Light Shop Ep 5-6 review: Ju Ji Hoon, Park Bo Young and Um Tae Goo’s thriller deliver compelling storytelling and standout acting

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

Published on Dec 12, 2024  |  02:43 AM IST |  19.4K
Kim Seol Hyun and Uhm Tae Goo: courtesy of Disney+
Kim Seol Hyun and Uhm Tae Goo: courtesy of Disney+

Light Shop, the highly anticipated South Korean horror series, premiered on December 4, 2024, with the first four episodes which ended with a devastating cliffhanger. However, with the release of two new episodes, the story has further developed, creating curiosity among fans.

The series features an all-star cast, including Ju Ji Hoon, Park Bo Young, and Uhm Tae Goo. Adapted from Kang Full’s webtoon Shop of the Lamp, the show is written by him, who is also behind the hit series Moving. The story centers around a mysterious light shop, frequented by various individuals, where eerie and unsettling occurrences unfold.

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. 

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.

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Light Shop Episode 1-4 recap

The episode begins with Uhm Tae Goo’s character, Kim Hyun Min, meeting a mysterious woman with a suitcase, played by Kim Seol Hyun. As he extends a helping hand, he tragically meets his demise. Park Bo Young’s character, Kwon Yeong Ji, is also introduced. She works as a nurse at a hospital but later, it is revealed that she nearly died in an accident, which granted her the ability to see the dead. Meanwhile, Ju Ji Hoon portrays the enigmatic owner of a Light Shop, which attracts many peculiar customers.

Strange occurrences plague the dark lane, and the people who visit the shop exhibit bizarre quirks. As the story progresses, it is revealed that all the individuals near the Light Shop are actually unconscious patients in the hospital where Kwon Yeong Ji works. Furthermore, it is uncovered that they were all involved in the same accident and are mysteriously connected.

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Light Shop Episode 5-6 review

Episode 6 takes us back in time to reveal what led the characters to their current state in the hospital. This flashback-focused episode provides much-needed answers that the audience has been waiting for. It is revealed that Kim Hyun Min and the mysterious woman were lovers. Tragically, their love story remained incomplete as she took her own life, mistakenly believing that he had died in the accident. In an emotional twist, it is shown that she was actually helping him survive, not causing his death. This layered relationship dynamic adds a heartfelt emotional element that is bound to resonate with viewers.

Kim Min Ha’s character, Yun Seon Hae, is depicted in a same-sex relationship. However, their inability to be open about their love causes strain in their bond. The inclusion of a realistic LGBTQ+ relationship adds depth to the drama and will likely strike a chord with some viewers. Additionally, the show explores a poignant mother-daughter relationship between Lee Jung Eun and Shin Eun Soo, which tragically ends due to the accident.

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The emotional quotient is woven into the story beautifully, making the audience genuinely empathize with the characters. At the same time, the mystery remains intact, keeping the intrigue alive. The enigmatic nature of Ju Ji Hoon’s character, the Light Shop owner, continues to baffle viewers. His unique eyes, revealed in the final scene, add an extra layer of suspense. Similarly, the mysterious detective whose body keeps malfunctioning is another puzzle yet to be solved, as his connection to the hospital remains unclear.


Light Shop performances

The standout performance undoubtedly belongs to Kim Seol Hyun, who portrays a desperate lover trying to save her partner multiple times. Her emotional depth is complemented by Uhm Tae Goo, whose solid on-screen presence and supportive role enhance their chemistry, making it shine. Bae Sung Woo delivers a compelling performance, adding layers of intrigue to his character. Park Bo Young stays true to her role, delivering a reliable and engaging portrayal.

As the series progresses, upcoming episodes are anticipated to delve deeper into the other characters, giving them more opportunities to shine and further enriching the story.

Light Shop episode 5-6 final verdict

Light Shop offers a fresh perspective, masterfully blending horror elements with an air of mystery. The buildup to the final revelation is executed brilliantly, keeping viewers hooked from start to finish. The casting is spot-on, with each actor delivering a performance that breathes life into their character. Despite the large ensemble, the storytelling remains cohesive and engaging.

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Adding to its appeal are the stunning visuals, which, when combined with the atmospheric background music, create an immersive experience that truly does justice to the show's title.

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