Created by the mastermind behind Korean thriller Moving, Light Shop stars Blood Free star Ju Jihoon as Jung Won-young, the owner of the light shop, Park Boyoung, (Strong Girl Bong-soon, Oh My Ghost) as a nurse whose life was changed forever following a near death experience. Adapted from Kangfull’s acclaimed webtoon, the series follows six strangers, each grappling with a traumatic event from their past. Drawn to a mysterious light shop at the end of a foreboding alleyway, they discover that it holds the key to their past, present and future.
Light Shop Q&A
| Q: Tell us about Light Shop. A: Light Shop is a series about a light shop that operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It’s a place where mysterious people come and go. I play the shop owner, Won-Young. As the story progresses, the individual stories of the characters intertwine, creating a profound human drama. |
| Q: Why did you choose this project? A: I’ve been a fan of Kangfull’s work since my school days. I also enjoyed “Moving“ and I’ve had the privilege of working with director Kim Hiewon before – back when he was an actor. During that time, I came to appreciate his depth as an artist and his broader vision. One day, Kim Hiewon called and told me he had a script for me. I’ve always trusted Kangfull, and although this was Kim Hiewon’s first time directing, I really trusted his ability to pull it off. When we discussed the project together, that trust grew even deeper. |
| Q: How did you feel after reading the script for Light Shop? A: The story was filled with suspense and tension, and the characters were incredibly compelling. I found myself getting completely immersed and couldn’t wait to read the next episode’s script! |
| Q: Tell us about your character? A: My character, Won-Young, lives in a space that exists between life and death. The shop sees visitors who are alive, deceased, or somewhere in between. Won-Young is essentially an observer of these people and serves as a messenger of death. His perspective mirrors that of the audience, offering a similar view of the characters’ lives. |
| Q: Why did you choose this project? A: I’d read Kangfull’s webtoon and had faith in it. Additionally, Kim Hiewon, who is a close friend of mine, was making his directorial debut, so I didn’t hesitate to join. |
| Q: What was your first impression after reading the script? A: One of Kangfull’s greatest strengths is how he brings each character to life in a unique and significant way. The ending was particularly striking, with all the emotions and situations converging to create a thrilling conclusion. |
| Q: How did you feel about the changes compared to the original webtoon? A: I read the webtoon a long time ago, so I didn’t focus too much on the specific changes. Instead, I imagined the expanded scale of the story as presented in the script. The scope has definitely grown larger. |
| Q: How was it working with the writer? A: I had several discussions with him about my character. Initially, my character didn’t interact much with the visitors between life and death. However, during the early shoots, the writer suggested that it would be better for her to get more involved. This advice transformed my character into someone who provides clues and actively engages with her patients and the visitors. |
| Q: Tell us about your character. A: My character is an ICU nurse who sees people she shouldn’t be able to see. She experienced a major accident in the past and has been to that space between life and death herself. |
Kangfull
| Q: Why did you choose Light Shop as your next project after “Moving“? A: After “Moving“, I was considering my next project and always felt that Light Shop would be a natural follow-up. As a writer, I think from the viewer’s perspective and aim to create stories that are enjoyable. Having explored superpowers in “Moving“, I wanted to delve into something darker this time. |
| Q: What inspired this story, which explores life, death, and the in-between? A: My father was a pastor at a small church, and I often accompanied him to the ICU when he prayed for patients. Doctors would always emphasize the importance of a patient’s will to live, which struck a chord with me. This idea—of someone’s will, even when unconscious—stayed with me, eventually inspiring the webtoon and this series. |
| Q: If “Moving” was about superpowers, how would you define Light Shop? A: It’s hard to categorize into one genre. On the surface, it might appear to be a horror story, but at its core, it’s about love. Some viewers may see it as a horror story, others as a love story, or even as a fantasy. I hope the interpretation varies depending on who watches. |
| Q: How was it working with the director for two years? A: It was incredible. The director is extremely detail-oriented and dedicated. He would come to my office daily, asking questions —some of which even I couldn’t answer. His mind was completely consumed by Light Shop throughout the shoot and post-production. |
Kim Hiewon
| Q: How would you define Light Shop? A: Light Shop is a complex series that delves into the human psyche, life and death, and the essence of existence. The genre shifts with each episode, making it a uniquely layered narrative |
| Q: How did you become involved in this project? A: I’ve always wanted to direct and had been studying it independently. Coincidentally, Light Shop didn’t have a director attached, and I was recommended for the role. Initially, I was surprised given my lack of experience, but the writer believed the actors would respond well to my direction, so I happily accepted. |
| Q: What’s the biggest difference between acting and directing? A: Time commitment. As an actor, you shoot your scenes and leave. But as a director, the work is constant—even on days off, you’re scouting locations or planning future shoots. I’ve essentially been working non-stop for two years. |
| Q: What do you think are Kangfull’s greatest strengths? A: Kangfull’s work moves people emotionally. While many dramas and films have great acting and visuals, his stories resonate deeply and leave a lasting impact. That emotional connection is his greatest strength. |
Catch Light Shop now, available exclusively on Disney+!
