K-dramas might have a stellar reputation of casting uncanny younger versions of actors, but these days, productions don’t shy away from using tech. The Netflix thriller A Killer Paradox is one perfect case, as actor Son Suk Ku’s younger self was actually made using “deepfake” technology!
READ: “A Killer Paradox” Used Deepfake Technology for Son Suk Ku’s Younger Version
In episode seven of A Killer Paradox, detective Jang Nan-gam (played by Son Suk Ku) comes face-to-face with a figure from his past. During a heated altercation, the scene segues into a flashback from his childhood, which featured Nang-gam in his earlier days.
According to director Lee Chang Hee during a recent group interview in Seoul, the uncanny resemblance to Suk Ku was achieved through the help of the actor’s old photos and image models.
“A child actor played Son’s part and the face was recreated by collecting photos of Son when he was younger and adding special effects–‘deepfake,’ to be precise–to it,” the director said. “We didn’t have many photos of him when he was younger, so we drew image models.”
Reports stated that a chunk of the drama’s budget was used on the “deepfake” technology. Producers have even pondered on its necessity, but the director insisted on this “for the sake of reality.” They also revealed that all of the characters’ scenes from the past utilized the deepfake tech, which resulted in the lack of dialogue among the child actors.
Aside from Son Sok Ku, A Killer Paradox is top-billed by Parasite and Our Beloved Summer’s Choi Woo Shik. Based on the popular webtoon of the same name, the thriller delves into Woo Shik’s Lee Tang, who, after inflicting an accidental death, soon discovers his innate ability to distinguish immoral individuals. Among its settings include the Philippines, with the city of Navotas featured in the drama’s scenes.
What did you think about the deepfake tech? Let us know in the comments!
A Killer Paradox is streaming on Netflix.
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