Light Shop Ep 1-4 review: Ju Ji Hoon, Park Bo Young and Um Tae Goo lead a perfect blend of star power and true horror

Light Shop, starring Ju Ji Hoon, Park Bo Young, Um Tae Goo, and more, has finally premiered. Read on to find out if it is worth the watch.

Updated on Dec 05, 2024  |  01:26 PM IST |  1M
Ju Ji Hoon, Park Bo Young, Uhm Tae Goo: courtesy of Disney+
Ju Ji Hoon, Park Bo Young, Uhm Tae Goo: courtesy of Disney+

“It depends on a person’s will to live.” Park Bo Young’s words linger, both comforting and disquieting, as if holding a truth just out of reach. 

Light Shop has made its premiere on December 4, 2024, with the first 4 episodes of the series. Written by Kang Full, known for his contribution to the hit series Moving, the story centers around a mysterious light shop frequented by various individuals, where eerie and unsettling occurrences unfold. 

Led by a star-studded cast such as Ju Ji Hoon, Park Bo Young, Uhm Tae Goo, and more, let’s find out if the series managed to live up to its expectations. 

Name: Light Shop
Premiere date: December 4, 2024
Cast: Ju Ji Hoon, Park Bo Young, Seolhyun, Bae Sung Woo, Um Tae Goo, Lee Jung Eun, Kim Min Ha, Shin Eun Soo, Park Hyuk Kwon, Kim Sun Hwa, and Kim Ki Hae.
Director:  Kim Hee Won
Screenwriter: Kang Full
Number of episodes: 8
Genre: Thriller, Supernatural, Mystery, Psychological, Drama
Where to watch: Disney+

Watch Light Shop teaser

Light Shop plot

The series tells the story of a diverse group of strangers, each grappling with the emotional weight of a devastating event from their past. Despite their efforts to continue living normal lives, they find themselves inexplicably drawn to a peculiar light shop tucked away at the end of a dark, eerie alley. 

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The shop, which seems almost otherworldly, is guarded by a reserved and enigmatic shopkeeper who watches over it with great care. As the characters delve deeper into the shop’s mysterious allure, they begin to suspect that it may hold the answers to the unresolved questions of their past as well as the key to shaping their present and future.

Light Shop Episode 1-4 review

From episode 1, mysterious events begin unfolding around the characters. Uhm Tae Goo’s character, Hyun Min, faces an unfortunate fate right after helping a woman in need. As the story progresses, new characters are introduced, each with their own storyline intertwined with strange occurrences. These eerie events, enhanced by unsettling music and atmospheric horror, create a lingering sense of dread. While there are a few sudden scares, what truly captivates the audience are the unknown and inexplicable situations that drive the narrative forward.

Ju Ji Hoon’s portrayal of Jung Won Yeong, the calm and composed owner of the light shop, stands out as a stabilizing presence amidst the chaos. His protective aura makes him instantly trustworthy. On the other hand, Kim Seol Hyun’s Ji Yeong exudes an unsettling energy, shifting the atmosphere the moment she appears on screen. As each character and their storylines are gradually unveiled, the final revelation ties everything together, delivering a truly thrilling experience.

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Light Shop Episode 1-4 performances

The highlight performance is by Kim Seol Hyun, who managed to capture the strange presence onscreen efficiently and very rightly making everyone scared. Ju Ji Hoon effectively creates intrigue with his performance, and his spotless track record certainly supports his role. Uhm Tae Goo also delivers a strong performance, with his expressions adding to the unsettling atmosphere of the show. Park Bo Young effortlessly embodies her character, blending seamlessly into the story from the start. Kim Min Ha’s transformation from aloof and indifferent to genuinely terrified is remarkable, showcasing a powerful emotional shift. Moreover, Shin Eun Soo also does a good job as a high school student, encountering strange people along the way. 

Light Shop low points 

At times, the story's slow and steady pacing may feel sluggish, making it less appealing to some viewers. Additionally, the series features a large ensemble of characters, which can be overwhelming and challenging to follow as their individual storylines unfold. With a new aspect introduced in each episode, the narrative might feel overly complex and demanding for certain audiences.

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Light Shop Episode 1-4 final verdict

The show offers a fresh perspective, skillfully balancing the horror elements with an air of mystery. The buildup to the final revelation is executed phenomenally, keeping viewers engaged throughout. The casting is excellent, with the actors effectively bringing their characters to life. Despite the large ensemble of characters, the storytelling remains impressive. Additionally, the show features stunning visuals, and when paired with the atmospheric background music, it creates an experience that truly lives up to its name.

What to expect in the Light Shop new episode?

With the revelation that the characters are actually victims of an accident, fighting for their lives, the story takes a dramatic turn. It raises numerous questions: Are the events unfolding in their unconscious minds connected to reality, and will they have any impact on their real lives? Additionally, what is the significance of Ju Ji Hoon’s character, the light shop owner—does he play a crucial role in saving them? Park Bo Young’s character, who can see the dead, also raises a key question: Can her ability help in any way? These complex questions will likely only be answered as the story unfolds further.

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