Amid the waves of the romantic genre, Light Shop (The Dark Store) is making a significant impact following its “debut” with four new episodes on Disney+. Despite a low-key promotional strategy, the series is being praised for its intriguing narrative that revolves around the eerie experiences of a group of people trapped in a dark convenience store. The film adaptation of the popular webtoon When The Phone Rings, The Trunk has successfully captured the essence of the original material, delivering a supernatural thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Based on the webtoon of the same name by author Kang Full, the series follows the story of a dark convenience store located at the end of an alley, which attracts a group of people who are experiencing terrifying and inexplicable events. The main character, Won Young (played by Joo Ji Hoon), is the store’s cold and aloof owner who handles customer interactions and resolves the peculiar issues faced by patrons, each arriving with their own eerie experiences, ranging from strange sounds to unsettling physical sensations.
The story unfolds primarily within a hospital where the character Young Ji (played by Park Bo Young) works as a nurse. From this point, the film explores the mysterious intersections between the world of the living and the supernatural, creating a landscape where connections between characters become both fragile and profound.
Light Shop features a star-studded cast from the South Korean entertainment industry, including Joo Ji Hoon, Park Bo Young, Seolhyun, and Bae Sung Woon. Park Bo Young’s performance as a nurse has particularly captivated audiences. In this latest appearance, viewers have especially complimented her portrayal, which resonates deeply with the film’s chilling atmosphere. While her character resembles those in previous dramas, Light Shop showcases a new depth that blends horror and emotional intensity seamlessly. Notably, even though she does not have a predominant role, her delicate and ethereal presence as the “haunted†character keeps the audience engaged.
The film’s appeal lies not only in its well-crafted plot but also in its unique supernatural elements—settings that are rarely explored in the realm of mainstream cinema. The jump-scare moments are executed with finesse, avoiding the typical clichés that often detract from the viewing experience. Moreover, the character dynamics add an element of unpredictability, contributing to the thrilling plot twists that keep audiences guessing.
However, Light Shop has faced mixed reviews regarding its depth. Set in a dark alley convenience store that harbors many secrets, the film’s atmosphere can feel overwhelming at times, leading some viewers to compare it to melodramas or rom-coms, which may induce boredom or frustration. Even though it adheres to horror tropes, the pacing can feel slow, occasionally creating a sense of lethargy.
One social media user remarked: “What can I say? The content isn’t groundbreaking, and the performances didn’t wow me. It’s just a film that hovers in the realm of mediocrity. The title suggests it revolves around a dark store, but how can it possibly engage me? I watched the film and was left uninspired.â€
Another comment noted: “The film starts off quite slow, and the characters seem lifeless, making the transitions feel awkward. However, the plot becomes more engaging as the details begin to unravel. Overall, I enjoyed the balance between absurdity and horror, but I found it difficult to grasp the underlying message even after four episodes. The pacing needs improvement, though.â€
