Light Shop Review: Is This Disney + Series Worth The Watch?

Image Source: TV Insider

Watching an ongoing Kdrama feels like a pain in the ass as you never know at what point the episode is going to end. Also, the wait for the next episode and the curiosity about what will be revealed feels more tense than my next work deadline. So when a new psychological drama Light Shop premiered on Disney + Hotstar I was just waiting for it to release all the episodes.  So what almost felt like an eternity I watched this drama and to be true I felt all my penned emotions finding their way down the cheeks. Adapted from Kang Full's acclaimed webtoon Shop of Lamp this 8-episode Korean drama beautifully combines psychological intrigue with moving storytelling.

The story revolves around a mysterious light shop situated in a dark alley run by the enigmatic owner Jung Won-young (Ju Ji-hoon). The shop attracts a group of individuals grappling with unresolved trauma and a gripping past. These characters find solace or answers and are drawn towards the shop where strange events start to unfold. The show explores the psychological impact of their past while gradually revealing the connection of the shop that actually acts as a bridge between life and death.

Starting as a slow burner this drama starts to unfold creating eerie moments and building high tension through various sounds, atmosphere and visuals. The opening episode shows Lee Ji-young (Seolhyun) waiting for someone at the bus stop. In a few minutes, a bus arrives and Kim Hyun-min (Uhm Tae-goo) departs the bus. Staring at the young lady he feels weird and asks her whereabouts when this goes on for days. Strange events start to occur making you feel uneasy. Then you see Kwon Young-ji (Park Bo-young) a nurse who starts to see strange people around her after surviving a fatal accident and becomes intertwined with the mysteries of the light shop. As the narrative unfolds you start to understand the connection between the characters and the tragic accident that bonded them. Episodes 1-4 introduce the main characters and the traumatic backstories unravelling piece by piece. 

In the midst of all this, you see Nurse  Kwon Young-ji finally understanding that the people visiting her are the souls of all those people who were her patients who once were in a coma after the same disastrous accident. The episodes reveal the tragic accident and people who survived the day but are still in a coma. It also reveals the selfless side of Hyun-min who saves other people during the crash which cost him his whole life. Suddenly every scene and those eerie moments from before will start to make sense and then you are sitting on the edge of your seal to know what comes next. 

The next 4 episodes reveal different relationships and emotions one goes through during the loss of your loved one. The story explores an LGBTQ storyline while delving into a relationship between Park Hye-won (Kim Seon-hwa) and Yun Seon-hae(Kim Min-ha). A heartfelt mother-daughter relationship is shown that will surely bring a smile to your face. The cute relationship is however cut short by the terrible tragedy. Slowly the mystery of the light shop starts to unravel and so does the uncertainty surrounding the shop owner. With tiger eyes and complex behaviour, the shop owner acts as a gatekeeper between both worlds.

The cast delivers a compelling performance including Ju Ji-hoon played by Jung Won-young. His portrayal as the mysterious shop owner was reserved yet baffling with deep secrets to harbor. Park Bo-young as Kwon Young-ji displays warmth and affection in her role as a nurse caught between living and dead. Uhm Tae-go as Kim Hyun-min plays his part perfectly as the tragic hero who almost gives his life to save others. Also, the adorable mother-daughter bond is worth watching and for that, you need to credit Lee Jung-yun and Shin Eun-soo. Also, the portrayal of Yun Seon-hae by Kim Min-ha the Pachinko star is worth watching. Her guilt and denial of life even when she had a chance to live.

Directed by Kim Hee-won this series excelled in creating a high-voltage tension that complements its psychological and emotional theme. The Light Shop with its dim light almost felt like a never-ending night with people haunted by their guilt and trauma. With dimly lit interiors and a haunting atmosphere, this shop still feels like a safe place for all dealing with agony. Each character driving a journey of their own trying to find their own light in this gloomy world.

If you truly love fantasy and supernatural elements with emotional and psychological themes then Light Shop is a must-watch. The series stands for its originality and intriguing themes and is going to be a masterpiece in terms of thoughts. While the pacing may feel slow the intricate situations and the character's arc are something recommendable to watch. 

With all episodes out Light Shop is currently streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.