[Herald Interview] Choi Woo-shik shows inner turmoil of killer in 'A Killer's Paradox'

Choi Woo-shik (Netflix)

South Korean actor Choi Woo-shik, known for his role in hit TV shows and movies such as "Our Beloved Summer (2021)," "Parasite (2019)," and "Train to Busan (2016)," said he tried to portray the emotional turmoil of a character faced with the ethical dilemma of condemning evil through murder, in his latest work, "A Killer's Paradox."

The 8-part Netflix original crime thriller drama series, based on the webtoon of the same title, tells the story of Yi Tang (Choi), a college student who unintentionally commits a series of murders.

When Yi later discovers that all his victims had done bad things, he comes to believe that he possesses a supernatural ability to identify wrongdoers and goes on a murder spree.

Detective Jang Nan-gam (Son Suk-ku) begins to suspect Yi's connection to the murders and embarks on a pursuit to capture him.

In portraying the character, Choi focused on showing the anxiety and doubts Yi feels about himself.

"I thought that if Yi had confidence in himself and his actions, namely murdering others, I would give a flat portrayal of the character," said Choi during an interview with reporters in Seoul on Wednesday.

"Throughout the series, I tried to depict the confusion of a character who is unsure and apprehensive," Choi said.

Personally, Choi said he did not agree with Yi's decision to condemn evil through killing. Choi said that if he saw numerous wrongdoings like Yi did, he would report them to the police instead of using his own "special ability."

"(While acting in the role of Yi), I kept asking myself what I would do. If I had such an ability, I think I would constantly report the things that happen around me. I don't agree with murdering people," said Choi.

"I saw a news story about someone who reported 12,000 instances of illegal parking in one year. I think I would become a professional reporter just like that person," said Choi.

When asked about what kind of roles he intends to take on going forward, Choi, who is known for his idiosyncratic portrayal of innocent and bubbly characters, said he is not in a hurry to change his image.

"In various works, I've portrayed many 'bouncy' characters," said Choi.

"Of course, I've always had a desire to change my image, but I found that I like the type of acting, which I can do naturally," he said.

"There was a time when I felt ... the need to show something different, new and changed. But now, I'm letting go of those pressures and taking things a bit easier," he said.

"Ironically, the more I let go, the more naturally I seem to be able to move in the direction I desire," said Choi.

All eight episodes of "A Killer's Paradox" are currently streaming on Netflix.

A scene from "A Killer's Paradox," starring Choi Woo-shik (Netflix)

By Lee Yoon-seo(yoonseo.3348@heraldcorp.com)