“A Shop For Killers” is a recently concluded Korean drama that has caused quite a stir in the entertainment world, thanks to its refreshing take on the assassin genre. While it delivers on action and style, it also delves deeper into themes of family dynamics and the essence of being a good businessman. With all eight episodes out and the final one leaving me hanging on the edge of my seat, it’s clear: Season 2 is inevitable. Let me take you through some of the standout moments and reasons why this drama deserves your attention.
Assassin Killer Shop
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Source: Disney+ Hotstar
“A Shop For Killers” revolves around a man named Jeong Jin Man (played by Lee Dong Wook), who becomes the guardian of his niece, Jeong Ji An (played by Kim Hye Jun), after her parents’ deaths. Fast forward 10 years later, Ji An receives news of Jin Man’s passing and returns to her village, only to discover secrets and inheritance left behind by her uncle, whom she knew only as an online hose seller. However, her return triggers a chain of events as she finds herself targeted by other assassins who have learned of her uncle’s demise. Now, she must activate her survival instincts to navigate this dangerous situation.
Recap of Episodes 1 to 4
The story unfolds as Ji An receives news of her uncle’s passing from the police, leading her to identify the body. Despite confirming it to be her uncle, she harbors doubts about the reported cause of death — a classified suicide case. She journeys back to her uncle’s rural home. There, she stumbles upon a startling revelation: her uncle had been running a clandestine online shop on the dark web named ‘Murthehelp’, with the hose business serving as a front.
In flashback, the first episode lays the foundation of a seemingly ordinary family, with the grandmother falling ill. However, the sudden passing of Jin Man’s mother (Ji An’s grandmother) raises suspicions for Jin Man, especially when his request for a post-mortem examination is vehemently denied by his brother.
Amidst heated discussions, Jin Man’s sister-in-law urges him to bring Ji An back home, as she appears exhausted and he complies. However, Jin Man receives a message compelling him to leave Ji An alone at home, assuring her that a trusted friend will arrive with a password.
Moments later, a stranger forcefully attempts to enter the house, causing Jin Man’s friend to intervene in a close call. Unfortunately, violence ensues, at the same time, resulting in the deaths of Jin Man’s entire family, except for him and his nephew. The only clue left behind is the mention of someone named ‘Bale’ being alive.
In episodes 2 to 4, the series fast-forwards ten years after the tragic incident. Jin Man has meticulously prepared his nephew and their home for potential attacks, with bulletproof cabinets, hidden firearms, and a vast arsenal beneath the house.
Ji An encounters several of her uncle’s close friends, as well as betrayers, but she proves to be resilient and resourceful, staying one step ahead of her pursuers. However, suspicions arise when it’s revealed that Jin Man allegedly died by suicide, a notion Ji An finds difficult to accept.
Recap of Episodes 5 to 6
Source: Disney+ Hotstar
Episodes 5 and 6 delve into the character of Bale(played by Jo Han Sun), the drama’s antagonist, and unveil Jin Man’s past as a mercenary. Jin Man, serving as captain of the group, clashes with Bale, who exhibits ruthless behaviour, disregarding civilian lives during missions. Despite Jin Man’s efforts to restrain him, Bale continually challenges his authority.
Episodes 7 & 8: Finale
In episode seven, the focus shifts to the antagonist, Bale, unravelling the mysteries established since the beginning. Questions such as who killed Ji An’s parents, why Jin Man arrived late to save his nephew and the identity of the mysterious girl visiting the house are all addressed.
The episode neatly ties up these loose ends, revealing that Jin Man is targeted for betrayal, presumably for killing Bale. This sets the stage for a vendetta, with Bale seeking revenge by eliminating Jin Man’s entire family — a classic villainous tale.
Source: Disney+ Hotstar
In the finale, Jin Man’s nephew defends their fortress alongside newfound allies: Pansil, Minhye, and Brother (portrayed by Kim Min, Geum Hae Naa, and Lee Tae Young respectively). While she and Brother take refuge inside the mall, the others bravely fight off assassins inside the house, resulting in numerous casualties.
Despite their valiant efforts, more assassins continue to pour in, lured by Babylon’s (sub-antagonist that also remains a mystery throughout the series) substantial bounty on all four of them. Recognising the imminent danger, the nephew makes a bold move by addressing the killers through the PA system, offering incentives to retreat peacefully. Surprisingly, they agree, realising that Jin Man’s fate is intertwined with Babylon’s plans and not theirs, and they choose to keep doing business with Murthehelp.
As the cleaner agency arrives to tidy up the aftermath, a taxi unexpectedly pulls up, revealing Jin Man’s survival. The drama concludes with a smile shared between Jin Man and his niece before the screen fades to black.
Conclusions
I enjoyed this drama ! Despite being only eight episodes long, it provides great entertainment and never gets boring. I particularly admire the main character for her bravery and independent thinking — she’s not your typical cliché protagonist. Kudos to the writers for crafting such a well-developed character. Lee Dong Wook also delivers another stellar performance, perfectly portraying the action and emotions.
However, I must admit I was a bit disappointed with the ending. While they gradually unravelled the mysteries throughout the series, they left some loose ends untied. We’re left wondering about Bale’s fate, how the uncle managed to survive, and how he reconnected with his childhood friends. And Pansil’s sudden return at the crucial moment felt a bit too convenient. It leaves room for a Season 2, which I hope comes sooner rather than later — I’d certainly appreciate it!
Catch ‘A Shop For Killers’ now streaming on Disney+ Hotstar!
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