Light Shop (2024)

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....

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A Soul-Stirring Exploration of Life, Death, and Redemption

"Light Shop" is an emotionally gripping and thought-provoking narrative that masterfully blends supernatural intrigue with deeply personal stories of love, loss, and redemption. This series takes viewers on a poignant journey through the lives of characters who are trapped between life and death, all connected through an enigmatic light shop. With its rich character development, stunning visuals, and poignant exploration of the human condition, this show stands out as a must-watch for fans of supernatural dramas and psychological thrillers.


PS: If anyone doesn't want any spoilers, scroll straight to the "conclusion" part.




Plot and Storytelling:

The concept of "Light Shop" is deceptively simple but profoundly complex. At its heart, it is a story of interconnected souls—each character grappling with their own past, regrets, and unfulfilled desires. What begins as an eerie, horror-like atmosphere, gradually transforms into an exploration of hope and second chances. Light Shop itself serves as a metaphorical crossroads where souls meet and interact, discovering not just the truth about their own lives but also the way their destinies are woven together.
The storytelling is nuanced, shifting seamlessly between different character arcs that initially seem unrelated. However, as the narrative unfolds, the viewer begins to see how these disparate lives intersect, all leading to a heartbreaking yet redemptive climax. Each episode builds tension, gradually revealing the layers of each character's tragic past and the complex emotional journeys they undergo. The pacing is well-balanced, ensuring that while the story has its emotional moments, it never feels rushed or heavy-handed.

Character Development:

The strength of "Light Shop" lies in its cast of deeply human characters, each of whom brings a unique perspective to the story. From Jeong Won-yeong, the mysterious and compassionate guardian of the afterlife, to Lee Ji-young, a woman whose love for her deceased boyfriend transcends death, each character is richly layered, with their own emotional baggage and desires. Their arcs are deeply interwoven, creating an intricate web of relationships that explores the themes of sacrifice, memory, and the pain of unspoken love.
Particularly compelling is the tragic story of Kim Hyun-min and Lee Ji-young. Their love transcends the boundaries of life and death, with Lee Ji-young's determination to save Kim Hyun-min, even after her own death, showcasing the lengths to which the human heart will go for love. The emotional depth of these characters is heart-wrenching, and their unresolved love story will undoubtedly leave viewers reaching for the tissues.
The transformation of Yang Seong-sik, a detective turned grim reaper, adds another layer of complexity to the story. His journey from skepticism to acceptance of his new role and his eventual involvement in guiding souls through the afterlife is both tragic and uplifting.

Themes and Symbolism:

"Light Shop" is rich with themes of memory, fate, and the blurry line between life and death. The concept of light as both a literal and figurative guide is central to the series, with each character’s story revolving around the choices they make when faced with death and the "light" that ultimately leads them to redemption or eternal separation. The lighting store itself symbolizes the fragile nature of life, offering solace, guidance, and sometimes, a second chance.
The show's exploration of life after death is presented in a way that feels both otherworldly and deeply relatable. It asks existential questions about the nature of our lives, our connections to others, and what happens when our time on Earth runs out. The characters' emotional arcs resonate universally, even though the setting is supernatural.

Visuals and Atmosphere:

The cinematography in "Light Shop" is stunning, with beautifully composed shots that emphasize the mood of each scene. The lighting, of course, plays a pivotal role in creating the atmosphere—whether it’s the soft glow of a light bulb or the dark, haunting street where characters wander, the use of light and shadow adds an eerie yet comforting dimension to the story. The show's visual style enhances its emotional depth, making each moment feel weighty and impactful.

Conclusion:

"Light Shop" is an unforgettable journey into the afterlife that not only explores the supernatural but also delves deep into the human experience. With compelling characters, a beautifully layered plot, and themes that resonate on a deeply emotional level, it is a show that stays with you long after the credits roll. Whether you're drawn to stories of love that transcend death, or you're interested in exploring the mysteries of the afterlife, "Light Shop" offers a unique and enriching experience that is as heartbreaking as it is uplifting. This series is a rare gem that reminds us of the fragility of life and the enduring power of love and memory.

A masterpiece in every sense. Highly recommended.

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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.

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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

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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.

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A story in 2 part that just delivers until the end .

The first 4 episodes almost made me believe that it wasn't a gem.... During those, we don't understand much and we are in a strange atmosphere which keeps us within it without convincing us either . The breaking point is the end of episode 4 where we are shown the different characters in the hospital. The following 4 episodes are just magnificent, showing us all types of relationships and developments, each more poignant than the last. Tears come repeatedly throughout this journey on the thin edge between life and death. All the characters have their importance, play their role perfectly and are carried by very good actors.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Great Suspense Building, Eerie, Sobering

My 4 categories are Acting/Cast, Writing, Direction/SFX/Music, Entertainment Value.

I went into this drama completely blind, which I would suggest to do it that way. I'll try not to say too much in this review. Also, be in the mood to watch a drama that builds suspense gradually. If you're in a rush, you may find it slow. I didn't find it slow at all. I think this drama builds suspense very well. I was also completely unaware of the world behind this drama (I had no idea it was connected to another drama) and that seems to have affected my opinion of this drama.

Acting/Cast: The cast is what attracted me to this drama. Good cast with good acting. I don't think anyone in particular really stood out to me through their acting alone though. There are many different characters in this drama, so the scenes between each character don't last very long before switching to the next. There are certain storylines, however, that stand out. 8/10

Writing: I was able to figure out very early on what was going on. It's not much of a mystery. I'd say that this drama is mostly psychological, which is good because that's my favorite Korean drama genre. I like the writing style of this drama a lot - how they give us little pieces at a time throughout the drama to put together ourselves. The way it's done makes this drama extremely emotionally heavy, with it becoming more and more distressing as the drama goes. This is not a happy drama by any means, but there are times of hopefulness. The best way I can describe this story is that it's psychologically realistic. It doesn't sugarcoat anything, but it also isn't overly dramatic. The story does start to get confusing towards the end. This may be because I have no prior knowledge of the webtoon universe this story comes from. There's a cameo at the end, which caused me to realize this drama is part of something bigger. I don't feel like I can fully appreciate the story now. 7.5/10

Direction/SFX/Music: This drama is very well-produced. They did great in creating a very eerie, somber, and a sort of nightmarish atmosphere through the lighting, SFX, and music. There is a point where the drama switches to black and white. I'm not sure why. I wasn't a fan of it though. 8/10

Entertainment Value: This drama changes genres a bit through its course. I don't know if that helped it or hurt it. However, for me, I think I would have preferred it to keep more of its initial vibe throughout the entire drama. I'd imagine it would have made a greater impact emotionally and it would be interesting to see how the writers intermingle the two opposing ideas (horror and despair vs love and hope), but then again...maybe it would have resembled Sweet Home too much. In any case, this drama held my attention through to the end. Eight episodes is a perfect length for this story. It didn't feel rushed. It didn't drag. This drama is emotionally heavy and, for me, it was that way from the beginning. I was confused toward the end though, not knowing what was "real world" and what wasn't and not understanding the world that this story is apart of. 7/10

Overall, I gave this drama a 7.5/10. I liked it much more than Moving (which I had rated a 6). It doesn't feel dragged out like Moving does. I like the thought-provoking nature of the story. It does a good job at straddling the fence between hope and despair.

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