Light Shop

This is a show to go into blind. I almost never do but I watched this show while it was airing and it had me shook. I started off thinking this was just a kind of spooky show and while I liked the vibe, it wasn’t until after the first few episodes when things started to come together that I was really hooked.

Light Shop had me absolutely weeping for the second half of the show. The characters and their backstories were so well done. The acting performances were all amazing. This would be a great show to go rewatch knowing the entire story to see all the details missed on a first watch.

I found the ending to be a little underwhelming, which is what knocked it down a bit for me. Some things were still left unexplained and I wasn’t clear what the plan for the story moving forward would be. With this large ensemble cast, there were also characters that I cared about a lot more than others and some I really wished had more screentime!

Light Shop was something I had almost no expectations for and the story really blew me away. There were a few episodes in the middle that absolutely destroyed me and were just epic storytelling. It is definitely worth the watch!

Read More

slow, sooo slow, extremely slow...

So many A-list actors but what a disappointing show. I honestly don't know what they were going for...horror? or emotional stories? Honestly, if written with a much better pacing it would have been so much better. I feel this really depends on your preference because the plot doesnt really have any issues it reasonable and commonly used in kdramas. However, the way it was portrayed was not giving the plot of the characters any justice. I had to watch it in x2 speed because it was so slow. Slow because every scene was dragged out for so long to display the "scary" / "mystery" vibes but only certain scenes were actually scary.

Everyone said its very confusing and its true. The first 4 episodes were very hard to understand and I feel because of that people just continued to watch to find out what it means. Not gonna lie that was me as well. I wanted to know so I continued but I really couldnt watch the drama with this pacing anymore so I decided to drop it cause after ep 4 nothing felt new anymore..

The thriller element was mostly gone once you know what actually happened and then it became more of emotional stories of each person. The CGI they used to show the area looked so fake that I could immediately tell this was some "made up" world. The entire drama is mostly filmed in a very dark lighting where only the hospital is the bright place. So yea a very clear indication on what that means.

The girl with the suitcase honestly was the most interesting character other than that it was quite boring....

Read More

The Lightkeepers

I finally got around to watching this suspense drama, my first of its kind, and I was genuinely captivated. The characters were thoughtfully placed, and while the storylines initially felt scattered and disconnected, they gradually unfolded with an elegant symmetry. What once seemed like unrelated threads began to interweave, revealing emotional connections and a larger, more profound narrative arc. By the final few episodes, everything clicked into place in a way that was both satisfying and deeply moving.

What stood out most to me was the storyline of the father, my favorite by far. He quietly tended to the soul lights of others, year after year, holding onto the fragile hope that his daughter would one day return. In an act of pure devotion, he sacrificed his own life’s light to preserve hers. And after many years, she finally did return. The weight of that moment, love, patience, and sacrifice, was unforgettable.

There’s a haunting irony at the heart of it all: souls are drawn to the glowing light, the life force, as if by instinct. And yet, even in such an ominous and otherworldly place, the power of choice still exists. The characters are not forced to shine; they must choose it. That’s what struck me most: even in a space governed by fate, free will endure. That kind of autonomy in the face of darkness felt both rebellious and divine.

And with that, the screen fades to black, leaving us suspended between hope and devastation, wondering if light, in the end, is something you protect… or something that must let go.

Read More

Hauntingly beautiful

As someone who typically steers clear of the horror genre, I found myself unexpectedly captivated by Light Shop (조명가게). Encouraged by a friend’s glowing recommendation and an impressive ensemble cast, I decided to step out of my comfort zone—and I’m genuinely glad I did.

The series centers on Jung Won-young (Ju Ji-hoon), the enigmatic proprietor of a light shop that serves as a crossroads between the living and the dead. Visitors to this unassuming store, tucked away at the end of a shadowy alley, are often souls grappling with unresolved traumas. Among them is Kwon Young-ji (Park Bo-young), a compassionate nurse with a unique connection to her patients, and Kim Hyun-min (Uhm Tae-goo), a man ensnared by his curiosity about the mysterious Lee Ji-young (Kim Seol-hyun).

What sets Light Shop apart is its masterful blend of horror and poignant storytelling. The series doesn’t rely on gratuitous scares; instead, it weaves a narrative that keeps viewers shrouded in mystery alongside its characters. Eerie scenes gradually unfold to reveal profound sadness, transforming initial fear into deep empathy.

The pacing is impeccable, maintaining engagement through a delicate balance of suspense and emotion. Cinematographically, the series excels—every element, from sound design to lighting, harmoniously aligns to evoke the intended atmosphere. The actors deliver stellar performances, seamlessly transitioning from instilling fear to eliciting sympathy, showcasing their remarkable range.

A particularly moving moment is the reunion between Jung Won-young and his daughter (played by Lee Jung-eun). Despite the real-life age difference between Ju Ji-hoon and Lee Jung-eun, their interaction authentically captures the essence of a father-daughter bond, leaving a lasting emotional impact.

Special mention must go to Seolhyun, whose portrayal of Lee Ji-young is nothing short of phenomenal. She takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster, seamlessly conveying everything from quiet melancholy to chilling terror. I had last seen her in Summer Strike, where she delivered a wonderful performance, but her work in Light Shop is on another level. And that closing scene, right before the final credits roll? Absolutely chilling.

While every single cast member deserves praise for their character portrayal, another standout is Shin Eun-soo. Her performance delivery was also nothing short of amazing. From Little Women to Twinkling Watermelon and now Light Shop, she continues to impress with each role she takes on, proving herself to be an incredibly promising actress.

Beyond its supernatural elements, Light Shop offers insightful commentary on professions dealing with life and death, portraying these roles with gentleness and esteem. This perspective fosters a newfound respect for individuals in such noble yet challenging fields.

In summary, Light Shop is a hauntingly beautiful series that transcends the typical boundaries of its genre. It left me with a lingering sense of contemplation and emotion, earning a solid 9/10 in my book.

Read More

"Light Shop" is a suspense drama with touches of horror in an anthology format. All the stories are connected to the light shop, which acts as a beacon for spirits.

I started watching it expecting a horror story, but it's much more than I could have imagined. It's a beautiful story about loss and grief, about dealing with death, especially of those we love. The characters have to go through the process of acceptance in order to move on and no longer be trapped. The alley is the great tunnel, with the light shop being the light they were looking for to escape the darkness.

Some of the characters have already died, but they are there to help others who have the possibility of waking up and surviving, to find their light and have the willpower to carry on. Hye Won did this for her girlfriend Seon Hae, as did Ji Yeong, who was by Hyung Min's side, doing everything she could to help him wake up. One of the most moving is the case of the bus driver, who went after everyone who was in the accident, apologizing and trying to help them get to the store. What happened wasn't his fault; he tried not to use the bus and then tried to stop more people from getting on, but it really was fate that happened.

Finding out that Hyeon Ju is actually the granddaughter of the owner of the light shop was incredible. His reaction when Hyeon Ju's mother goes to the store and he recognizes her is impossible to hold back the tears. It's a very beautiful scene, especially because he only accepted the position of being the guardian there in exchange for her life.

All the stories are touching, but one ended up really catching my attention, which was about a character who wasn't even on the bus, Byeong Jin. The moment we discovered the reason why he kept listening to a dog and learned that the dog was the one who stayed by his side until he was found in the forest and continued like that, until Byeong Jin went to the store and found his way home. This was so beautiful <3

Yeong Ji's analogy is very interesting, about her job being a border guardian, since people in a coma are on the line between life and death, she can't do anything to help them follow either path, but she is there to accompany them in whatever happens. It's the same situation as the owner of the light shop, he is just a step, each person has to choose which way to go.

Read More

The will to live is not always just our own.

What a pleasant surprise this show is. Though pleasant might not be the right word to describe it. Touching? Heartbreaking? Hopeful? Enlightening?

What started as a fun eerie monster flick, turned into a deep and enriching exploration of the meaning of life, will to survive, depth of connections and consequences of choices. In just 8 episodes the drama presented well structured, well paced stories of 12 unique and relatable characters. We’ve got the answers, but we are also left with questions that reach beyond just the plot - questions about our lives, experiences and ideas.

What’s even more surprising, how detailed the lore of the afterlife was. Light Shops being the borders between life and afterlife - shop keepers being the guides for souls. People who are still alive become a sort of ghost in the afterlife, seen only by people who are not willing to move on and accept their death. Delirium after near death experience is nothing else, but the memory of the life in the afterworld - memory that keeps you connected to the afterlife that will let you see the ghost in the “real world”.

The shopkeepers help the dead move on, or the alive to wake up. Those who decide to not forget their memories from near death experiences can become helpers in the living world - either dealing with ghosts like Yang Sung Sik or guiding the lost souls like Kwon Yeong Ji.

With all the vague clues and more questions, I was honestly doubtful they would be able to explain all the mysteries. What is this place? How do people get here? How can they leave? Where are they leaving? Who can live? What choices do they have? What are the consequences of said choices? I honestly feel like I’ve got a proper answer to all of these. But it also left me wondering about the actions of the characters, their choices and what I would do in their place.

❔How much we are willing to sacrifice to protect people we love.
Jung Won Yeong the shop keeper who was willing to give up the peace of afterlife to help his daughter survive. A character that seemed stoic to the point of feeling emotionless. Initially I did not know how I should feel about him. Ju Ji Hoon can deliver quite an emotionally rich performance so this role seemed to fit below his capabilities. Little did I know he would deliver scenes utterly devastating and heartbreaking. The way he broke down after finding out he died and his daughter is left alone. How desperate he got to help her. How he was willing to sacrifice himself to make sure she could make it.

❔How once being lost can lead to us finding the right path.
Kwon Yeong Ji found her calling after her near death experience. With her newly gained knowledge of the afterlife and the struggles one can face to find their way home, she put it on herself to become the guiding presence helping others find their light. Similarly Yang Sung Sik after losing everything, was able to gain new motivation. Combining his expertise as detective and the ability to see ghosts, he took the role of a guardian - keeping the balance between the world of living and dead.

❔How sometimes other’s will to keep us alive is more important than our own.
The question that kept coming back during the first half of the show is: what keeps them alive? The answer, as heartbreaking as it was, it also became one of the highlights and most touching aspects of the drama.
The visual presentation of Lee Ji Yeong sewing Kim Hyun Min back being compared to keeping his heartbeat, keeping him alive. The determination she went through to make sure he can survive. The hope that he will remember. Jung Yu Hui who kept sending her daughter for new light bulbs with hopes she will be able to find her one light in the process. How Park Hye Won tried to do her best to make Yun Seon Hae leave the house, because only if she leaves she can find the light shop. Seung Won carrying Heo Ji Ung on his back, Kim Sang Hun guiding Yang Sung Sik.

All these stories broke me to pieces. I cried with every new revelation. I cried with every new person waking up. I cried with every goodbye. Honestly, the whole second half was just a crying fest, and I’m happy I was able to experience it.

❔How not every situation can have a happy ending, and sometimes the negative consequences will haunt us forever.
Lee Ji Yeong at the end became a vengeful ghost. The sadness of being forgotten by the man she loved, by the man that she died for was too much to handle. When I watched where her and Kim Hyun Min ended, I kept thinking: maybe her determination to keep him alive was just a selfish act? Maybe he should have died? Maybe them staying together in the afterlife would be their happy ending? Now all that’s left is pain and regret.

Then we have Ju Hyun Ju - what seems like a good resolution, weirdly feels incomplete, without the closure for the teen. Being separated from her mother, when she desperately wanted to stay in the afterlife with her makes me question if she even can live a normal life. Not getting treated for delirium she lives in a constant state of confusion - what is real, what is not. She is in a daze, not being able to connect with the people around her, she refuses to connect. She lives in her past memories that block her from moving on. I sadly struggle to see how she can reach the point of living a normal life.

❔How sometimes the choice we make can seem like giving up, while for us it’s starting over.
Yun Seon Hae chose to die. She found the shop, she found her light and then she made the choice to destroy it. There was nothing waiting for her in the world of living and there was so much she would lose if she left. She decided to stay with her girlfriend Park Hye Won and somehow it felt like they truly started living only after their death.

At the end of the day, Light Shop is a tale of love, care, devotion, desperation, regret and choices. Brilliantly acted, stunningly shot, perfectly directed (cannot believe this is Kim Hee Won’s directorial debut) and carefully crafted in any and all areas. It’s a story with many twists and surprising cohesiveness. Giving you the sense of hope, dread, sadness and happiness. The true portrayal of what it means to live, to die, to survive and to give up.

Read More

THIS SHOULD BE ILLEGAL

at first it felt boring and just creepy which isn't my thing but it really isn't its gut wrenchingly sad and moving and bittersweet and awful. how can it seems so creepy and then boom I feel awful for finding them lovely people creepy the mother and daughters acting was amazing and I felt everything I loved them in other shows ive seen them in but this it really just made them my favourites at the moment. the story was gut wrenching the light shop owner being her father and her breaking down begging for her daughter to be saved then realising that he's her dad and her trying to explain it I was sobbing and everything the whole thing is so sad I just loved it so much. sorry for any mistake I am typing on my phone and I just wanna say how good this is idc if I am writing weird LEAVE ME ALONE IM NOT A PROFESSIONAL

Read More

Light Shop is a drama that truly surprised me with its depth and emotional sensitivity. While the pacing is slow, every episode is filled with meaning. It’s not the kind of drama that hooks you with shocking twists, but rather one that touches your heart through quiet moments, glances, and deep reflection.

We all carry scars that no one sees, and this story reminds us of that in the most delicate way. Through each character, Light Shop shows how even in the deepest darkness, a light can appear to guide us — along a path of forgiveness, love, and hope.

It deeply moved me because beyond the plot, it’s a reminder that every soul deserves a second chance.
Yes, it’s a slow drama, but it’s definitely worth watching.

Read More

Like walking into a dream, so unlike what you've seen.

A very mindfully written story. It breaks the stereotype of psychological thrillers being about murderous or powerful individuals. Set in the same universe as “Moving” and “Timing” (both stories from the same author), it presents a tightly woven and gripping chronicle about life, death, near-death experiences, and the afterlife.

Starting with the narrative, which in the very first episode is presented from the perspective of individuals thrown into the afterlife who don't know anything, just as we viewers didn't understand what was happening either. The very first moment served as a great introduction to the drama; even if the two characters weren't the only ones with a story to tell, starting with their perspective was, in my opinion, an apotheotic success.

After that, we began to learn what was truly going on from different points of view. The main characters are not the sole focus throughout the drama, but they shine like thunder; even those who were extras still had a substantial impact. The drama builds upon the fundamental idea of the afterlife, offering a richer perspective on this theme.. Every episode revolves around something our characters experienced in their lives that somehow led them there, and whether they can find the will to keep on living or to move on.

But it was different, deeper, and more impactful than anything I’ve ever seen. There’s a rich tapestry of legends and lore cementing each movement and its path, like the red string of fate, the woman in white, the slender shadow, the guardian, and the light at the end of the tunnel. I won’t lie; it was all brilliantly connected.

The plot brings forth various questions and concurrently reveals the true nature of human emotions: regret, guilt, sacrifice, empathy, understanding, forgiveness, love, hate, and crucially, whether to advance or remain attached (and what follows as a result). The conclusion stood out, highlighting how our choices affect not just our own souls but also the souls of others. It was beautiful to watch it all unfold.

The music was minimal yet poignant; the atmosphere, ambiance, scenery, and pace were perfectly on point. The acting was top-notch, even the children nailed their parts. I went in blind, not knowing what it was, what to expect, or even reading the synopsis—nothing—but I have absolutely no complaints. There were no loopholes, no unfinished business, nothing. Masterful storytelling.

Read More

The best storytelling and amazing plot twist!

The light ship will take you on a amazing journey that you did not expect at all. The first four episodes, you think it's a scary horror and wonder what is going on, but once episode 5 hits, you're like WTF and you cannot move because you are so hooked. The plot twist is amazing and will blow your mind. It is awesome to see the story unfold, and with each episode, you discover something new. I cannot say more without spoiling it for you. You just have to watch it!
This drama has the best storytelling.

The production and screenwriting are amazing. I haven't seen such a good plot twist in a long time. I love how they make you think it's a normal horror story, but they lead you, and you just have to say WOW.

The drama will leave a lasting impression on me for a long time. The post-credits scene is probably setting up a new season of *Moving*. I cannot wait.

Read More

What Watching a Novel Come Alive on Screen Looks Like

This is definitely not a beginner's watch. If you are expecting the typical K-drama feel, with cute characters and hearts and flowers and a generally good vibe, this is NOT IT. It markets itself as a horror genre, but I don't think that horror is the correct word to describe what was going on in this drama. The writing is *chef's kiss*, disjointed, surreal, no narrator is reliable, yet every narrator has a compelling story to tell, it felt like watching a novel come to life on screen.
The aesthetic that the director used to narrate the story was very grim and dark; the atmosphere in the first couple of episodes of the drama is sure to scare the weak-hearted watcher. But it is a story that requires patience and time to sit through, so that you don't abandon it in the first couple of episodes, but watch it till the end to see how each character meets their resolution.
If you are a fan of writing, then this is a series for you. It's a masterclass in how to weave multiple narratives into a coherent plot. If at all, there needs to be a tiff with the series, it is that its OST is nothing remarkable. But that is again a writer's/director's choice; it uses silence to signify death, loneliness, grief, horror, tension, everything that the series deals with.
The only advice to anyone watching this is DON'T GIVE UP IN THE MIDDLE, watch till the end. Overall, a solid 9.5 on 10 (deducted 0.5 because ep 7 got a bit boring).

Read More