Shop of the Lamp (2024)

Kang Full’s Got No Chill.. Back to Back Masterpieces..

Light Shop flawlessly intertwines the supernatural with human emotions and explores the afterlife and the quest for redemption.. It offered a moving experience to say the truth.. Light Shop excels in showing us the thin veil between life and death.. Reality and the ethereal..
What made me keep watching was the slow paced mood driven narrative.. The slow pace may not appeal to everyone like it did with me.. But you have to understand that it allows the story to unfold with emotional precision.. Which makes each revelation more impactful.. The visual depth in the drama is just outstanding..

Immersive Screenplay.. Visual feast of cinematography.. Good music and extradordinary performance from the cast drives Light Shop to be a work of art..

Ju Ji Hoon and Kim Seol Hyun's performance stood out for me.. KSH's character Lee Ji Yeong's death was an emotional one and the sheer pain of her final moments both physical and emotional tore through the narrative like a wound that refuses to heal.. I think its her story with Uhm Tae Goo that felt the most tragic and that wound never truly healed.. Even by the end..
I think in her last moments as a ghost she believed Hyun Min didn’t love her.. She seemed to expect him to choose to stay with her in the afterlife like Seon Hae did for Hye Won believing that is where they would be happiest.. But in the end Jiyoung chooses to haunt him forever and I guess you could say she becomes a vengeful spirit unable to let go.. Perhaps if she had known about the ring her story could have had a different ending… Maybe..

In Light Shop's finale while every character seems to find some closure.. Its clear that its not truly the end.. Their lives are now intertwined with the afterlife.. I guess they will have to face whatever comes next in their journey through life..

I would have loved to see JJH and Park Bo Young interact in the show.. Guess we just have to be content knowing they have met before ..

The cameo at the end by Jang Hui Su was a pleasant surprise .. But I would have loved to see Kim Bong Seok make an appearance as well.. And we get a look at Young tak from Timing.. So I guess they will create a larger universe in the coming years.. Hope they do it..

Overall this drama is a masterpiece or as close as it can get.. It tells a story that is as "MOVING" as it is entertaining.. It hooks you holds you and leaves you in awe.. Whether you are watching it for the story or the visuals or the acting.. Light Shop delivers on all fronts..

Leia Mais

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.

Leia Mais

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.

Leia Mais

Be patient...

Wow! This isn't my usual genre (I don't like to be scared), but the list of excellent actors reeled me in. The writer took the subject matter and turned it on its ear. This show was like reading a novel from the back of the book to the front. The first few episodes make no sense. We get no back story or explanation, just a gripping storyline that keeps you coming back for more. It was amazing to me that I could care so much about these people and not have a clue why I was feeling like I did, especially considering that this was only eight episodes. Every second of every episode was well-crafted.

Light Shop is a mystery in the truest sense of the word. Props to the cinematographer - the use of black and white, muted colors, pops of bright light were very visually effective.

For me, this drama was also thought-provoking. Seeing the decisions made, would I have chosen the same way?

Because I'm a big chicken, it took a few days for me to finish this. I could only watch the episodes when it was light out. Turns out that heightened my enjoyment as well. It wasn't just a passive watch, each episode kept rolling around in my mind. I can highly recommend this drama and also suggest that you don't binge watch it.

Leia Mais

well... that was depressing lmao

the first half is full of intrigue with the narrative told in a slow, suspenseful manner. with the amount of characters this got, it can get confusing at the beginning but they successfully made it engaging for me and mysterious, you want to know what's gonna happen next. and what happens next is an emotional exploration of life and death. it is sad and depressing honestly but it's also thought-provoking. i think there are enough media out there that imagine what's "afterlife" gonna be and this didn't do anything that mindblowing but it did enough to make me emotionally move. the supernatural intrigue definitely helped. literally everyone gave such incredible and compelling performances. but i might give an extra star to mother lee jungeun for making me cry. she's so good.

Leia Mais

GREAT CAST, GREAT ACTING, GREAT PLOTLINE, TERRIBLE NARRATION

i feel like this had so much potential, great cast, great acting and great plotline but the narration was soooo over the place, i was so confused the whole time. They made the earlier episodes so confusing and vague and I know it was for the plot twist (that they were dead) but it just felt so forced. the story telling was so bad jumping from multiple characters every episode that they failed to really show the unique stories of each character until the later episodes. i think they werent given that much attention which was such a shame because their back stories were actually good and touching. maybe they couldve just focused on one character per ep. idk man. this was a little disappointing, coud have been directed and written better this could have been so good

Leia Mais

Myst Alley (?)

A life in the middle of death plot, uncommon yet ordinary.

Story :
Talking about the story there are a lot comparison like deathgame or alice in borderland.
There are a lot of "why ?" question in my mind, the 2 old lady is the weirdest. both died, both saved their loved ones life, yet one of them stays in the "neighborhood" to brougth relieve their loved ones pain, the other stays brings suffering to everyone (?). i mean its not like she's dead with a grudge.
Before they showed how everyone is a TA victim there a no certain line to the world of the living, how come their soul haunts the nurse and wandering between the afterlfie at the same time?, and there is this detective the only one who experienced "daytime" afterlife. i understand a mystery usually want to go with a big twist, but still consistency and continuity is important.
Weird things aside i love how every character is important piece of the story, which is the things that korean series usually overlook like in deathgame. overall its still decentgood though

Acting :
imho there is not much to it, like there is nothing you can remember about how they act even after watching it a few minutes ago. however the deaf lady though she is special, you can feel the desperation even without dialogue. i really loved the picture of her sewing the broken man potraying his heartbeat.

Music :
Again there are nothing that you can remember, its a good thing though a silent mystery is always better than overly loud music just to make the scene itense.


Overall :
its a decent show watch in the midnight, that i doubt will ever rewatch. the production is good loved a lot of pictures in the scene, they looks cool some examples you can easily notice are the overhead picture of the boy singing outside the lady house when both screaming for help, the shop, the crashing bus and the drowning, and my favorite deaf lady sewing the man heart.
i doubt the series will end clean and clear in the last episode, so instead making a sequel to this one i hope kang full would do Moving instead.

Leia Mais

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.

Leia Mais

You have to find your light , No matter what !

Every once in a while you come across a show where you have no idea what is going on but you hang in there curious enough ...and oh man ...a lot of disappointments but once in a while you end up in "absolute awe of what you saw" and that my friends brings us to light shop !!

Light shop is not just an everyday drama about what happens in the afterlife ...yeah well no one knows but if a speculation as believable as this is put across I wonder do we actually not know ?

okay so I have no idea how am I to convince you for watching a show without giving away about it (I think that's why all the synopsis about the show are just so fucked up) ...and can't you all take my word for it ...COME ON GO WATCH IT ...PLEASE ...!!!

if that didn't work, then you are just being mean ...but let me try again -

Light shop is a show about the dead but also about the living ...it is a show that promises hope ...a light, in the darkness that surrounds ...it gives you a way to believe that you can make it ..that in fact ,if you " will" ...you will make it ! But it's not your happy go lucky show ...and tragedies aren't just one sided ..they mostly do never have "a happy end" so what do we get then ...
what remains is -- the infinite hope ! Hope of the living ...hope of the dead !
Enough of the poetic expression of my love for the show ....

Light shop is the brightest shop in the dark alleyway that is somehow (ask geometry) situated near everyone's home ...you pass by it a lot of times but only if you "will" you shall find your light here...managed by a suspicious enigmatic man this shop is your one stop solution for lighting ....and oh the aesthetics. While the dead look for their own stuff and the living look for their own this shop is not just lights ...it's stories ....stories that are heart wrenching and stories that promise hope ...stories that are lot more than just stories ....

Here you sign up for a tightly packed mystery driven narrative with a horror backdrop garnished with tragedy and chills, you are in for the emotions it promises.
While initial eps might seem a bit difficult to follow if you let curiosity take the better of you ...be prepared with tissues for the finale !

There are a lot of them that will not seem connected initially and you may not be initially interested in any, but give it time ...as the layers unfold you will reach at a point where even if you were not paying a lot of attention you will be able to connect the dots. It will be easy enough to figure out and while you come up with your own conclusions you will deduce that a lot of them were there served to you right from the beginning.

what made me the most interested was the realization that 72 hours ...the 3 day Korean funeral which I think everyone follows in different forms actually relates to the 72 hours post operative care, 72 hours the golden period of making it through (i hope the lil fact check that I did ...had me with the correct facts) ....This show brings this forth so beautifully.

The depth in the narrative where every detail is paid attention to (another example like ...you have to find your light on your own)...all the answers are handed out by the end very subtly ....you still crave for more ...in a way that you didn't know ....this is a must watch !!
....so when are you visiting the ....the light shop !?

Leia Mais

A CRYING FEST

OMG IT’S SO GOOD!

i’d say the first four episodes are an introduction to the whole story. it could get a bit confusing since the narrative jumps from one character to another without warning. so at that point, i was just as confused as those characters in the series. the first half of the series feels more like a mystery thriller, while the second half becomes a sad story without any mystery or thriller elements.

the story of each character and how they are connected started to unfold in episode 5. it was kinda cool since we, as viewers, were figuring out the place and the light shop along with the characters. Lee Jung Eun’s and Ju Ji Hoon’s acting was sooooo amazing. the final episode, for me, was a crying fest.

i liked the idea of Seolhyun’s character becoming a lingering ghost—it’s understandable since she technically died to be with Hyunmin, but he doesn’t even remember her at all, both in the afterlife and in real life after he woke up from the coma.

i also liked how, at the end, the camera zoomed out and we could see other light shops around the neighborhood.

Leia Mais