A Killer Paradox Explained

Image Upright:1.15
Alt Name:Murder DIEary[1]
Native Name:
Hangul:살인자ㅇ난감
Hanja:殺人者o難堪
Rr:Sarinja-ng-Nangam
Lk:The Murderer's Toy
Based On:[2]
Developer:Son Seung-ae (planning)[3]
Director:Lee Chang-hee
Music:Dalpalan
Country:South Korea
Language:Korean
Num Episodes:8
Executive Producer:Kim Ji-soo
Cinematography:Park Se-seung
Editor:Kim Woo-il
Runtime:45–63 minutes
Network:Netflix

A Killer Paradox is a 2024 South Korean crime thriller dark comedy television series written by Kim Da-min, directed by Lee Chang-hee, and starring Choi Woo-shik, Son Suk-ku, and Lee Hee-joon. Based on the Naver webtoon of the same name by Kkomabi, it tells the story of a man who accidentally murders a serial killer, and a detective who pursues him relentlessly. It was released on Netflix on February 9, 2024, and received generally positive reviews.

Synopsis

Lee Tang, who was discharged from the army six months ago, struggles with his life and dreams of visiting Canada. He works at a convenience store and relies heavily on his parents for support. One night, he is assaulted by a customer, leading to a violent confrontation and the subsequent murder of the customer. Tang is guilt-ridden and prepares to turn himself in but discovers his victim was a serial killer. Dutiful detective Jang Nan-gam remains uncooperative and keeps investigating. It is unclear if Nan-gam is onto him, but Tang continues to kill, revealing his hidden talent for detecting and killing previously unpunished evildoers without leaving any traceable evidence. The story explores the question of whether Tang is serving justice or evading it.

Cast and characters

Main

An ordinary college student who realizes that he has the ability to identify evil people after his first accidental murder

A detective who pursues a murder case committed by Lee Tang

A former detective who hunts down Lee Tang

Supporting

The youngest detective of Violent Crime Team 1 at Daejeon Northern Police Station and Nan-gam's junior

A detective of Violent Crime Team 1 at Daejeon Northern Police Station and Nan-gam's marksman

A murder witness

A customer at the convenience store where Tang works who turns out as the suspect in a serial murder

A man who spends time with his girlfriend, looking through old diaries

A woman living a hard life after being betrayed by her trusted lover. She changed her name and face after her private video was distributed by her ex-lover.

A father who struggles after losing his daughter in an unexpected incident

Tang's friend

Nan-gam's father and a former detective at Daejeon Northern Police Station

A profiler at the Daejeon Metropolitan Police Department who is known for her sharp analytical skills and beauty

Tang's sister

Production and release

The series was directed by Lee Chang-hee, who previously worked on the film The Vanished (2018) and the series Hell Is Other People (2019). It was written by Kim Da-min, who won the grand prize in the 2019 Gyeonggi Scenario Planning and Development Feature Category. Showbox and Let's Film managed the production.[13] Filming began in the second half of 2022 and took place in Daejeon.[14] Choi Woo-shik, Son Suk-ku, and Lee Hee-joon were cast for the series.[15]

Netflix confirmed that the show would be released on February 9, 2024.[16] [17]

Reception

Critical response

Pierce Conran of the South China Morning Post rated it 3/5 and wrote that it "eschews moral introspection in favour of something more troubling".[18] Kate Sánchez of But Why Tho? rated it 9.5/10 and wrote that it is "darkly humorous, violent, and never boring, A Killer Paradox is a morality thriller like no other", adding, "what begins as a comedy of errors and morphs into a deep detective thriller, it's one of the finest series on Netflix".[19] Joel Keller of Decider wrote that "while A Killer Paradox seems like a pretty straightforward show, it should have a lot of tense moments", adding that it may have twists along the way.[20] Jonathan Wilson of Ready Steady Cut rated it 3/5 and wrote that "some will think it's great" and "others will find the conceit too trying" but "both will be right in about equal measure".[21] David Opie of Radio Times rated it 3/5 and wrote that "tighter focus and keener sense of the message behind this conceit could have elevated the series more" but that "there's still tons of fun to be had when it comes to Killer's sheer ambition, not to mention the wish fulfilment of it all".[22] Rhian Daly of NME rated it 4/5 and described the series as "far from a typical offering in the genre [that] adds flashes of other styles, like fantasy, into the mix" and "worlds apart from the usual murder and retribution fare", calling Choi Woo-shik, in particular, "phenomenal as the unlikely avenger".[23] Pallavi Keswani of The Hindu wrote that "a product of smart writing, supported by some stellar performances, [it] emerges as slightly disturbing yet deeply intriguing watch".[24] Melissa Camacho of Common Sense Media wrote that "overall, A Killer Paradox is an interesting thriller that requires close attention to fully understand what's happening".[25]

Viewership

A Killer Paradox ranked second in Netflix's Global Top 10 TV (Non-English) category after three days of its release and received a warm response in 19 countries, being listed in the top 10, including in South Korea, Bolivia, India, Qatar, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Vietnam.[26] The following week, the series topped the chart with 39.5 million hours watched by 5.5 million viewers,[27] and remained on the chart for the next two consecutive weeks.[28]

Accolades

Awards and nominations

Award ceremony! scope="col"
YearCategoryNominee / WorkResult
Baeksang Arts Awards2024Best DirectorLee Chang-hee[29]
Best Supporting ActorLee Hee-joon
Best New ActorKim Yo-han
Blue Dragon Series Awards2024Best DramaA Killer Paradox[30]
Best ActorChoi Woo-sik
Best Supporting ActorLee Hee-joon
Seoul International Drama Awards2024Outstanding Korean DramaA Killer Paradox[31]

Listicles

Publisher! scope="col"
YearListiclePlacement
NME2024The 10 best K-dramas of 2024 – so farPlaced[32]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Choi Woo-shik, Son Suk-ku and more to star in new Netflix thriller series 'Murder DIEary'. NME. Yeo. Gladys. August 22, 2022. December 20, 2023. October 26, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221026090626/https://www.nme.com/news/tv/netflix-murder-dieary-kdrama-webtoon-choi-woo-shik-son-suk-ku-3294831. live.
  2. Web site: ko:그렸다 하면 영상화... 웹툰작가 '꼬마비'의 심오한 세계. If you draw, they become videos... The profound world of webtoon artist 'Kkomabi'. https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=241&aid=0003274519. Naver. Ilgan Sports. ko. Kim. Hye-sun. May 10, 2023. January 11, 2024. January 11, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240111022818/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=241&aid=0003274519. live.
  3. 1. A Killer Paradox. Netflix. February 9, 2024.
  4. Web site: ko:[공식] 최우식·이희준→손석구..'살인자ㅇ난감' 제작 학정. [Official] Choi Woo-shik, Lee Hee-joon→Son Suk-ku..'Murder DIEary' Production Confirmed. https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=076&aid=0003906589. Naver. Sports Chosun. ko. Moon. Ji-yeon. August 19, 2022. August 19, 2022. November 9, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231109011447/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=076&aid=0003906589. live.
  5. Web site: ko:지루한 일상...악인 처단할 능력 생긴다면. A boring daily life... If you have the ability to punish evil people. https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=009&aid=0005257474. Naver. Maeil Business Newspaper. ko. Kim. Hyung-joo. February 12, 2024. February 15, 2024. March 21, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240321051642/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=009&aid=0005257474. live.
  6. Web site: ko:'살인자ㅇ난감', 손석구 후배 권다함 눈길 끄네. 'A Killer Paradox', Son Suk-ku junior Kwon Da-ham draws attention. https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=109&aid=0005018205. Naver. Osen. ko. Kim. Bo-ra. February 15, 2024. February 15, 2024. March 21, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240321051642/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=109&aid=0005018205. live.
  7. Web site: ko:'살인자ㅇ난감' 최우식X손석구 "처음엔 우발적이었지만..." 넷플릭스 드라마, 내달 9일 공개 '영화가 좋다'. 'A Killer Paradox' Choi Woo-sik X Son Suk-gu "At first, it was accidental, but..." Netflix drama to be released on the 9th of next month, 'The movie is good'. https://news.nate.com/view/20240127n03814. Nate. Top Star News. ko. Jang. Pil-gu. January 27, 2024. February 15, 2024. March 21, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240321051701/https://news.nate.com/view/20240127n03814. live.
  8. Web site: ko:'살인자ㅇ난감' 섬뜩·섬세, 정이서가 떴다. 'A Killer Parodox' Creepy and delicate, Jung Yi-seo appears. https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=144&aid=0000943051. Naver. Sports Kyunghyang. ko. Ahn. Byung-gil. February 13, 2024. February 15, 2024. March 21, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240321051642/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=144&aid=0000943051. live.
  9. Web site: A Killer Paradox: What to Know About the Korean Crime Thriller. Netflix. Ostby. Ingrid. February 9, 2024. February 9, 2024.
  10. Web site: ko:'살인자ㅇ난감' 재활용 불가! 나쁜 남자, 노재원. 'A Killer Paradox' Cannot be recycled! Bad boy, Roh Jae-won. https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=144&aid=0000943292. Naver. Sports Kyunghyang. ko. Lee. Yoo-min. February 14, 2024. February 15, 2024. March 21, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240321051642/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=144&aid=0000943292. live.
  11. Web site: ko:"손석구와 최우식만 보인다고? NO!" 알고보면 더 깊이빠지는 인물열전[살인자ㅇ난감]. "You only see Son Suk-ku and Choi Woo-shik? NO!" The more you know, the deeper you will fall in love with the characters [A Killer Paradox]. https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=117&aid=0003805841. Naver. My Daily. ko. Nam. Hye-yeon. February 10, 2024. February 15, 2024. March 21, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240321051750/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=117&aid=0003805841. live.
  12. Web site: ko:'살인자ㅇ난감' 신예 이소원, 차태현 소속사와 전속계약. 'Murderer's Difficulty' newcomer Lee So-won signs exclusive contract with Cha Tae-hyun's agency. https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=437&aid=0000379355. Naver. JTBC News. ko. Park. Jung-sun. February 13, 2024. February 15, 2024. March 21, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240321052146/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=437&aid=0000379355. live.
  13. Web site: ko:최우식·손석구·이희준, 넷플릭스 '살인자 O난감' 확정. Choi Woo-shik, Son Seok-gu, and Lee Hee-jun confirmed for Netflix's 'Killer O Toy'. https://star.mt.co.kr/stview.php?no=2022081911093097814. Naver. Star News. Hwang. Jeong. October 25, 2022. October 25, 2022. August 19, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220819024807/https://star.mt.co.kr/stview.php?no=2022081911093097814. live.
  14. Web site: ko:[단독] 최우식·손석구 '살인자o난감'에서 만난다..연기 대결(종합). [Exclusive] Choi Woo-sik and Son Seok-gu meet in 'Murderer: Confusing'...Acting showdown (Comprehensive). https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/076/0003873096. Naver. Sports Chosun. Moon. Ji-yeon. May 26, 2022. February 9, 2024. August 19, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220819031401/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/076/0003873096. live.
  15. Web site: ko:넷플릭스 '살인자ㅇ난감' 제작 확정...최우식·손석구·이희준 주연. Netflix's 'Murder DIEary' production confirmed...Starring Choi Woo-shik, Son Suk-ku, Lee Hee-joon. https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=421&aid=0006286865. Naver. News1. ko. Yoon. Hyo-jung. August 19, 2022. February 15, 2024. August 19, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220819140835/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=421&aid=0006286865. live.
  16. Web site: 최우식X손석구, 기묘한 추격전...'살인자ㅇ난감' 2월 9일 공개. Choi Woo-sik 'Murderer's Puzzle' to be released on February 9th. Naver. Xports News. ko. Yoon. Hyun-ji. January 11, 2024. January 11, 2024. January 11, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240111005512/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=311&aid=0001680241. live.
  17. Choi Woo-shik, Son Suk-ku face off in 'A Killer Paradox' teaser. NME. Ziwei. Puah. January 11, 2024. January 11, 2024. January 11, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240111074746/https://www.nme.com/news/tv/choi-woo-shik-son-suk-ku-a-killer-paradox-trailer-premiere-3568949. live.
  18. Web site: Netflix K-drama review: A Killer Paradox – Choi Woo-shik embraces his dark side in stylish vigilante thriller with a hokey twist. South China Morning Post. limited. Conran. Pierce. February 9, 2023. June 17, 2024. May 25, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240525140433/https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/k-drama/article/3251214/netflix-k-drama-review-killer-paradox-choi-woo-shik-embraces-his-dark-side-stylish-vigilante. live.
  19. Web site: Review: 'A Killer Paradox' Is a Must-Watch Morality Thriller. But Why Tho?. Sánchez. Kate. February 9, 2024. June 17, 2024. March 3, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240303102207/https://butwhytho.net/2024/02/a-killer-paradox-review-netflix-choi-woo-shik/. live.
  20. Web site: Stream It or Skip It: 'A Killer Paradox' on Netflix, Where a Regular Guy Becomes an Accidental Serial Killer and Is Pursued by a Tenacious Cop. Decider. Keller. Joel. February 9, 2024. June 17, 2024. May 17, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240517024034/https://decider.com/2024/02/09/a-killer-paradox-netflix-review/. live.
  21. Web site: A Killer Paradox Season 1 Review – A brutal vigilante thriller with a questionable gimmick. Ready Steady Cut. Wilson. Jonathan. February 10, 2024. June 17, 2024. February 27, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240227003506/https://readysteadycut.com/2024/02/10/a-killer-paradox-season-1-review/. live.
  22. Netflix's A Killer Paradox takes a stab at flipping the serial killer genre on its head. Radio Times. Opie. David. February 12, 2024. June 17, 2024. February 27, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240227003506/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/a-killer-paradox-netflix-review/. live.
  23. 'A Killer Paradox' review: retribution rules in this anti-hero tale. NME. Daly. Rhian. February 14, 2024. June 19, 2024. June 19, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240619061240/https://www.nme.com/news/tv/a-killer-paradox-deepfake-technology-sake-of-reality-director-3587759. live.
  24. Web site: 'A Killer Paradox' series review: Bloody K-drama thriller wastes its potential to be a compelling character study. The Hindu. limited. Keswani. Pallavi. February 24, 2024. June 19, 2024. June 19, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240619061238/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/a-killer-paradox-series-review-bloody-k-drama-thriller-wastes-its-potential-to-be-a-compelling-character-study/article67881458.ece. live.
  25. Web site: A Killer Paradox TV Review. Common Sense Media. Camacho. Melissa. March 11, 2024. June 17, 2024. June 17, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240617041323/https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/a-killer-paradox. live.
  26. Web site: ko:'살인자ㅇ난감', 공개 3일만에 글로벌 2위...19개국 TOP10 등극. 'The Murderer's Toy' ranks 2nd globally within 3 days of release...Ranked in TOP10 in 19 countries. https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/416/0000303524. Naver. SBS Entertainment News. ko. Kang. Sun-ae. February 14, 2024. June 17, 2024. June 17, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240617041330/https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/416/0000303524. live.
  27. Web site: 'A Killer Paradox' slays it on Netflix charts. Korea JoongAng Daily. Lee. Ji-an. February 21, 2024. June 17, 2024. June 17, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240617041325/https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2024-02-21/entertainment/television/A-Killer-Paradox-slays-it-on-Netflix-charts/1985733. live.
  28. Web site: Top 10 Non-English TV Show on Netflix Right Now. Netflix. June 17, 2024. June 17, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240617041602/https://www.netflix.com/tudum/top10/tv-non-english?week=2024-03-03. live.
  29. Web site: ko:60회 맞은 '백상예술대상' TV·영화·연극 후보 공개. 60th 'Baeksang Arts Awards' TV, Film and Theater Candidates Revealed. https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=437&aid=0000387494. Naver. JTBC News. ko. Hwang. So-young. April 8, 2024. April 16, 2024. April 8, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240408063013/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=437&aid=0000387494. live.
  30. Web site: Moon . Ji-yeon . June 24, 2024 . [공식] '무빙'·'SNL코리아' 최다 노미..제3회 청룡시리즈어워즈 후보 격돌 ]. [Official] 'Moving' and 'SNL Korea' most nominated..Candidates clash for the 3rd Blue Dragon Series Awards . June 26, 2024 . . ko . . June 26, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240626012546/https://m.entertain.naver.com/now/article/076/0004161399 . live .
  31. Web site: 올해 서울드라마어워즈 역대 최다 출품...48개국 346편. This year's Seoul Drama Awards has the largest number of entries ever... 346 episodes from 48 countries. KBS. ko. Lim Jae-seong. May 29, 2024. May 31, 2024. June 3, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240603032728/https://news.kbs.co.kr/news/pc/view/view.do?ncd=7975055. live.
  32. The 10 best K-dramas of 2024 – so far. NME. Daly. Rhian. June 27, 2024. July 4, 2024. June 28, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240628110953/https://www.nme.com/features/tv-features/best-k-drama-2024-so-far-3769098. live.

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