User Reviews

"A Killer Paradox" is Netflix's latest Korean crime drama series. It features a protagonist with a unique crime-fighting ability. Some are approaching this with high expectations due to the caliber of past roles by the two leads, Choi Woo Shik and Son Suk Ku, but it might be best to temper your expectations. It's mostly entertaining, exploring ethical dilemmas related to justice, guilt, and innocence, but seems to be missing the extra something (maybe emotional impact) that the top shows in this genre possess.

The show is generally fast-paced and combines suspenseful storytelling, psychological thriller elements, and grimy action. The narrative is at times non-linear and gradually unveils layers, keeping the audience engaged and guessing. It is more plot and mystery driven and doesn't invest as much into character development as many Korean dramas do. As a result, it's not as easy to sympathize with the characters.

The production quality stands out, with meticulous attention to detail in set design and cinematography. The cast delivers compelling performances. This is a thought-provoking addition to the crime drama genre.

This show is really worth watching. The plot is super unique and interesting. It keeps me hooked, with lots of exciting, intense, and also some dark comedic undertones. Although, I'll say, the story kinda dragged in the middle and it got somewhat dull for a while before getting back on track.

The cinematography is also well done. Particularly noteworthy are some scenes that are captured in long one-take shots. The editing choice to sometimes cut back and forth between different times also makes it more fun and engaging to watch.

The actors are great. They play the characters' emotions well, especially the two male leads.

While there are some predictable moments in the story, they don't detract from the overall experience. Extremely recommended.

A Killer Paradox starts off with a bang, but ends with a whimper. The first two episodes are really engaging, and keep you guessing to see what will happen next. The cinematography and storytelling is also top notch. The acting throughout is also very good.

Unfortunately, after that the quality quickly falls off and we are left with a run-of-the-mill vigilante origin story.

Episode five deserves commendation. Here, we are shown how an ordinary person suddenly commits a fatal crime of passion, and thus becomes target fodder for our vigilante. It would have been nice to see more episodes like this one.

Korean Drama '' A Killer Paradox '' is an edgy drama that explores the morality of murder, when the victim is a killer themselves.

The drama does a great job presenting the main character's journey from guilt, remorse, fear, and acceptance. On that front, the drama escapes from the basic crime dramas and gives its main lead a more humane act.

On the other hand, the rest of the characters weren't as deeply explored. They were left as cells of their descriptions and nothing beyond.

Also, the story, though initially impressive, failed to keep the momentum. The cinematography was enjoyable and original, yes, but, in the end, left a lot of things unsaid, as the shift from one scene to another had a few moments playing off-camera. This technique was nice at first but got tiring in the end.

Also, the sci fi element wasn't explored at all and it was left as a thought.

Finally, the performances were all enjoyable and the relationship between the characters was sweet.

So, overall, six out of ten.

Darkly humorous, violent, and never boring, A Killer Paradox is a morality thriller like no other. What begins as a comedy of errors and morphs into a deep detective thriller, it's one of the finest series on Netflix. But more important, it showcases actor Choi Woo-shik's talent and his ability to tackle dynamic characters. Darkly humorous, violent, and never boring, A Killer Paradox is a morality thriller like no other. What begins as a comedy of errors and morphs into a deep detective thriller, it's one of the finest series on Netflix. While A Killer Paradox rewards its audience with moments of epic comeuppance, its the way the series complicates the straightforward theme that makes it standout.

It's a crime thriller based on webtoon, When one accidental killing leads to another, an average college student finds himself stuck in an endless cat-and-mouse chase with a shrewd detective who will stop at nothing to capture him.

Started really intriguing, After a point drama gets predictable though it has some surprising side stories in later episode, in the middle it became slow. Some convenient things for killer and accomplice.

Best parts about the drama are performances, cinematography, appropriate slow motions, interesting narrative, editing is top-notch.

Good drama for investigative crime thriller lovers. Recently similar kdrama came, named Vigilante, which was more realistic.

Being a fan of Our Beloved Summer (Choi Woo-Sik) and My Liberation Notes (Son Suk-Ku) I thoughtI'dgive this a try but this is much more Parasite and D. P. Violent and sort of arthouse. If youare looking for a series that explores morality ( but without so much blood) try Miraculous Brothers. I felt that the characters did not really get the chance to develop and it tried to be clever but in my view it didn't really succeed. There was a clever twist near the end but I didn't feelinvested enough in the characters to care.

If you don't mind blood and violence maybe this is your thing but it isn't mine.

The series is unique to me because the main lead isn't even the center of the story. Most of the time, we were in the point of view of Jang Nan Gam (Son Suk Ku). At the beginning of the episode, we were in the perspective of Lee Tang (Choi Woo Shik). After being chased by the police, we were mostly in the police's point of view. After that, it became more mysterious with the introduction of Song Chon (Lee Hee Joon), who drove the series until the end. For me, that was a unique way of writing the story, and I love it.

The plot is very fresh and interesting. I can't recall when a series or movie had such a refreshing plot, especially in Korean drama or movies where characters can sometimes feel repetitive. The switching of the point of view is truly lovely and unnoticeable. Lee Chang Hee (Director) also directed "Strangers From Hell," and it's no wonder this series turned out to be good. He really did a good job. Additionally, the first few minutes of this series have to be the best-directed sequence of all time.

The transition, THE TRANSITION. It is insanely addictive to watch how they transition from 1 scene in the past to the current scene, or from hallucination scene to reality. And how they project the future character into the past. And they did it multiple time flawlessly.

Furthermore, one aspect that many didn't talk about is the use of background music, which was really good. On top of that, the gorgeous cinematography adds to the overall experience. Let's not forget about the acting; every actor performed a marvelous job, especially Song Chon, who, in my opinion, shone the brightest in this series.

Some say that the pace became stale in the middle of the series because of the addition of two new questionable characters in Busan who were having a crisis, which I understand why it became boring. However, it picked up its pace again after that. Nonetheless, I definitely recommend it.

A very ordinary drama, my expectations were too high because of the advertisement. The Adult Scenes are too forced and completely unimportant.

There is no explanation as to why the main character is always safe and not discovered, the evidence disappears by itself even though it is not a fantasy genre. The ending is very ordinary and does not satisfy the audience.

Editing and transitions are too forced to be contemporary, making it confusing whether it is a shadow, a dream, a fantasy or a real event. It takes more effort to understand the storyline of this drama.

Those who want to watch it, please watch it, but don't have too high expectations.

I watch mostly Korean Dramas, but I have watched Chinese and Japanese Drama series too. People are saying it's fresh and unique and investigates moral dilemmas with murder. I don't think it's that fresh and unique in that aspect. I feel from the dramas that I watched that Chinese culture is more of a justice culture. And Korean Culture is more of mercy culture. This whole show is gathering mercy for a criminal based on excuses and circumstances and the people that got hurt had it coming. I actually see this mercy mindset a lot in Korean Dramas. In Korean Dramas, it's like poor baby serial killer, you were abused as a child and the guy you killed was a major jerk anyway. It's too mercy and excuses mindset in Korean dramas. I kind of prefer the Chinese mindset of Justice and no excuses. I realized from watching the same exact drama, the Chinese Version was Because of Meeting you and the Korean Version of the same drama Jang Bo Ri is here.--I realized that excuses are excuses and right is right and wrong is wrong from watching both versions of this show. The Korean version made me feel sorry for the villains and side with them more because I knew their excuses. But, the Chinese one, I saw how what they did was wrong no matter. I started to realize you can't pay attention to excuses. Anyway, I got side tracked, but I am trying to explain that the moral dilemma isn't unique and I see it a lot in Korean dramas.

Another issue is that Netflix needs a better rating system. They have TV MA, and I don't hardly see anything TV MA in a certain drama. Seems really PG kosher to me. Then another TV MA show will be a bit much. I prefer Korean shows partially because they are so G rated, even their Netflix TV MA are that way despite the label. However, this show truly TV MA. It's got a lot of cursing, blood and gore, and one sex scene with full nudity. That's rare for Korean dramas. The last one is.

A lot of the people in this show are just really mean and horrible. I don't understand how the main character can handle being around so many dirt bags such horrible people. To me, I found it hard to believe a world where people were so mean. It made the show off putting.

I prefer my G rated, beautiful, cute Korean Dramas. I don't appreciate the moral dilemma because of seeing it so much already and already preferring the Chinese mindset that I see in their Dramas instead.

The show was a little messy and hard to follow towards the middle of it. A little too boring as well. It had an interesting beginning, with the first 2 episodes. But, as the show went on, I wasn't liking the plot direction as much.

I will say it is unique in the way the main character is portrayed, or not portrayed. It's like he's such a loser that you don't even make a connection to him. I think it's that way on purpose. He barely talks or makes eye contact. Looks scruffy and like he lacks confidence to get a style.

The plot, especially in the beginning feels very unique too. I guess it's unique later on as well, but it's just not vibing with me.

If you like a lot of violence, lots of cursing, really mean people, and bad cops, and a main character that does bad things but it's a "unique" moral dilemma, then this show is for you.

It is unique plot wise and progression wise and also how the characters are presented. So, I will give it that.

The show begins on a remarkable note, showcasing an impressive level of intensity and technical expertise that would immediately captivate the audience.

Nonetheless, as the narrative unfolds gradually and the tale starts to expand its branches, that aforementioned charm gradually diminishes, and the intensity starts to wane.

By the time the seventh episode commences, the show has transformed into a monotonous cycle of repetition and indecisiveness, becoming nothing more than an irritating drag and disappointment.

All thanks to convoluted vision and sluggish pace that failed to utilise the potential of the distinctive concept.

One of the biggest ones is the time they take the show the supposed burnt hand of the bad guy. If someone's hand was burnt that badly, they would not be able to breathe without it causing gasping fainting level pain. Much less involved themselves in tons of shootouts and fisticuffs with other characters.

The rest of it is pretty diversionary. If not very predictable. I am not Korean or Korean American but I always enjoy their productions because overall there are good production values. I don't know what else to say to reach the required number of characters for this review, so I guess I will keep on talking until I've met it.

Extremely beautiful presentation, gripping and thrilling. A thrill ride to the end and something fresh and really unique, very well balanced and it's was something new to experience. Highly recommend to anyone who is thinking of watching, I started just like you and loved it so much that i am giving review here. Mysterious and thriller, anyone who loves thriller movies or series will definitely love it. A lot to say a lot to tell but I will not give you spoilers, enjoy it when you watch it. Great entertaining and more than what I thought. Can't wait for season 2 now, quickly release next season Netflix.

Though A Killer Paradox delivers on its promise of a slightly uncomfortable thriller, the limited runtime proves to be a hurdle for character development. A tighter focus and keener sense of the message behind the killings could have elevated the series more. But there's some fun when it comes to killer's sheer ambition, not to mention the wish fulfilment of it all.

One of the best aspects of A Killer Paradox is the cinematography. The show features visually stunning images of Tang's hallucinatory scenes, where the killers haunt him in his dreams. The images play tricks on the viewer and slow-motion shots of him attacking the killers in the action sequences. The series is flooded with bloody red and green lights to show which character is the hero and the villain. The entire second half of the season slows down. Episodes are longer and the plot lags a bit. The scripts lose their crisp structure and become a little sprawling. The ending does leaves loose ends and doesn't satisfy the morality of the show.

My Rating : 5.7/10.

How do I explain this? It is supposed to be a crime drama but it was really funny! Seriously, brilliantly written and directed! 5 stars 💫 from me!

If you love crime shows then you will love this series. I absolutely gobbled it and binged it without a break!!!

Elite level of screenplay and edits.

There's language options so you won't be missing anything.

Woo sik's baby face is such a contradiction to his character. You won't be bored. Every scene has something important. You will get attached to the characters and simply cannot resist the episodes. I binged it and I am in awe of the writers, there better be a season 2!!!!

So there's this detective. He loves chewing gum. Not bubble gum. Chewing gum. He makes a point to explain this in vivid detail that all gum is gum and you can blow bubbles with any gum. Really cool story and very thought provoking.

If you like watching people chew gum, strap yourself in for a real treat. Scene after scene, there will be long, detailed shots of the detective chewing gum. We even get a lengthy macro shot of his fingers opening a carton of gum and lingering on a square or two before he pops a piece in his mouth.

And the sounds. Oh the glorious sounds. We are treated to loud, Dolby surround quality sound effects as he slurps, sucks, and chews the gum with emphasis on the wet, squelchy sounds. The director makes a point to focus on the gum in all its glory. We're even treated to a parallel montage as two main characters, the detective and the killer, chew gum simultaneously. The camera pans up close to each character's mouth so we can see the gum smacking around in there. God I almost died when I experienced that in all its visceral rapture.

Open-mouth chewing is encouraged and frequently showcased. The detective chews loudly and with gumption, his gaping mouth wide open like a cow chewing grass. There's really no such thing as too much screen time for the gum. The director makes sure to remind us in every episode just how much the detective loves his gum.

So that's it, folks. 8 episodes of loud, wet, HD quality gum chewing. It's truly a masterpiece of modern storytelling. I've never seen a series devote so much screen time to gum chewing. And it's completely intentional. I'm glad that the gum industry is funding such compelling cinema these days.

Oh and there's some subplot about a killer who kills other killers but it's really just filler in between all the glorious gum chewing.

Choi Woo-shik plays Lee Tang an ordinary student from a poor family with a part time job at a convenience store. One day he gets into an altercation with a customer and ends up murdering him and from that point things quickly escalate and many more deaths occur. He is pursued by an upright detective JangNan-Gam played by Son Suk-ku who is determined to bring him to justice. The story is an interesting idea and starts well but then it just seems to drag and would have been much better as a movie or with a lot less episodes. Too much filming in the dark, no redeemable characters and the detective constantly chewing gum make it at times an annoying watch. Clever story which you may find yourself sadly fast forwarding.

Love the new and innovative ways of this series. A testament to the evolving Korean creativity in entertainment, I really loved the dark humour yet exploration of morals as well as the art house style of this series. Choi Woo Sik plays his character in an excellent way, all of a sudden thrown into the depths of murder and life unfolding in the most unexpected ways his acting in his confusion of it all is great ! The only disappointment I felt with this series was Son Suk ku, I felt his acting was kind of lazy, I did not feel him to be the go getter detective that they say he is. The nerdy mastermind behind the murders was also a really great character in this series. I feel it is well worth a watch.

After a promising start, this show has nothing going for it by the fifth episode, and just devolves into tedious dream sequences and flashbacks after the 6th episode.

The main character is the true embodiment of its boringness. He's basically a passenger of his own story with other characters setting things up and making plans for him. He shows zero growth from start to finish. By the end, he's still the same boring sleepy depressed dude that he was at the beginning. In fact there are legit several episodes where he doesn't speak more than one sentence.

It's like they wanted to copy Death Note but were too afraid to give their main character any personalities for fear of turning him into a villain.

So they make up several characters surrounding him that do evil deeds in his stead, so he can always stay the same safe and boring main character.

The storyline is tense, even though the plot is not too fast and not too slow, it can be enjoyed and each episode has a different case. When someone with a closed personality becomes a victim of bullying in their past and their life is always difficult has a scary secret as if he has abilities beyond his original self, meets a detective who has the ability to read a person's situation and can find the real perpetrator of the crime just from his words and eyes. The psychological warfare in this story is very good, not excessive and not far-fetched, although there are several scenes that seem cruel, but behind each case there is a story and its own cause. The actors whose acting lines are good and classy are suitable to be brought together in this series. The shooting is very good, like real, I hope there will be a continuation of this series.

Where do I begin?

The storyline was very gripping and a bit unsettling at times. What started as a comedy of errors ended up being poetic justice. The narrative kept switching between the past and the present which in my opinion added more mystery to the storyline. With each episode, new twists kept unfolding and it always had me hooked.

The casting was perfect and all the actors portrayed their character impeccably well. The two main leads, Choi Woo-Shik and Son Suk-ku, did a phenomenal job but for me the stand out was Lee Hee-joon.

The ending was pretty much expected but the last few seconds just proved what I was anticipating all along, which made me excited and hopeful for another season (if there will ever be one).

As an avid fan of the crime thriller genre, I thoroughly enjoyed this series and would recommend it a 100%.