A Killer Paradox Episodes 1-3 review: A welcome shift of hero vs. killer with added flare

Netflix’s A Killer Paradox is one for the books in 2024 as its first three episodes arouse a unique interest in a man failing at life’s new purpose involving murders.

Lee Tang (Choi Woo-shik) is anything but special, or so he thought. He goes through life being what many would call a failure. With no ambitions, and nothing to prove to others, and works at the local convenience store. But his life takes a drastic turn when he finds himself killing a man out of self-defense.

He’s riddled with guilt until learning the man he killed wasn’t innocent at all. He was a cold-blooded murderer. Lee Tang soon straddles the line of justice and murder as he begins to use his unique powers to hunt. Is he a hero or a villain?

The first three episodes of A Killer Paradox set the stage for a grander and more complex February K-drama that will have fans intrigued by its bizarre circumstances. Here’s a review of A Killer Paradox’s first three episodes.

A Killer Paradox gives a nobody new meaning

The first episode of the K-drama does its job of having you feel every emotion, guilt-ridden thought, and reawakening of Lee Tang’s journey. A nobody finds himself in a predicament no one wants to be in. He inadvertently kills a man after being attacked and is being eaten alive by guilt. A Killer Paradox uses a riveting display of editing and visuals to give the storyline a more “superhero” effect of the characters narrating their stories.

There’s the added pressure as Detective Jang Nan-gam (Son Suk-ku) becomes involved in the case. The not-so-clean-cut detective has a hunch about Lee Tang. Like the K-drama trailer everything turns on its head when it’s revealed the man Lee Tang killed was a serial killer. Lee Tang’s journey is only just beginning to unfold as he’s trying to make sense of what happened.

You will find A Killer Paradox to be visually dazzling with its use of bright colors. A juxtaposition of the reality that Lee Tang is going through. As the episodes progress, his “powers” take on a comical aspect of daydreaming as he begins to realize what they are. At the same time, the police are baffled by the circumstances of the cases they don’t know he’s involved in.

Like magic, there’s no evidence of a suspect. Everything has been miraculously taken care of, allowing Lee Tang to not see the repercussions of his actions. It’s truly as paradox. But A Killer Paradox takes you on a journey of the real world and just how evil it can really be. As well as how perpetrators evade justice and harm the lives of others. Is Lee Tang a savior for this evil? Or is he a part of it? The K-drama also uses a good amount of gore and blood with added sound effects that has even horror fans cringing.

The K-drama cast is nothing short of spectacular

With Choi Woo-shik and Son Suk-ku in the leading roles for A Killer Paradox, it’s no surprise that it’s a must-watch. Woo-shik is well known among fans for his acting ranging. Playing lovable characters in the romance genre to darker thriller roles like Parasite or Strangers From Hell. Woo-shik was made to the role of Lee Tang. A seemingly ordinary man who transforms into something more when given a killer purpose.

The actor embodies Lee Tang’s more fragile personality while instilling a sense of chill as he becomes a twisted form of a killer vigilante. Son Suk-ku is a perfect partner as the detective with a troubled past. The actor fits the many characteristics of a detective hellbent on answers, but too clever compared to others. A Killer Paradox’s cast is superb, but you likely wouldn’t expect any less from a Netflix K-drama.

A Killer Paradox rating: 4/5

The K-drama’s first three episodes have anyone hooked on Lee Tang’s journey but also invested in the baffling reality that is unfolding around him. A nobody who has a unique power to detect evil people and get away with it. Paired with the use of quirky and fun editing and cinematography, A Killer Paradox will be worth watching as more twists and turns take place.