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Light Shop is a story that unravels when strangers with stories and secrets visit a mysterious light shop, the only place that lights up the end of a dark alley. A-list actors, including Ju Ji Hoon, Park Bo Young, Uhm Tae Goo, Bae Sung Woo, Lee Jung Eun, and more, are starring in the K-drama. The Disney+ series is adapted from Kang Full's webtoon of the same name.
At the Disney Content Showcase APAC 2024 in Singapore, Light Shop was represented by Ju Ji Hoon, Park Bo Young, director Kim Hee Won, and writer Kang Full, who shared behind-the-scene details at the K-drama's press conference held on November 20.
Kang Full shares his thoughts on Light Shop
Talking about whether Light Shop is similar to Moving, writer Kang Full shared, "I think Light Shop is a story that is both different from and similar to Moving. "Light Shop was created with a focus on its characters. Although it falls within the genre of supernatural powers, it didn't have a high entry barrier. Light Shop also falls under the horror genre. In Korea, it's rare to see that genre extended into a full-length drama. I did feel some pressure wondering how viewers would perceive it, but I'm confident [the drama will do well] because it's entertaining."
Additionally, Kang Full was tight-lipped when discussing the connection between the Moving and Light Shop. In response, director Kim Hee Won joked, "I am the connection." Kang Full then added, "Moving is set in 2018, and Light Shop is also set in 2018," piquing curiosity.
Writer Kang Full also talked about the differences between his original webtoon [of Light Shop] and the drama adaptation, saying: "There were definitely some things that couldn't be fully explored in the original. In the drama, those not-so-fully-explored things were brought to life in a multidimensional way by the director and actors. While the story may feel very similar, it's also quite different. Rather than becoming broader, it has deepened. Emotions I couldn't express through drawings have been brought to life on screen. It's richer than the original."
Why are writer Kang's works gaining fame not only in Korea but around the world? Kim Hee Won said, "Like Disney animation, writer Kang's works have a sense of emotion that moves the hearts of people from all over the world."
Park Bo Young reveals there is not a single scene where she acts alongside Ju Ji Hoon in Light Shop
Park Bo Young plays the role of nurse Kwon Yeong Ji of the intensive care unit in the K-drama. She is a character who prioritizes patients' recovery above all else and maintains a bright demeanor at all times and in any situation.
This is Park Bo Young's third time portraying a nurse, following her roles in the Netflix original series Daily Dose of Sunshine and the K-movie Concrete Utopia.
Park Bo Young stated, "I did feel some pressure because it's my third time [playing a nurse]," but she added, "The character and her specialty [in medicine] are different. Since the characters' personalities are [also] different, I acted with the belief that it would be fine when watching."
Park Bo Young also shared, "There is not a single scene where I act alongside Ju Ji Hoon, and I didn't meet him on set either."
She continued, "Ju Ji Hoon filmed his scenes at the light shop, and I filmed mine at the hospital after that. I was looking forward to acting with him, but unfortunately, we couldn't meet on set. I hope we can work together and act together next time."
Kim Hee Won on his directorial debut with Light Shop
Kim Hee Won, who played Choi Il Hwan, a homeroom teacher at Jeongwon High School in Moving, debuted as a director with this project. Reflecting on his experience, he said, "It was my first time directing and I remember the first day of filming. I was very nervous." "I kept wondering, 'How far should I go before giving an OK? Will people find it enjoyable and be able to sympathize?' Light Shop is a unique drama in that sense. Since it's crucial that people connect with it, I thought about how much uniqueness could be infused for viewers to take it without feeling overwhelmed. I directed keeping that thing in mind."
He also shared his perspective as a director on working with Ju Ji Hoon and Park Bo Young: "They're junior actors to me, but their acting skills are outstanding. Park Bo Young mentioned feeling some pressure because she played nurse roles in the past. I focused on directing in a way that would make her portrayal of a nurse feel different this time. Similarly, with Ju Ji Hoon, I thought about how to bring out sides of him that hadn't been seen before. We had a seamless collaboration and communicated well."
Kim Hee Won shared that directing taught him humility, humorously admitting, "When I was an actor, I performed with a sense of satisfaction in myself [vanity]. I'm sorry about that," drawing laughter. He added, "As I delved deeper into interpreting the work, I realized just how detailed and extraordinary the writer is. I also came to think, 'The actors are better at acting than I am.' It really made me appreciate how remarkable they are."
Expressing respect for the crew's passion, he remarked, "The staff also put all their effort and passion into it, for which I deeply respect them. I didn't direct all on my own; it was possible because of everyone's help. When Kang Full suggested I take on the directing duty, I wondered, 'What did he see in me to suggest this?' He told me, 'You act well, so give it a shot.' I had always dreamed of directing and had been preparing for it, so when the opportunity came, I took it. Even now, I feel nervous, excited, and as if I'm dreaming. Sitting here with everyone feels like an honor, and everything about this experience makes me happy. I'm really looking forward to December 4."
Light Shop will air a total of 8 episodes. The K-drama will release four episodes on December 4, followed by two episodes each week, only on Disney+.
