A new K-thriller has been born. It’s ‘A Killer Paradox,’ starring Choi Woo Shik and Son Suk Ku.
The Netflix series ‘A Killer Paradox’ production presentation was held recently. Director Lee Chang-hee, along with actors Choi Woo Shik, Son Suk Ku, and Lee Hee Joon, attended the event.
Based on the Naver webtoon of the same name by Kkoma-bi, ‘A Killer Paradox’ tells the story of an ordinary man who accidentally starts committing murders and the detective who relentlessly pursues him.
Director Lee Chang-hee expressed his thoughts, saying, “When I first saw the work, I thought it wouldn’t be easy to visualize, but at the same time, I felt challenged as a director. I had a desire to take on this work as a director. I thought a lot about how to visualize the cartoonish story, and gradually, I became more ambitious, and ideas came to me. So, I decided to direct this work. I think it was a big challenge as a director.”
He added, “There is not much difference from the original work. I tried to preserve the feel of the original work as much as possible. I didn’t try to create new material, new episodes, or characters. I didn’t touch the character’s purpose, tone, manner, or theme consciousness. I think those who watch this work and say, ‘Something seems to have changed,’ will eventually think, ‘It’s the same as the original.'”
Director Lee Chang-hee, who directed the OCN drama ‘Strangers from Hell’ that aired in 2019, has presented consecutive dramas dealing with murder. He addressed questions about the perception that he frequently deals with murder, stating, “As a director who often deals with murder, I often get asked if I am romanticizing murder. If it were romanticized, the murderers would end happily. We always question, ‘Is this right?’ to the criminals. We didn’t make it to make the bad person end happily. If there is such a person, what if we boldly imagine seeking catharsis? There is no glorification at all in the ending.”
Choi Woo Shik plays the role of Lee Tang, an ordinary university student who realizes his ability to discern villains after an accidental first murder. When asked about his motivation for joining the project, Choi Woo Shik said, “I enjoyed the original work very much. I had a desire to play the character Lee Tang well as an actor, and I thought I could do well. Also, the opportunity to work with Son Suk Ku, Lee Hee Joon seniors, and director Lee Chang-hee was a chance, so I jumped in right away.”
Describing his character Lee Tang, Choi Woo Shik said, “He is a really ordinary university student who has been living a very ordinary life. He accidentally commits murder due to a certain incident, and after that incident, he gradually thinks he has the ability to discern villains and continues with the murders.”
In particular, Choi Woo Shik focused on the character’s inner changes, saying, “Lee Tang did not commit murder because he wanted to. As the character grows, he undergoes emotional and psychological changes, a lot of inner growth, and changes. I focused a lot on the changing inner self.”
Director Lee Chang-hee revealed that he personally proposed casting Choi Woo Shik for the lead role of Lee Tang, stating, “I’ve been keeping an eye on Choi Woo Shik since the movie ‘Set Me Free.’ I was originally his fan. I hope viewers immerse themselves in this role. I wondered if it would be immersive even if it’s an accidental murder. If Choi Woo Shik committed murder, wouldn’t people say, ‘Shouldn’t we listen to Choi Woo Shik?’ I thought. Choi Woo Shik has a human and warm side.”
Son Suk Ku plays the role of Detective Jang Nan-Gam, who pursues Lee Tang, the culprit behind the murder case. He shared his thoughts on the drama, saying, “When I first received the script, I was curious. It was also very interesting. When I first received the script, I searched for online comments, and everyone was asking, ‘How do you read this title?’ I was the same. I didn’t know much about webtoons. I’m the type of person who skips over while reading comic books.”
Son Suk Ku expressed his surprise at how similar his thoughts were to director Lee Chang-hee’s, saying, “When we first met, we were just talking about the work, and I was so surprised. There may be empty spaces and strange corners in the incomplete scenario before shooting. I had a list of questions that I thought to ask the director when I met him, but the list the director prepared was exactly the same as mine. I wrote, ‘I want to develop things like this,’ and the director did the same. After seeing that, I thought, ‘I should just trust and follow.'”
Lee Hee Joon, a former detective and a serial killer in the role of Song Chon, tracks Lee Tang’s whereabouts alone. He said, “I was curious when I first received the script. It was also very interesting. I thought Son Suk Ku would give me the sexy detective role, but he suggested Songchon. I was a bit burdensome because our ages are different, but on the other hand, I was excited.”
Choi Woo Shik described ‘A Killer Paradox’ as “well-mixed bibimbap.” He stated, “It’s an investigative piece, but it has fantasy and noir. So, I want to express it as bibimbap. When the work is released, people might think, ‘There’s a thriller like this in Korea?’ along with shock. The anticipation will be even higher.”
The 8-episode series ‘A Killer Paradox’ was released on Netflix earlier today.
Are you planning on watching ‘A Killer Paradox’?
Source: (A)
