Light Shop

⛈ Follow the Light ⛅ If You Will ⛈ °8.6° °Outstanding°

Every night, she's sitting at the bus stop. He tried to assist her once, but communications broke down. The next night she was there with her suitcase, as usual. She's soaked. It's pouring. She says she's freezing and asks to go home with him. We see her later leave his apartment, suitcase in tow. Blood drips onto the walkway marking her path.

At school, some girls are having a discussion. ‘You know there are students… selfies, photos, & video clips is where they show up, and nobody knows who they are. Every class has empty seats. I think that's where they're sitting. They have to be ghosts.’ Hyeon is mortified.

LS is a 2024 release that is rated 89 on AWiki. It is 1 season consisting of just 8 51-minute episodes. This is the fledgling directing effort of Kim Hee Won who had roles in many features, including Misaeng-9.1 & Moving-8.5. Screenwriter Kang Full co-wrote Moving-8.5, among others. LS is sleepy and hypnotic. It's also scary, but with a dreamlike quality that mutes the fright. It's not agitating. Straightaway, the opening credits are eerily beautiful. I think it's the way things look to the ghosts that haunt the alley. Ep1 is lite bites from varied small plates. It's a sampler. Ep2 is more of the same. They will tie it all together later. In eps1-4 we meet the players, dead and alive. In ep5 we'll meet the ghosts as they lived. Watch to the end. Ep8 is your reward.

“I never noticed the light shop during the day, but it really stands out at night as it's so bright. Are you always open this /late/?” “You could say that.” In between vignettes, customers are coming in and out of the light shop. Jung Won Yeong (Ju Ji Hoon from Kingdom-8.3) is the mysterious proprietor behind the counter in dark glasses. He's all perfunctorily business-like with the patrons until a schoolgirl enters. They're old friends. He offers Hyeon some candy. She mentions that his shop is the only reason she can walk on the street. Otherwise, she'd be too scared: There's rumors of a ghost there! He studies her quietly for quite a while. ‘It seems like you can see things that most people cannot,’ he cautions Hyeon. “It's important that you look at people very closely and if you see something that isn't ordinary, just act like you haven't seen anything. It's best to not let those that you shouldn't be able to see notice that you see them at all. But if they do, make sure you act like nothing important is going on and that you haven't noticed…”

One can't help but notice, it's an all-star cast, folks.

Park Bo Young (Oh My Ghost-10, Strong Woman Do Bong Soon) plays ICU nurse Kwon Yeong Ji. She had an NDE of her own. She's been to the light shop, as not only the dead pass by there, but also the nearly dead. She's met the proprietor. She does everything she can to guide her patients to the light and WILL them to live.

Lee Jung Eun (Oh My Ghost-10, Parasite-9, Our Blues-8.5) is probably my favorite actress right now. She portrays Jung Yu Hui, the mother of Hyeon (Shin Eun Soo from Twinkling Watermelon). Hyeon has an emotional scene with her mother, and she's fantastic. Ms Lee & Mr. Ju put on a non-verbal acting master's class in ep8. I teared up. I recently watched Ju Ji Hoon in Blood Free-8.5 as a romantic ML. He looks meaner, younger, overall completely differently, and it was released in the same year. Here, he looks more ancient and less handsome.

Park Hyuk Kwon (Wonderful World-7.8, Uncle Samsik-8.4) is a bus driver. His performance in Mine-8, is unforgettable. Kim Ki Hae (Duty after School) is a student who seems to be lost. Kim Dae Myung (Misaeng-9.1, Hospital Playlist-9) plays one cool but, according to the detective (Bae Sung Woo), very suspicious short order cook. Kim Seol Hyun (Summer Strike, Awaken-8.7) plays the woman with a suitcase. She spends almost the entire show with long wet hair. Uhm Tae Goo (A Taxi Driver) plays her fiance, Min. Kim Min Ha (The Call, Pachinko) portrays Yun Seon Hae & Kim Seon Hwa (My ID Is Gangnam Beauty-7.5, The Glory) portrays Park Hye Won. There's nowhere to go for them to feel comfortable in their relationship.

LS, on paper, may not be anything particularly special. The script is well written but perhaps not a standout on its own. What makes LS brighter than most offerings in the genre is the superb artistry and acting - it's expertly crafted. Sets, camera angles, cadence, crepuscular light & shadows - it's moving art. The light shop is, at the same time, warm but not too bright, with a variety of lights, lamps, and bulbs. Some are beautiful, some are common. It's hard to describe how the light shop makes me feel. Most of the shots feel closed in and close up. We got a couple pans around, but most shots feel linear and claustrophobic. All I can say is that it's both pretty and unsettling.

LS is old-timey and almost gothic. Is that because the street that the light shop is on is a set? It evokes Hitchcok, being mysterious & soporific. Its cadence is practically narcotic, but it breaks out with genuine scares. There's a big-budget bus crash, which is a big part of the plot. The tall lady ghost in ep2 is super creepy. At one point the detective's eyes are loose. He shakes his head and they move around- it's super freaky. (The Guardians of the Netherworld have reptilian eyes. It feels a little passe but we'll give them a pass). In an ominous touch, a shot of stormy skies fades out and a handprint or clasping fingers fade into a chilling effect. It's super-eerie.

We will frequently see the wet haired Lee Ji Yeong sewing, or weaving some stitches. The whole show is weaved together. Be patient because ep8 is the payoff. These beings are living solitary existences, for the most part. We find out that they're more interrelated than it first appears.

The will to live, or the lack thereof, is the theme. The funeral director looks at his assistant and asks: “Do you know why it is that we hold a three-day wake?” Koreans have had this custom for centuries, he explains. They want to give the dead 3 days to wake back up. (Theologians say: “hmmm”). It's their final goodbye, and a final chance to be reunited with the lost. “Not just the living say goodbye,” he surmises, “but also the dead.” The other theme, obviously, is to not let your light go out. As long as you are alive, let your light shine so that others may also find the way. This is embodied by nurse Kwon. She received a second chance at life and she's not going to waste it.

LS is no waste of time. It's got an old soul while still feeling crisp and fresh. It embodies the longing of humans and the persistent feeling that this life is not all there is. It also reflects the desperation of people living in a pressure cooker society that, with the 3rd highest suicide rate in the entire world, Korea currently is. Park Hye Won & Yun Seonones wish to stay in that dark, creepy alley. It's the first place where they can live together comfortably as a couple. It makes me sad to see people who have been so pressured that their dreams are small. The longer I live, the less appealing this world of woe is. When I think of eternity, I want to experience perfection. The end of misery, sickness, and death. If we'll shine as brightly as possible, perhaps we can get a better taste of the possibilities now.


QUOTE🗣 The light is nice.


IMHO〰🖍

📣8.6 📝8 🎭9 💓5 🦋2 🎨9 🎵/🔊8.5 🔚8.5 🤗7 ▪ 🌞5⚡5 😅1 😭6.5 😱3.5 😯3 🤢4 🤔6 💤0


Age 15+ Language: he!!, f💣, $h!+ - not much but with some regularity. Scary elements, violence, adult themes; Rated 15+


Re-📺? The performances call for it



In order of ~lite&trite~ to ~heavy&serious~ you may also like:

🌐💘 -
Oh My Ghost 10,
It's Okay Not To Be Okay 9,
Familiar Wife-8.5,
Move To Heaven-8.4,
My Liberation Diary-8.9,
My Mister 9.5,


⚡/🚀 -
Flex X Cop-8.5,
Mystic Pop-up Bar-8.2,
Hotel del Luna-8.4,
Glitch-8,
Inspector Koo-8.4,
A Korean Odyssey-7.2,
The Golden Spoon-8.1,
The First 1st Responders-7.8,
Missing: The Other Side-8.3,
Uncanny counter S1 only °S1-8.4 S2-4,
Move To Heaven-8.4,
Daily Dose of Sunshine-7,
Birthcare Center-8.2,
Moving-8.5,
Awaken-8.7,
Anna-8.1,
Hymn of Death-8.4,
D.P.-8.4,
The Cursed 8.3,
Flower of Evil 8.9,
The Man from Nowhere 8.9,
Mr. Sunshine-9,
Oldboy-9,
The Wailing-8.8,
Black 9,
Sweet Home 8.4

Consider a 🇨🇳Chinese 🎎/🔮 fantasy feature: The Romance of Tiger and Rose 9.8, Love Between Fairy and Devil 8.9, Love and Redemption 10 or 🇯🇵Japanese romcoms: Maid Sama 10, Mischievous Kiss Love in Tokyo 7.8, Love, Chunibyo And Other Delusions 8.4, or Toradora 8.5

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My eyes are burning

At first, I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy Light Shop. The first few episodes felt a bit slow, and I’ll admit, I was a little confused about what was going on. But honestly? That’s part of what makes this drama so brilliant. After the third episode, things really started to come together, and suddenly, I couldn’t stop watching. It’s one of those shows where the pieces slowly fall into place, and when they do, it’s like a gut punch—but in the best way possible.

The story tackles some really heavy themes, especially around life, death, and grief. It doesn’t sugarcoat anything, and some scenes hit so hard that I had to pause just to collect myself. I’m not exaggerating when I say I cried a lot while watching this drama—like, to the point where I should’ve kept a water bottle nearby to rehydrate! But what absolutely shattered me was that scene at the end with Ju Hyeon Ju and her mother. It was so raw and so real that I literally paused the show and cried for 30 minutes straight. It’s one of those moments that feels so genuine, like it came straight from real life, and it stayed with me long after the episode ended.

One thing I really loved was how the story unfolds. At first, it feels pretty simple, and there are only small hints that there’s something deeper going on. But as the episodes go on, the layers start peeling back, and it becomes so much more than you expect. Every little detail starts to matter, and you realize how carefully everything has been planned out. It’s the kind of storytelling that pulls you in so gradually that, before you know it, you’re completely hooked and emotionally invested.

By the end, I was absolutely in love with this drama. It’s not just a story—it’s an experience. It makes you reflect on loss, healing, and how we move forward, even when life feels impossibly hard. I know it’s not for everyone because of how heavy the themes can be, but if you give it a chance, it’s so worth it.

It’s unfortunate that a show of this depth isn’t more widely appreciated. Perhaps it asks too much of its viewers, but for those who embrace it, the experience is unforgettable.

Light Shop is, hands down, one of the best dramas I’ve ever watched. It’s the kind of show that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll. I’ll be recommending this to everyone I know (and maybe rewatching it when I’m ready to cry again). Seriously, if you’re looking for something emotional and meaningful, don’t miss this one.

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I have no complaints

Light Shop is a masterpiece, thanks to its incredible script and direction. This isn’t just a horror drama—it’s a deeply emotional journey that leaves you questioning everything even after it ends. The twists don’t just surprise you; they leave a heavy feeling in your chest that’s hard to shake off. And the amount of detail and foreshadowing it had was absolutely mind-blowing—every little moment seemed to have a purpose, adding layers to the story that kept you thinking long after it was over.

But what truly makes Light Shop special are the characters. They’re not just there to move the story along—they feel real. You care about them, fear for them, and at times even hate them. (If you know, you know.) The way their stories connect with the shop’s mystery is brilliant. And the acting? It’s so natural, it doesn’t feel like a performance. Every emotion feels raw, and it draws you into their world of fear and fragile hope.

The pacing might be slow, but it’s exactly what makes the show so gripping. It feels like waiting for a storm you know is coming but can’t escape. Every scene builds tension, and when the truth is revealed, it hits like a punch in the gut.

What stays with you are the themes—regret, redemption, and the weight of choices we can’t undo. They creep into your thoughts, making you reflect on your own life without even realizing it. It’s rare for a horror show to make you feel this way, but Light Shop does it so effortlessly.

And then there’s Kang Full. His stories always have an ending in mind, and that’s what makes them unforgettable. After all, if the ending falls flat, what’s the point of everything else?

This isn’t just a show to watch—it’s something you feel, something that lingers with you long after it’s over. It stays in your mind, creeping in when you least expect it. For me, Light Shop is more than a show—it’s art.

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Mysteriously Intriguing

The light shop has got all my attention..Its dark mysterious and thrilling. The drama touches upon the sensitive topics of life which I am sure everyone of us been through or have thought about of.
The drama is a psychological horror that keeps us on our toes. It made me cry every now and then. The story does not wander off and is to the point taking turns to tell the story of each character. Each episode has blown me away and is definitely not predictable. It is a beautifully written drama and I enjoyed every bit of it.
Perfect cinematography with perfect storyline and direction with an excellent cast did give us a good drama to end the year 2024.
If you are in doubt to watch The light shop guys trust me on this you will not be disappointed. The light shop will definitely leave its mark on you. ^^

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I didn't expect to LOVE a drama with "horror" as genre.

I can easily say that i found this show POETIC.

The first drama i completed this year (and technically the last thing i watched in 2024) and what a series !!
I didn't expect it to be that good (well with the cast in it it's clearly obvious but i'm not a huge fan of horror series/movies so i started it because i trust the cast especially Park Bo Young. I know that she always chooses good series so i followed her blindly)

The 2 first episodes were terrifying to me, i remember i couldn't even watch it at night lol (it shows how much i'm not a horror girl lol - I don't know if we can say that lol-)

But once they explained to us what was happening and what all this series was about OMG everything changed to me and i became clearly addicted !

I cried a lot, the actors played SO WELL. I loved how we followed each character in this show, their story, their feelings, their own path and journey to reach their final stop and how everything was well explained.

The meaning of the light shop and this dark alley. Those people who scared the hell out of me in the first episodes.
Okay, i better stop here. I thing I REALLY LOVED THIS SHOW.

If you too are not into horror series/movies but love stories related to death relationships moving on, just try this one. Don't drop the series because you'll understand everything in the middle of the story and you'll probably end up liking it like i did.

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This drama was both unusual and deeply emotional, but I’m glad I kept watching.

I was so confused until episode 4. It felt like every episode introduced a new character without a clear purpose, which made things overwhelming and hard to follow. During those first four episodes, it seemed like there wasn’t any plot at all.

But I’m glad I didn’t stop watching. I held on because of the cast, and they did not disappoint! The cast lineup is absolutely amazing. After episode 5, everything started to make sense, and the plot finally began to unfold.

Hands up for Ju Ji Hoon and Lee Jung Eun. I cried my eyes out during their scene.

As someone mentioned in the reviews, the only source of light in the world between life and death was the Light Shop. That detail was brilliant. Apart from the hospital and light shop scenes, everything else was shot in darkness, which added so much depth to the atmosphere.

I felt pity for every character. Each one had their own story, and the actors did such a fantastic job portraying their struggles and emotions. The way some characters chose their own fates was truly compelling and left a lasting impact.

"Find The Light"

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blindly watching a show...

y'all know those shows/movies where not knowing what is happening are better to watch? well, i actually felt like this with this drama

i decided to watch it because of uhm taegoo and boyoung, sue me. and even while watching the first/two episodes i was wondering what was actually happening. i read the disney's synopsis obviously but it didnt change much lmaao

i at least knew this was gonna be like a thriller/horror but it was a lot of more creepier than i thought (not like super horror ??), i got kind of paranoid but maybe its just me and the ending got me extra confused than i already was😭😭😭

i'll be waiting for the next part to come out, hopefully it's soon or i'll ☠

ps. im not sure if it was something i thought or what but almost at the end i was like making myself an idea of what was happening

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KDRAMA OF THE YEAR!

I think everyone should watch this, like just put it on and you’ll be hooked from the first 10 mins. And ITS WORTH YOUR TIME! I didn’t know anything about the show except it was a Kang Full story, so I was so surprised to find the 1st epi being horror! And it was so well done, not in a jumpscare way but in an eerie-creepy way. The set design has a purpose, the camera shots have purpose, the shadows have purpose, EVERYTHING is so detailed and meaningful. If the first half is horror, the second half is dramatic and romantic. Everything you thought was scary, is actually the most sweetest and purest thing. To accomplish that shift for every character is just great writing and acting. You will cry for the last 2 episodes. It’s so bittersweet but beautiful. The final shot is ART (and an arrow to my chest like whyyyyy is it so sad?)

Every character gets a full arc story with no loose ends (kinda - hopeful for more seasons). Almost all stories made me tear up at one point, but especially the rescue dog with the branch through it broke my heart, the bus driver drowning in his tears, the mom saving her daughter the way she was saved by her father (the cotton ball had me holding my chest) and ofc, Hyunmin & Jiyoung’s story was the saddest, I was sobbing and distraught.

Random but in the beginning I thought: hmm the set design for this lane/neighbourhood is so weird, it feels like a “set” with bad cgi rain clouds, it doesn’t seem realistic and BOOM there was a reason for that and now looking back I LOVE THE SET DESIGN AND CGI.

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Even if it broke me in little pieces, totally worth it !

I loved this drama : it is an incredible multilayered story that I binge watched over the course of a week-end. It brought me a lot of emotions as well as of thinking as the scenario unfolded and I was trying to figure things out following the clues laid out by the writing. I am greedy so I wish that they had more episodes to explore the lore and all they hinted in the last episode. Having said that, the ending was satisfying and the doors opened in the last episode are rather fun than frustrating.

This drama is an adaptation of the webtoon "Shop of the Lamp" by Kang Full. After Moving, his collaboration with Disney proves once again to be super successful : he is definitely a screenwriter upcoming star I want to keep following closely. In addition to a strong writing, this drama features a gallery of characters portrayed by a very good ensemble cast. There were definitely some outstanding performances (such as the one of Ju Ji Hoon that I will not forget) but overall acting is constantly good on all the parts.

The production was very good: there are a few scenes and images that will remain I feel in my memory for a very long time. The special effects were excellent and there was an interesting unnerving tension in the way the scenes were filmed. The soundtrack was perfectly fitting the heavy atmosphere. The making really participated in the feeling of oppression I felt while watching the show. I think the editing though could have been improved between some of the episodes. Some great cliffhangers were often followed not directly which was a bit anticlimactic in the moment, even if it was often done for very good reason in terms of storytelling.

I would recommend this to people that are looking for a thrilling series with a great gallery of grey and interesting characters. It is not for the tender hearts as I feel there are some horrific elements that can be tough to go through and you may want to check the triggers if you have any. I really think it is a worthy watch that will take the viewer on an emotional rollercoaster. It might need a bit of time for the viewer to connect all the pieces of the puzzle together, but once you got there, it is immensely rewarding.

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thrilling, puzzling, and touching

It was slow and a bit scary at first but I did not expect to find this show a delight!

The first few episodes left us with so many unanswered questions with all the stories happening at the same time. I am glad that by the 4th episode we were finally shown the glimpse of the characters back stories. Good thing the story was able to make me curious enough to wait for the story to build itself up. I did not expect it to be touching and emotional that I actually cried along while the characters cr.
Episodes 6 and 7 were an emotional roller coaster, it was an almost perfect story ending but the way the last scenes went kind of ruined it for me.

Overall it was an interesting show, with great actors and unique storyline.

So, will there be a season 2? My guess is its possible.

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