[Drama 2024] A Killer Paradox, 살인자o난감- Choi Woo Shik & Son Suk Ku

[larus]

Drama: A Killer Paradox

Hangul: 살인자o난감

Genre: thriller, mystery, comedy

Network:Netflix

Episodes: 8

Director: Lee Chang Hee

Writer: Kim Da Min

Release Date: February 9, 2024

Runtime: Friday

Production Company:

 

OST:

Official site:

 

Plot

The story follows Lee Tang, an ordinary college student, who gets into an argument with a customer during a part-time job at a convenience store at night, unconsciously swings a hammer, and kills him. Suffering from guilt and fear of murder, Lee Tang learns one day that the person he killed was a serial killer and slowly realizes that he has a supernatural ability to identify "bad seeds". He soon becomes a dark hero who punishes people who committed unethical evils in the past. A cold-blooded, charismatic and persistent detective starts to chase Lee Tang.

 

Cast

Choi Woo Shik as Lee Tang

Son Suk Ku as Jang Nan Gam

Lee Hee Joon as Song Chon

Hyun Bong Sik as Park Choong Jin

Kim Yo Han as Novin

Lee Jae-woong as detective

 

Character posters

 

 

Teasers/Trailers

 

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[larus]

August 19 2022

Choi Woo-Sik, Son Suk-Ku, & Lee Hee-Jun cast in Netflix drama “Murderer o Nangam”

Choi Woo-Sik, Son Suk-Ku, & Lee Hee-Jun are cast in Netflix drama series “Murderer o Nangam” (literal title). The drama series is based on webcomic “SalinjaㅇNangam” by Ggomabi & Nomabi. For “Murderer o Nangam,” Choi Woo-Sik will play a college student named Lee Tang. He accidentally kills someone who turns out to be a serial killer. Son Suk-Ku will play Detective Jang Nan-Gam and Lee Hee-Jun will play Ex-Detective Song Chon.

“Murderer o Nangam” will stream on Netflix sometime next year.

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki: Lee Tang (Choi Woo-Sik) is an ordinary university student. While he works his part-time job at a convenience store, he gets into a fight with a rude drunk man and accidentally kills him. He is terrified that he killed a person and his life could be ruined. It turns out the dead man is a serial killer and he has been wanted for the past 4 years. Lee Tang realizes that he has a special ability to recognize bad people who deserve to die. Lee Tang soon becomes a serial murderer to kill these evil people. Detective Jang Nan-Gam (Son Suk-Ku) investigates a murder case committed by Lee Tang. His instincts as a detective leads him to suspect Lee Tang as the killer. Meanwhile, Song Chon (Lee Hee-Jun) is an ex-detective who chase after Lee Tang alone.

 

https://blog.asianwiki.com/korean-dramas/choi-woo-sik-son-suk-ku-lee-hee-jun-cast-in-netflix-drama-murderer-o-nangam

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Watch: Choi Woo Shik And Son Suk Ku Start An Odd Chase In Teaser For New Dark Comedy Drama “A Killer Paradox”

Drama Preview

Jan 11, 2024

by S. Kim

 

Upcoming Netflix series “A Killer Paradox” has unveiled its posters and teaser!

Based on a webtoon, “A Killer Paradox” is dark comedy thriller about an average man who accidentally murders a serial killer and a police detective who is chasing after him. It will be directed by director Lee Chang Hee, who previously helmed the drama “Strangers from Hell” and the movie “The Vanished,” and rookie writer Kim Da Min.

Choi Woo Shik takes on the role of Lee Tang, an ordinary college student who becomes aware that he has the ability to distinguish evil people after his first accidental murder. Son Suk Ku plays detective Jang Nan Gam, who keeps lingering around Lee Tang with his animal-like intuition and instincts.

In the newly released poster, Lee Tang realizes that the person he accidentally killed was a vicious criminal. Whether it is a mere coincidence or his special ability, Lee Tang looks perplexed at the unlikely situation that happened before his eyes.

 

 

In another poster below, detective Jang Nan Gam’s extraordinary aura captures attention. Jang Nan Gam’s eyes are shining as if his instinct and intuition have been triggered by a mysterious murder case, which becomes more bizarre the more he digs into it.

 

 

The teaser video that was released along with the posters begins with a powerful slap to Lee Tang’s face which brings alertness to his lethargic and boring daily life. Lee Tang, who returns from his part-time job at a convenience store as usual, gets brutally assaulted by an unknown man.

Lee Tang, who would never have had the courage to make a counterattack if it was the usual him, takes out a hammer and hits the man with all his might. The text that appears on screen, “A person was killed, I killed a person,” foreshadows an irreversable change in Lee Tang’s life.

 

 

 

https://www.soompi.com/article/1636653wpp/watch-choi-woo-shik-and-son-suk-ku-start-an-odd-chase-in-teaser-for-new-dark-comedy-drama-a-killer-paradox

[larus]

 

 

Choi Woo Shik and Son Suk Ku's Netflix K-Drama "A Killer Paradox" Confirms Release Date

by Lily Alice, January 11, 2024

8 8

 

The posters and a teaser for the Netflix series A Killer Paradox have been unveiled. 

Based on the webtoon of the same name by the writer Kkoma Bi, the story revolves around an ordinary man who accidentally starts committing murders and the detective relentlessly chasing him.

Choi Woo Shik plays the role of Lee Tang, an ordinary college student, and Son Suk Ku portrays Jang Nan Ga, a cold-blooded and persistent detective. 

 

 

Lee Tang, who realizes that the person he accidentally killed is a cunning criminal, finds himself perplexed by the bizarre reality unfolding before him. He wonders if it's a mere coincidence or a special ability.

On the other hand, Detective Jang Nan Gam digs deeper into the peculiar murder cases and is set on catching the criminal at all costs.

The teaser begins by showing the mundane routine life of Lee Tang. After finishing his part-time job at a convenience store and heading home as usual, Lee Tang becomes a victim of an assault by a drunken man. 

Lee Tang, who has never retaliated in his life, strikes back with force. The title card reads "The Killed, The Killer," hinting at the turning point in Lee Tang's life starting from an accidental murder.

The adaptation promises to enhance the charm of the original work, known for its realistic storytelling and psychological elements. 

The collaboration between director Lee Chang Hee and Kim Da Min has fans excited for the K-drama's release. 

Lee Hee Joon joins the cast alongside Choi Woo Shik and Son Suk Ku. 

A Killer Paradox will be available on Netflix starting February 9.

 

https://mydramalist.com/article/choi-woo-shik-and-son-suk-ku-s-netflix-k-drama-a-killer-paradox-confirms-release-date

[larus]

Accidental serial murderer Choi Woo-shik crafts A Killer Paradox

by solstices

Upcoming Netflix crime drama A Killer Paradox has unveiled its first teaser, featuring a down-on-his-luck college student who inadvertently steps into a life of homicide. Based on the webtoon of the same name, this adaptation is slick and darkly comedic, keeping us on tenterhooks with brief glimpses of its cat-and-mouse chase.

Choi Woo-shik (Our Beloved Summer) stars as Lee Tang, whose bored disillusionment is clear as day to anyone who will spare him a second glance. He’s despondent at home, dazed in the lecture hall, distracted at his convenience store job — until a man slaps him hard on a dimly-liit street. The sudden violence ignites something deep within Tang, and he snaps.

 

Interspersed with the nighttime assault are scenes of Tang with a sledgehammer in hand, his demeanor calm and calculated. As the beaten-up Tang retaliates in a wide-eyed frenzy, the even-keeled Tang slams his sledgehammer down. Blood splatters across Tang’s face. In the rain, Tang gasps in awestruck exhilaration, as if that excessive act of self-defense has sent him past a line he won’t be coming back from.

In Tang’s attempt to avoid becoming the killed, he’s become the killer. When he finds out that the victim had been a serial killer, a revelation strikes Tang. Using his innate ability to pinpoint heinous criminals, he can take on the role of a vigilante executioner, punishing sinners and eradicating evil.

Needless to say, his methods don’t go over very well with law enforcement. As a detective, Sohn Seok-gu (D.P. 2) will be tracking Tang down — but given that his character’s name Jang Nan-gam directly translates to “plaything,” it looks like he’s about to be toyed with by our novice killer.

To complicate matters further, we have one more killer in the mix. Former detective Song Chon — played by Lee Hee-joon (Behind Every Star) — will also join the fray, chasing Tang down for reasons yet unknown. In supporting roles, we also have Kim Yo-han (Summer Strike) and Hyun Bong-shik (Gyeongseong Creature), who may turn out to be friend, foe, or somewhere in between.

Helmed by PD Lee Chang-hee (Hell is Other People), with scripts penned by Kim Da-min, the 8-episode thriller A Killer Paradox is slated for a February 9 release.

 

https://www.dramabeans.com/2024/01/accidental-serial-murderer-choi-woo-shik-crafts-a-killer-paradox/

 

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Choi Woo Shik Plays Cat-and-Mouse Chase With Son Suk Ku in Stills of Netflix's "A Killer Paradox"

by Lily Alice, January 17, 2024

1 1

 

The Netflix series A Killer Paradox dropped stills of Choi Woo Shik and Son Suk Ku. 

Based on the webtoon of the same name by the writer Kkoma Bi, A Killer Paradox revolves around an ordinary man who accidentally starts committing murders and the detective relentlessly chasing him.

Choi Woo Shik plays the role of Lee Tang, an ordinary college student, and Son Suk Ku portrays Jang Nan Ga, a cold-blooded and persistent detective.

 

 

 

Lee Tang suddenly awakens to the realization that he has a special ability to identify bad guys. And chasing him is Detective Jang Nan Gam (Son Suk Ku), who investigates the strange murder case and suspects that there is something about it that doesn't seem right.

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

The stills give a glimpse of the character dynamics between Lee Tang and Jang Nan Gam.

As hinted by the stills, Lee Tang's seemingly ordinary and monotonous life has taken a drastic turn. Detective Jang Nan Gam, who has a mysterious aura around him, looks at him with a piercing gaze, intimidating him.

 

 

Spoiler

 

 

The cat-and-mouse chase raises anticipation for how the confrontation between Lee Tang and Jang Nan Gam will unfold.

Choi Woo Shik expressed, "I focused on [expressing] the psychological changes that Lee Tang experiences. I tried to strike a balance so that the situations Lee Tang faces and the fears and emotions he experiences as he continues his murders can be portrayed well."

 

more https://mydramalist.com/article/choi-woo-shik-plays-cat-and-mouse-chase-with-son-suk-ku-in-stills-of-netflix-s-a-killer-paradox

[larus]

News bites: January 25, 2024

by tccolb

 

A dark bundle of stills have come out for Netflix’s A Killer Paradox, showcasing our cat-and-mouse leads, Choi Woo-shik (Our Beloved Summer) and Sohn Seok-gu (D.P. 2). Directed by PD Lee Chang-hee (Hell Is Other People) with Kim Da-min writing, the crime-thriller and webtoon adaptation will be coming to our screens on February 9. [News1]

 

https://www.dramabeans.com/2024/01/news-bites-january-25-2024/

[larus]

JANUARY 29 2024

Main trailer and poster for Netflix drama “A Killer Paradox”

 

Main trailer and poster added for Netflix drama series “A Killer Paradox” starring Choi Woo-Sik & Son Suk-Ku. The drama series is based on based on webcomic “SalinjaㅇNangam” by Ggomabi and directed by Lee Chang-Hee (“Strangers From Hell“). Caption on the main poster asks “Is he a hero who is sent by God? Is he a sinner who will be punished?”

“A Killer Paradox” will be available to stream from February 9, 2024.

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki: Lee Tang (Choi Woo-Sik) is an ordinary university student. While he works his part-time job at a convenience store, he gets into a fight with a rude drunk man and accidentally kills him. He is terrified that he killed a person and his life could be ruined. It turns out the dead man is a serial killer and he has been wanted for the past 4 years. Lee Tang realizes that he has a special ability to recognize bad people who deserve to die. Lee Tang soon becomes a serial murderer to kill these evil people. Detective Jang Nan-Gam (Son Suk-Ku) investigates a murder case committed by Lee Tang. His instincts as a detective leads him to suspect Lee Tang as the killer. Meanwhile, Song Chon (Lee Hee-Jun) is an ex-detective who chase after Lee Tang alone.

 

https://blog.asianwiki.com/korean-dramas/main-trailer-and-poster-for-netflix-drama-a-killer-paradox

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Watch: Son Suk Ku Hunts Choi Woo Shik Who Walks The Line Between Hero And Sinner In “A Killer Paradox” Teasers

Drama Preview

Jan 29, 2024

by S. Nam

 

Upcoming Netflix series “A Killer Paradox” has unveiled a new poster and teaser!

Based on a webtoon, “A Killer Paradox” is dark comedy thriller about an average man who accidentally murders a serial killer and a police detective who is chasing after him. It will be directed by director Lee Chang Hee, who previously helmed the drama “Strangers from Hell” and the movie “The Vanished,” and rookie writer Kim Da Min.

Choi Woo Shik takes on the role of Lee Tang, an ordinary college student who becomes aware that he has the ability to distinguish evil people after his first accidental murder. Son Suk Ku plays detective Jang Nan Gam, who keeps lingering around Lee Tang with his animal-like intuition and instincts.

The newly released teaser begins with the day that turned Lee Tang’s life around. For Lee Tang, striking back was never an option in his life, but he accidentally ends up killing someone. While shaken up by fear and guilt, detective Jang Nan Gam enters his life.

Jang Nan Gam casually comments, “I understand that, in life, it sometimes occurs that you want to kill somebody. I’m kidding.”

Lee Tang states, “I killed them,” but then continues, “I realized that the people I killed deserved to die,” when he realizes that he killed a serial killer. The teaser asks the question whether Lee Tang is “a godsent hero” or an “unpunished sinner,” raising anticipation for the upcoming story.

 

The poster released along with the teaser similarly shows Lee Tang and Jang Nan Gam at the site of a murder case along with the same text, “A godsent hero or unpunished sinner.” While Lee Tang is drenched in rain with a devastated expression, Jang Nan Gam searches the site with his sharp gaze.

 

“A Killer Paradox” will be released on February 9.

 

https://www.soompi.com/article/1639666wpp/watch-son-suk-ku-hunts-choi-woo-shik-who-walks-the-line-between-hero-and-sinner-in-a-killer-paradox-teasers

 

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Choi Woo Shik Trembles in Fear as Son Suk Ku Investigates Murder Scene in "A Killer Paradox" Poster

by Lily Alice, January 29, 2024

5 1

 

The Netflix series A Killer Paradox has unveiled its main poster and a trailer.

Based on the webtoon of the same name by the writer Kkoma Bi, the story revolves around an ordinary man who accidentally starts committing murders and the detective chasing him relentlessly.

The main poster features Lee Tang (Choi Woo Shik) and Jang Nan Gam (Son Suk Ku) standing at a murder scene.

Lee Tang stands soaked in the rain, holding a hammer in his hand, with a bewildered expression and restless eyes. Detective Jang Nan Gam surveys the murder scene with a sharp gaze while chewing bubble gum.

 

 

The text on the poster reads, "A Godsent Hero or Unpunished Sinner".

The trailer begins by showing Lee Tang running. He says, "Striking back has never been an option in my life. So, that day, why did I..."

Lee Tang trembles in fear when someone asks him about the murder that happened in the area. Out of fear, he looks up if the penalty is lighter for accidental murder.

In the face of fear and guilt, Lee Tang encounters Detective Jang Nan Gam. The detective says, "I understand that in life, it sometimes occurs that you want to kill somebody." Lee Tang is distraught by anxiousness. 

The first victim of Lee Tang's murder turns out to be a ruthless serial killer. He says, "I realized that the people I killed deserved to die." He then realizes, "I murdered two people, but there is no evidence."

A voiceover says, "Just do what your gut tells you," and Lee Tang unhesitatingly continues to commit murders. 

The trailer concludes with Lee Tang saying, "There's no right answer, but this is the choice I made."

Will Lee Tang's crimes go unpunished? Or will he remain uncaught and go on as a godsent hero?

A Killer Paradox will be available on Netflix starting February 9. Watch the trailer here.

 

https://mydramalist.com/article/choi-woo-shik-trembles-in-fear-as-son-suk-ku-investigates-murder-scene-in-a-killer-paradox-poster

 

[larus]

January 29 2024

Main trailer and poster for Netflix drama “A Killer Paradox”

Main trailer and poster added for Netflix drama series “A Killer Paradox” starring Choi Woo-Sik & Son Suk-Ku. The drama series is based on based on webcomic “SalinjaㅇNangam” by Ggomabi and directed by Lee Chang-Hee (“Strangers From Hell“). Caption on the main poster asks “Is he a hero who is sent by God? Is he a sinner who will be punished?”

“A Killer Paradox” will be available to stream from February 9, 2024.

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki: Lee Tang (Choi Woo-Sik) is an ordinary university student. While he works his part-time job at a convenience store, he gets into a fight with a rude drunk man and accidentally kills him. He is terrified that he killed a person and his life could be ruined. It turns out the dead man is a serial killer and he has been wanted for the past 4 years. Lee Tang realizes that he has a special ability to recognize bad people who deserve to die. Lee Tang soon becomes a serial murderer to kill these evil people. Detective Jang Nan-Gam (Son Suk-Ku) investigates a murder case committed by Lee Tang. His instincts as a detective leads him to suspect Lee Tang as the killer. Meanwhile, Song Chon (Lee Hee-Jun) is an ex-detective who chase after Lee Tang alone.

 

https://blog.asianwiki.com/korean-dramas/main-trailer-and-poster-for-netflix-drama-a-killer-paradox

[larus]

News bites: January 31, 2024

by tccolb

 

Over on Netflix, the newest poster and teaser for A Killer Paradox wrestles with a dark morality, making Choi Woo-shik (Our Beloved Summer) our accidental vigilante while detective Sohn Seok-gu (D.P. 2) is on his tail. The crime story unfolds next week on February 9, with writing by Kim Da-min and PD Lee Chang-hee (Hell Is Other People) at the helm. [Sports Donga]

 

https://www.dramabeans.com/2024/01/news-bites-january-31-2024/

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Netflix presents their 2024 K-content lineup

by lovepark

A new year means a new Netflix reel highlighting all the upcoming projects down the pipeline. From dramas to movies and even variety shows, the streaming platform promises a spectrum of entertainment including new series and awaited sequels. Hopefully there will be something for everyone to enjoy!

 

 

Drama: A Killer Paradox
Release date: February 9, 2024
Need to know: This thriller starring Choi Woo-shik and Sohn Seok-gu is about an accidental serial murderer and the detective on his tail. Based off a four-panel webtoon that utilized a peculiar medium to capture a gruesome topic, I’m curious to see how the story will translate to the screen. Premiering in just a couple of days, this show might be the perfect thing to binge if you’re looking for something dark this weekend.

 

https://www.dramabeans.com/2024/02/netflix-presents-their-2024-k-content-lineup/

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A Killer Paradox

 

 

Directed by: Lee Chang-hee

Screenplay: Kim Da-min

Cast: Woo-shik Choi, Seok-gu Son, Hee-jun Lee, etc.

Publication date: February 9, 2024

 

It is a story about an ordinary man who accidentally starts killing and the detective who pursues him fiercely. It is based on the webtoon of the same name by author Little Bi, which garnered an explosive response for its shocking storytelling contrasted with cute drawings.

 

 

https://tenasia.hankyung.com/article/2024020667294

 

[larus]

Premiere Watch: A Killer Paradox

by missvictrix

 

Time slot: Friday (single drop)
Broadcaster: Netflix
Genre: Crime, suspense, thriller
Episode count: 8

Reasons to watch: Forget a killer paradox, this is a killer pairing. Choi Woo-shik plays an ordinary student who, after accidentally killing a serial killer, can’t seem to stop himself from the newfound high of killing bad guys. All the while, bubblegum-snapping detective Sohn Seok-gu is following closely behind. Sure, this premise is completely predictable for Netflix fare… but they never had Choi Woo-shik x Sohn Seok-gu before, did they.

TL;DR: Let the leads themselves convince you to watch.

 

 

https://www.dramabeans.com/2024/02/premiere-watch-a-killer-paradox/

 

 

https://www.dailian.co.kr/news/view/1324099

 

 

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.mhnse.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=252310

 

[partyon]

Anyone had time to check out this drama yet?

[larus]

Choi Woo-shik confronts a witness to a murder case | Murderer Toy | netflix

 

 

 

 

[confusedheart]

LOVE IS IN THE AIR!

 

New Event Alert!

 

This Valentine's Day Vote for the Perfect Namja Chingus from K-Dramas 
 

 

We are  back with another event. This is all about dreamy namja chingus from K-dramas. 

 

Please vote for your most perfect namja chingu from K-drama and do let us know why he is your favourite or rather what about his character that appealed to you. 

 

 

re: Your friendly, neighbourhood EO Team 

 

@confusedheart @partyon @agenth @Sleepy Owl

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"A Killer Paradox" tops global Netflix chart
by lo_ve, February 12, 2024
2 1

The Netflix K-drama A Killer Paradox ranks first in 11 countries on Netflix.

According to FlixPatrol on February 12, the thriller mystery K-drama A Killer Paradox ranked first in 11 countries worldwide such as Bangladesh, India, Hungary, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. It also secured 4th place among the Netflix TV series released.

The original K-drama was praised for its great portrayal of a K-thriller series. It showcased a unique worldview, characters, and perspective.

 

 

 

A Killer Paradox tells the story of an ordinary college student who accidentally becomes a murderer and a detective who will chase him and know the truth. The K-drama is based on the webtoon of the same name by Kkomabi.

The K-drama is led by Choi Woo Shik, Son Suk Ku, Lee Hee Joon, Lee Joong Ok, Choi Sun Woo, and Im Se Ju.

Choi Woo Shik portrays the role of Lee Tang, a college student who gets into an argument with a customer at his part-time job and accidentally kills him.

This is the first project of Choi Woo Shik for 2024. The actor will also star in the upcoming K-drama Melo Movie with Park Bo Young, Lee Jun Young, Jeon So Nee, and Kim Jae Wook. He is also expected to lead the upcoming film Wonderland.

Son Suk Ku on the other hand portrays the role of Jang Nan Gam, a cold-blooded detective who has exceptional instincts. This is the second Netflix original K-drama of Son Suk Ku since his debut. The actor is also set to star in the new K-drama Nine Puzzle and the films Troll Factory and Virus.

A Killer Paradox is the latest work of director Lee Chang Hee (Strangers from Hell and The Vanished) and writer Kim Da Min (FAQ).

The K-drama has a total of 8 episodes and it is exclusively available on Netflix.

 

https://mydramalist.com/article/a-killer-paradox-tops-global-netflix-chart

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A Killer Paradox: Episode 1 (First Impressions)

by solstices

 

Sardonic, stylish, and a tad strange, A Killer Paradox sets up a dark comedy about a dispassionate college student who accidentally stumbles into murdering someone that arguably deserves it. The plot may be relatively straightforward for now, but it’s delivered through dynamic storytelling that keeps the premiere engaging.

Editor’s note: This is an Episode 1 review only. For a place to chat about the entire drama, visit the Drama Hangout.
 
EPISODE 1

 

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect going into this show, given the offbeat tone of its teaser that contrasts sharply with its subject material — would the show manage to toe the fine line of macabre absurdity, or would it suffer from a flagrant tonal clash? Thankfully, the show manages to pull off the former, presenting a deliberately curated disjointedness with an unusual protagonist.

That’s the impassive and unmotivated LEE TANG (Choi Woo-shik), who drifts through classes and conversations with his family in favor of his lofty dreams about seeking escapism through a working holiday in Canada. The problem is, Tang can barely commit to cleaning his apartment or maintaining a gym routine, much less an entirely new life path. In fact, he’s so noncommittal that he barely ever displays any emotion, seemingly numb to everything and everyone around him.

 

The night Tang’s life changes irrevocably starts out with a familiar scene — a belligerent man ordering Tang around at the convenience store where he works. Tang complies without complaint, though his displeasure is clearly written in his body language. After his shift, Tang is heading home when he spots the crude customer passed out on the street, but catching up to his companion and informing him about his buddy’s state only earns Tang a curt dismissal.

Then their conversation escalates drastically. Tang flips the man off, the man sees it in a mirror, and then the switch is flipped and Tang’s being subjected to a brutal beating. Spurred by a flashback to his high school days, when he’d been violently bullied, Tang strikes back with the hammer in his backpack.

It’s set up as an act of self-preserving retaliation from being pushed to the brink, but it plays out in such a slow and measured manner that it makes one question whether Tang simply snapped, or if he’s had the latent capacity for violence lying dormant in him all along. In his mind’s eye, he’s nailing his painting frame to the wall. In reality, he’s murdered a man, then fled the scene and left the hammer behind in his wide-eyed panic. The painting of the Canadian Rockies sits on his apartment floor, a silent reminder of his crime.

 

This sequence is perhaps the epitome of this show’s approach to storytelling, highlighting its creative transitions and skillful cinematography. A Killer Paradox tells its tale through deliberately abrupt editing, some done through impossibly smooth match cuts, that heighten the disquietingly surreal tone. It plays with parallels, such as the hammering of the nail for the painting that represents Tang’s dream of starting a new life, and the hammering of the man whose murder sets Tang onto an entirely different life path.

It’s almost eerie that the first explicit emotion we see from Tang is fear, since it runs directly counter to his bone-deep apathy. In the aftermath of the murder, Tang is haunted by hallucinations of the dead man, bloody and resentful. Interestingly, though, it’s not a manifestation of Tang’s guilt — instead, it’s a projection of his fear that he’ll be caught for his crime. Tang is a character that ought to be unlikable by all counts, but is just relatable enough in his dispirited lack of direction and listless endurance of the mundane toil to keep viewers invested.

 

more https://www.dramabeans.com/2024/02/a-killer-paradox-episode-1-first-impressions/