A Killer Paradox Director Lee Chang-hee's The Verdict Hits Korea on Jan 29

In court, what wins becomes truth, not the other way around. Lee Chang-hee, the mastermind behind the Netflix hit 'A Killer Paradox', is bringing his first international project to Korean soil. According to Yonhap News, the courtroom thriller 'The Verdict' is set for its domestic debut on January 29, 2026.

The Verdict Movie Lee Chang-hee: A Brutal Tale of Vigilante Justice

While the film features an all-Indonesian cast and was shot entirely in Indonesia, its creative DNA is distinctly Korean. Lee Chang-hee—known for his work on 'The Vanished' and OCN’s 'Strangers from Hell'—co-directed the film with Indonesian director Yusron Fuadi. The screenplay was also penned by Korean writers, signaling a deepening cross-cultural collaboration in Asian cinema.

The narrative follows Raka(Rio Dewanto), a court security guard who initiates a tense hostage standoff. The motive is deeply personal: his wife, a righteous lawyer, was brutally murdered by the son of a powerful family. When the legal system fails to provide justice, Raka takes the law into his own hands, literally locking the doors of the courtroom to force a final verdict.

K-Noir Sensibilities Meet Southeast Asian Context

The film explores the disturbing reality of a justice system serving the privileged. It previously premiered in Indonesia on July 16, 2025, where it was noted for its raw portrayal of grief and systemic corruption. The collaboration marks a strategic move for Korean filmmakers to export their storytelling expertise directly into high-growth markets like Indonesia.