web of karma that binds them together increasingly clear. As viewers, we finally understand how these seemingly separate individuals are connected through a complex chain of betrayal, revenge, and coincidence that feels almost like a twisted fate.

One of the most shocking revelations comes when we learn about Beom-joon's true identity and his elaborate plan. He had been meticulously deceiving both the police and those around him while posing as Jae-young. His connection to a former prison cellmate and his calculated moves show just how deeply this revenge plot has been brewing.

Lee Joo-yeon's Moral Dilemma and Inner Conflict

One of the most compelling aspects of episode 5 is the emotional journey of Lee Joo-yeon (Shin Min-ah). Having believed that the burn victim was Park Jae-young, the man who sexually assaulted her in the past, she had been determined to exact her revenge. However, the discovery that the man is actually Kim Beom-joon throws her into profound confusion.

This revelation forces Joo-yeon to confront a difficult moral dilemma: should she proceed with her revenge against someone who isn't her actual tormentor, or should she try to overcome her past trauma and move forward? The episode brilliantly portrays her internal struggle through subtle expressions and tense moments of contemplation.

Shin Min-ah delivers an exceptional performance in these scenes, conveying the character's quiet desperation and conflicted emotions primarily through her expressive eyes and restrained body language. Her portrayal of a woman torn between vengeance and healing creates one of the most nuanced character arcs in the series.

The Abandoned Building Fire: The Central Mystery Unraveled

The abandoned building fire that has been referenced throughout the series finally gets its full explanation in episode 5. This incident serves as the nexus point connecting all the characters' fates, and the revelation of what truly happened that night changes our understanding of everything that came before.

The detailed flashback sequences are masterfully edited, revealing pieces of information in a way that maximizes dramatic tension. Each new detail shifts our perception of the characters and their motivations, creating a constantly evolving narrative landscape that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

What makes this storytelling approach particularly effective is how it mirrors the characters' own journeys of discovery. As they learn new information about their pasts and connections to each other, we as viewers are similarly enlightened, creating a shared experience of revelation and shock that heightens emotional investment in the story.

Han Sang-hoon and Lee Yoo-jung: A Relationship Built on Betrayal

The complicated relationship between Han Sang-hoon (Lee Kwang-soo) and Lee Yoo-jung (Kong Seung-yeon) takes several unexpected turns in episode 5. What initially appeared to be a straightforward case of a con artist targeting an innocent victim is revealed to have much deeper layers.

As their shared history comes to light, we see how both characters have betrayed each other in various ways, creating a toxic cycle of manipulation and counter-manipulation. The episode explores how their individual choices have led them down increasingly dark paths, with each betrayal justifying the next in an endless spiral.

Lee Kwang-soo, known primarily for his comedic roles, continues to impress with his dramatic performance as Sang-hoon. His portrayal of a man whose moral compass has been gradually compromised by circumstance and his own weaknesses adds significant emotional weight to the series.

The Nail-Biting Chase Sequence: No Escape from Karma

The episode culminates in an intense chase sequence that ratchets up the tension to almost unbearable levels. As police and private investigators finally identify Kim Beom-joon's true identity and begin tracking him down, he attempts to flee, only to discover that his tracks have already been exposed.

This chase sequence is brilliantly choreographed and filmed, utilizing tight camera angles and rapid editing to create a claustrophobic sense that karma is closing in on all sides. The visual metaphor of a man unable to escape his past actions perfectly encapsulates the central theme of the series.

Meanwhile, Joo-yeon stands at her own crossroads, caught between her desire for revenge and her humanity. The parallel editing between these two storylines creates a powerful thematic resonance about the choices we make when confronted with our darkest impulses.

Global Audience Reaction: A Cultural Phenomenon

Episode 5 of 'Karma' has generated significant buzz among international viewers, particularly in Japan where the series has maintained an impressive 3.9 rating on FilmOx, with positive reactions accounting for over 70% of reviews.

Japanese viewers have been especially impressed by the actors' performances, the plot twists, and the tense direction. Comments from Japanese online communities and social media highlight how the seemingly scattered storylines come together brilliantly in this episode, creating what one viewer described as "a puzzle being completed in your mind."

Many international viewers have praised Shin Min-ah's portrayal of quiet desperation, with one Japanese fan commenting, "Her quiet despair is so powerfully conveyed that I couldn't stop crying. Her expressions alone communicate so much emotion." The complex plotting has also earned admiration, with viewers noting how early scenes featuring stars take on significant meaning later, demonstrating meticulous attention to foreshadowing.

The Philosophical Underpinnings of 'Karma'

Beyond its thrilling plot developments, episode 5 of 'Karma' delves into profound philosophical questions about human nature and morality. The series explores how easily humans can choose evil and how those choices can twist not only their own fates but the destinies of others around them.

The episode particularly examines the Kantian ethical principle that humans should never be treated merely as means to an end. Each character in 'Karma' violates this principle by using others as instruments for their own purposes-whether for money, revenge, or self-preservation-and the series unflinchingly portrays the tragic consequences of such ethical failures.

This philosophical depth has resonated with viewers looking for more than just entertainment. Many online discussions have centered on how the series prompts viewers to examine their own relationships and ethical choices, asking whether they treat others as ends in themselves or merely as means to their own goals.

Director's Vision: Entertainment Through Extremes

In an interview following the episode's release, director Lee Il-hyung explained his approach to the series: "There's a certain entertainment value in witnessing extreme manifestations of evil. I wanted viewers to enjoy this story as a form of amusement."

This perspective helps explain the series' success despite its dark subject matter. By positioning the extreme behaviors of the characters as a form of entertainment rather than a realistic portrayal, the director creates a safe distance from which viewers can contemplate moral questions without feeling overwhelmed by the darkness of the content.

The director also noted that unlike his previous work 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo,' which required viewers to emotionally enter the characters' lives, 'Karma' is designed to be watched from a slight distance, like observing a psychological experiment unfold. This approach has clearly resonated with global audiences, as evidenced by the series reaching #4 globally on Netflix within days of its release.

Production Quality: Cinematic Television at Its Finest

Episode 5 showcases the exceptional production quality that has become a hallmark of top-tier Korean dramas. The cinematography employs a distinctive visual language that shifts between cool, detached observation for the present-day scenes and warmer, more intimate tones for flashbacks, creating a clear visual distinction between timeframes.

The sound design deserves special mention for its contribution to the episode's tense atmosphere. Subtle audio cues and a minimalist score enhance the psychological tension without overwhelming the performances. During key revelation scenes, the strategic use of silence creates moments of powerful emotional impact.

The episode's pacing is particularly noteworthy, maintaining the perfect balance between revelation and mystery. Just as one question is answered, another arises, creating a constant forward momentum that makes the 50-minute runtime feel much shorter and leaving viewers immediately eager for the finale.

Looking Ahead: Questions for the Finale

Episode 5 leaves viewers with several burning questions that set up a highly anticipated finale. Can Kim Beom-joon escape now that his identity has been exposed? Will Lee Joo-yeon choose revenge or find a way to overcome her past? How will the relationship between Han Sang-hoon and Lee Yoo-jung ultimately resolve?

These questions have sparked intense speculation among fans worldwide, with various theories emerging about how the tangled web of karma might finally unravel. The episode's masterful balance of revelation and mystery ensures that while viewers now understand much more about the characters' pasts and motivations, the ultimate resolution remains tantalizingly uncertain.

Whatever the finale brings, episode 5 of 'Karma' has cemented the series' reputation as one of Netflix's most compelling original Korean dramas of 2025, demonstrating once again the global appeal of well-crafted Korean storytelling that combines psychological depth with thrilling plot developments.