A Shop for Killers (TV Series 2024– ) Poster

(2024– )

User Reviews

Review this title
43 Reviews
Sort by:
Filter by Rating:
9/10
I Good Watch definitely waiting for season 2
hayyanyousuf8 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Well for people left with many question Jiman is a guy of revenge and the first time he decided to take time of from work was to plan for whats ahead he seem to always bring her nice in this world that why he trained her in a common way and didnt left the country to keep an watch on babylon plus when people were attacking the shop he was killing bablyon people in there ground yard so in the end we get to see him this injured due to him killing bale they will probably show this in the future. Cant wait for season two. Overall this is a good series to watch had all the aspect that is needed from a good series.
10 out of 19 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
A Shop For Killers
Tweekums21 April 2024
As this Korean drama opens a sniper is trying to kill Jeong Ji-an, a young woman in a remote house; she finds a rifle under a sofa and fires back. We then, via a series of flashbacks see how she came to be there and why she is being targeted. It turns out that her parents had been killed and she when she was a young girl and she was adopted her uncle, Jeong Jin-man. Officially he runs a business selling tubing but in reality it is a front for an illegal weapons 'supermarket'; following his apparent suicide she has inherited the business... which came as a surprise to her.

I really enjoyed this action packed series. The opening scene immediately grabbed my attention before flashbacks start telling us how the situation occurred. Throughout the series we move between various time periods but is never confusing about when what we are seeing is going on. This means that even though Jeong Jin-man is dead when the series starts he is still a major character. The acting is solid throughout; the main bad guy may be a bit of a pantomime villain but that suits the feel of the series. The final episode wraps things up nicely without shutting down the possibility of another season. Overall I'd definitely recommend this to action fans.

These comments are based on watching the series in Korean with English subtitles.
2 out of 3 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
7/10
Ji-an, your uncle is very disappointed in you.
oath_peach13 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
The first half of the show is captivating and engaging. With its enthralling storyline, it feels like the series could have been completed in just 5 or 6 episodes.

The initial half of the series captivates and engages viewers with its enthralling storyline, prompting the feeling that the entire series could have been condensed into just 5 or 6 episodes. The narrative focuses on the lead actor's journey to improve her skills and make smart decisions, yet ultimately feels like a waste of time due to the character's lack of strategic moves and inability to remain composed in crucial situations. The story attempts to showcase character development, but falls short in execution. With only 8 episodes to work with, there's a need for more depth and detail from various angles. Rather than introducing minor conflicts, such as the uncle subplot, which could have been resolved swiftly in 20 minutes, the series prolongs less impactful scenes, such as the final chase sequence, with insipid dialogue.

It could be better.
2 out of 5 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Love love love love!
tofixtorepair101 February 2024
Ok! Listen up no more American shows/series/movies/cinema fazes me anymore. Korean film does it. That sweet spot! This show has it... intense action,great character development, emotions and no romance! I love it! I hope many folks are watching it... I get a lot of entertainment out of every single episode! I hope they make a season two! So far I'm chopping at the bit hoping they will make a season 2.

Sooooooo if you're looking for a good action packed quality series! This is it! Look no further! Love the actors, love the martial arts! It truly is Art! Give show a chance hey fyi it bounces around a bit but it's still worth a watch!

Happy viewing.
44 out of 58 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Compelling storyline, great acting and stylish flair.
DanyBrown23 January 2024
I've been pleasantly surprised by the quality of "A Shop For Killers." It's got this quick and exciting pace, with a compelling storyline and stylish cinematography, making it a show that keeps you hooked throughout.

I really appreciate is the relationship between the uncle and the niece. It adds this special dynamic to the show that goes beyond just the main plot. The chemistry between them is interesting + unique and gives the storyline an extra layer of depth.

As the story unfolds, I'm particularly intrigued by the potential exploration of Jeong Jinman's perspective in the upcoming episodes. It seems like there's a lot more to his character, and I'm looking forward to seeing how that unfolds. Jinman's character is quite complex and mysterious, which adds a rich dimension to the plot.

While all the actors are well-cast, the performances that truly stand out are those of the actors playing Jeong Jinman and little Jian.

Considering the well-rounded cast and the thoughtful plot, I have a feeling that "A Shop For Killers" could be one of the standout thriller series of 2024. It's got all the elements to make it unique and compelling, and I can't wait to see where the story takes us.
42 out of 58 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Amazing show
smusing-200863 February 2024
Great story. I appreciate the easy transition between present time and flashbacks. The action scenes are well done and fun to watch for the most part. The fight scenes are also fun to watch. The acting is top notch, especially from Lee Dong Wook who always has an amazing presence on screen. Love him! I like that even if this is mostly an action packed show, we are slowly discovering more about the main characters and what motivates them. This show is not for everyone. They're are very violent and somewhat graphic scenes but if you like these kind of shows this is a definite must watch. Love this show!
22 out of 33 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
What A Show!!!
fascinatingmahadi7 February 2024
Captivating story with superb action and background sequel.

Every seen has been shot nicely. Everything was at top class. Nice story to grab on. Pick a bucket and enjoy the thrill.

What a brilliant movie that was! It had everything I could possibly want out of a big production like that.

With all of that to consider, it's no wonder that you might hit a bit of writer's block when you put pen to paper. Don't fret. Sending a thank you card is simple. If you're stumped on what to say, we're here to help. No matter the occasion, from birthday thank you notes to wedding thank you card wording, here is what to say to express your appreciation.
20 out of 31 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
6/10
Very close to perfect, but sadly missed the mark big time
martin-683-19210118 February 2024
I just finished watching the show, and in general I liked it a lot. The story was good, the acting was good and also the pace.

But the main reason I am not giving it a higher score was because the show was way too long.

So what do I mean about that?

There were only eight episodes - compared to Koreans normal sixteen, but out of those eight episodes, I saw the same scene over and over again just from a different angle or to give me new information.

It just got too much in the end, because the show had already hinted or showed most of the information, so I only got a few more new pieces. And most of them not really important.

I had also guessed the ending around episode two or three, so it was not that cleaver.

And if I had been Ji-an I would not have welcomed the ending at all - special after all the troubles and close calls...

The show also seems like there will be a season two - and if not there is some major plot holes.

They should properly just have made a movie instead...
4 out of 7 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
An Amazing Guilty Pleasure
emw-081927 February 2024
Damn, does anyone do fight action better than Korean dramatists? Maybe but I sure don't know yet. I'm impressed with the creative action all around. The relationship dynamics between uncle and niece are unique and in many ways very positive preparations for dealing with living in a crazy world where trust must be earned. There's more to survival than relying on basic instincts--making the most of what's available and focusing are right on target IMO. Interesting take on chosen / created families too. For all the violence issues of collateral damage/murder of noncombatants/civilians are raised. And the difference between psychopaths and rational humans who've made certain career choices--yeah, there IS a difference. Another thing to think about is all that firepower--all those weapons, drones and bombs--indeed there's a lot of it in our world right now. Scary. Still a very enjoyable guilty pleasure watching for what interesting action, character twist, idea concept is coming next. Oh that damn couch... love it.
17 out of 28 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
6/10
Excruciatingly Slow
soeprijo1917 February 2024
I just finished watching this series and decided to give it a 6/10. I know maybe it"s such a low rating for a series that has good action sequences but I had to do it.

The main reason I gave it such a low score was because of how the director presented this series. If you ever watched the original Saint Seiya The Sanctuary Arc, you may find the similarity with this series. For every action the main character about to jump on, the story would flashback to the time where he/she was trained to deal with such situation. In Saint Seiya case it worked because: 1. It was an anime 2. It was produced in the 80's. But A Shop For Killers is a live action, and the year is 2024!

I almost fell asleep every time the story does this! And episode 7 is the worst!

Excruciating 6/10.
5 out of 11 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
LEE DONGWOOK 🔛🔝
samanthachim-497728 February 2024
Lee Dong-wook's performance in "A Shop for Killers" really stands out for its complexity and depth. His portrayal of a character grappling with moral ambiguities while transitioning from a dark figure to one of ethical grounding demonstrates his exceptional acting range. Dong-wook has this unique ability to captivate the audience, making his character's journey emotionally engaging, even when he's only present in flashbacks. This showcases not just his talent, but also his significant impact on the narrative. His contribution to the series not only deepens the plot but solidifies his status as a versatile actor in the Korean entertainment scene. His performance is a key element that elevates the drama, making it a must-watch for fans and a testament to Dong-wook's impressive acting skills.
14 out of 24 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
5/10
"Listen up, Jian"
daisukereds10 February 2024
While I enjoyed most action scenes (camerawork, stunts and production were the highlight of the series), I quite liked most of the main characters (with a few exceptions) and the Shopping mall setting was interesting in theory.. there were many elements that I didn't like.

The story is a bit long-winded, unnecessarily repetitive in parts and with a structure and slow pacing that doesn't do it any favors! Plus a predictable resolution, forgettable dialogue and the now tiring Korean character traits that are overused on villains.. and you get something that wasn't particularly satisfactory to me. Specially because it seems to try and use too many ideas, while something simpler would have been better.

Still, I feel like it could be a popular series for the average viewer! Specially now that there's a "lack" of American productions coming out.
9 out of 20 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
the best drama i've ever watched!!!!!
kerinaidillah7 February 2024
I've finished the drama, i've never had this feeling to a drama before. It's so good, make me veryy frustating and the actingggg of all the actor is crazyy. I really need season 2 please please please. Thank you so much for making this drama.

Very intens and emotional story, im crying like crazy when thiz genre is action omg. I hope we can see the battle jeong jinman vs bale untill the end. And how he can planned everything very detail.

I will never forget this drama, the best drama i've ever watched. Lee dongwook i love you so much. Kim hyejun i love youu. Pasin Minhye Brother Honda i love youuu.
16 out of 29 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
This movie was great and I'm looking forward to the next season
megamekey8 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
To be honest, I'm not a fan of films with the action genre like this, but this film presents a different action feel and I'm looking forward to the sequel. But of course I don't forget to say thank you for the hard work of everyone who played a role behind and in front of the screen in this film. You are truly great and extraordinary. And if it turns out that this film has a second season, I hope the news will come soon because I'm really looking forward to it and I'm sure it's not just me, people in my usual circle Watching with me, I'm also really looking forward to news about the next season.
8 out of 15 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
LOVED IT HOPE FOR ANOTHER SEASON
ycasas-189348 February 2024
Just finished episode 8 and I think this show is great it kept me coming back for more each week. Hopefully they finish up the story with another episode or continue with another season soon!!!! The actors were amazing 👏🏽 and I liked how thier was action in every episode. The story was captivating I really hope that they bring back the same actors as these episodes and don't replace them. Great show all around made me have a lot of emotions while watching each episode during the weeks that it aired. Like I said before hopefully more is to come. Since they didn't finish the storyline with bale.
10 out of 20 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Excellent show with excellent acting
littlecrazydinosaurandy348 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Heyo, people. Recently, I just finished watching another show. It's Korean and it's called A Shop for Killers. And I'd like to write a review for it.

The story is very well-written. Well, it is based on a novel. What I wanna say the story is little different than we are used to. The story's stuck in one place throughout the eight episodes, but it is interwoven with the main characters' past. This show is 'bout a girl named Jeong Ji-an. She lived with her uncle, Jeong Jin-man, until it began to seem he died. The reason why she stayed at her uncle's, is that her parents out of nowhere passed away (well, were killed). With the uncle's death, Ji-an begins to uncover secrets about him, and why she's the target of some crazy shooters...

I liked the unique style of the story. As I mentioned before, it was based on the past of the characters. Every episode gets wilder as we uncover the secrets and things that happened. It was thrilling, and the ending was an absolute icing on the cake, I can say.

The acting of the actors was amazing as well. We got to see Ji-an's childhood, and how she spent time with her uncle. TBH, in some scenes, I was little angry because of her behavior, but I guess I found an easy explanation... girl's puberty. Lol.

In my opinion, we got to see an another amazing show at the start of this year, and that makes it even more cool. A little fun fact is that I watched is together with Hazbin Hotel, because both shows' episodes were coming out around the same dates.

Another fun fact: this show is full of self-defense skills. And because I was visiting the self-defense class for the past few moths, I recognized some moves, and it became a cool example for another moves.

I give it 10/10.
10 out of 21 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Not A Wasted Episode
shiroiron17 March 2024
As an AI language...

Just kidding, this is my first time writing a review for something in IMDB and only because this series has defied my expectations.

The direction, editing, and screenplay are so precise. In my opinion, not a single frame is wasted. The many flashbacks, camera angles, and acting are a far cry from the many action series of the past.

The fight choreography, as many others have already mentioned, is top-notch and not over the top. The visual effects are not distracting as they should be.

From the first episode to the last, the mystery only continues to intrigue the audience. And I'm certainly wanting for more!
2 out of 3 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Another slow burn beautifully crafted show!
johns-612849 February 2024
At this point what do you expect from Lee Dong-wook, if he's in it... it must be a great project and this show doesn't disappoint at all, the entire cast was amazing but my standouts are, Guem Hae-na playing Min-hye a kick a$$ assassin, Lee Dong-wook a merc with a moral compass, Seo Hyun-woo a hilarious bad guy, Jo Han-sun a psychopath that truly made you believe he was just that, and Min Kim as Pasin the coolest merc since Deadpool. Imagine your under siege by contracted mercs without a clue of why, what do you do? Panic? Or use the tools you were raised with... this story will subvert all your expectations, best believe you won't see it coming!
6 out of 16 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
5/10
Fragmented story
phd_travel8 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This show was disappointing. The modern high tech fighting with drones and action are quite impressive but that's all that's good. Maybe too violent for some.

The order of the unfolding of the story is wrong.

The story is too fragmented and unnecessarily so. A linear storyline would have been easier to follow and had more impact. The jumping in time is confusing even if you concentrate. Ep 7 filled in what happened earlier but it would have been better if the whole back story had been shown earlier. The mercenary background should have been shown earlier. Too many episodes spent wondering why they were being attacked and what LDW did. Why keep it a secret? The villains are one dimensionally evil. Unusual for K drama.

The lighting it too dark for TV. Many fight scenes were in darkness.

The ending was incomplete. Didn't explain how LDW survived. Bale is still alive. Is there a season 2? If there isn't then this show wasn't worth the time. If there is maybe they can explain all the unanswered questions and it might be good. But why didn't they just film and stream all 16 episodes in one shot and complete everything.

Kim Hye Jun does a good job in a tricky role. Quite convincing. Lee Dong Wook is quite convincing as the broody mercenary and a bit more disheveled than usual.
8 out of 19 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
Yes and More please!
azcoston-532759 February 2024
I Don't feel like this show is getting or got enough buzz! One of Korea's top actors (Lee Dong-Wook) does a stupendous job as Uncle Jeong Jiman, he even bulked up for the role which I can only say Mrowr to! The entire cast does not dissappoint! And can I just say that the female Assassin Minhye puts in work! I want her on my team! The Fragmented storyline keeps you guessing and wanting more. I know this is a Kdrama but I think it was targeted towards western audiences. However the promotion team needs to be fired because I only just heard about this show through sheer happenstance. And I'm so glad I did otherwise I would've missed out on what I believe is one of 2024's best action shows to date!
3 out of 10 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
The story behind mayhem
dumsumdumfai8 February 2024
Certainly not a mindless action series. Action is blended with 2, interlinked, back stories. And that's the catch.

Some would say the action is not relentless, nor spectacularly choreographed. But rather pressing, comes in small waves. Although the series begins in the heat of battle. The story is the main bill. The interweaving is well done. You aren't sure who is who, who's is on which side. Then the stories unfolds slowly , chapter by chapter.

Action is tertiary. Story, layout, editing 1st. Acting, direction 2nd. Case in point is the connection of all characters and storyline is only fully explained in the 2nd last episode.

This attention to detail is why Kdramas such as this one are so well worth it to watch. Compare to others like Fubar, Tulsa King. Just hopes that part 2 can be as restraint and not just a bloodbath.
3 out of 11 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
great acting skill, good actors and very fair story
eusman-0170114 March 2024
The movie that I recently watched was truly captivating and engaging. The plot was based on a unique and impressive story that kept me hooked throughout. The characters were portrayed by a talented cast of actors who did an excellent job in bringing them to life. I was thoroughly impressed by their performances, which made the movie all the more enjoyable to watch.

After watching the movie, I couldn't help but express my desire for a new season. The way the story concluded left me wanting more, and I believe that the owners of this movie have the potential to create an even more remarkable second season. As a fan of the movie, I kindly request the owners to consider making the next season. It would be an excellent opportunity to build on the success of the first season and to continue to entertain and captivate the audience.
1 out of 2 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Great performance. But slow plot. Overall as a KDrama fan was a exciting experience
thammylagares3 March 2024
At the beginning I was not sure about spending time watching this drama, but for my surprise the great performance of all actors, (from the good to the worst character, they were all on point, delivering a believable performance and captivating audience attention), make me watch the whole thing in 2 days, even I was amazed with how intrigued I became over the episodes, the flashbacks, for the first time IMHO, told the story with depth without taking the viewer's attention towards any aspect of the development of why Jinman created the Mall.

At the end of ep 8 things started to be even better. Hopefully the second part will be the same.
1 out of 2 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
OUTSTANDING revenge thriller with style.
joncronin9 February 2024
Ceratinly one of the best shows on TV. Excellent revenge thriller, with an action filled world of mercenaries, hitmen, and killers. Clver. Heartbreaking, violent, surprising, compelling characters (both good and bad) and so much fun to watch.

It has everything: plenty of characters to root for (and against) in an entertaining and.clevrly told storyline. Uses time shifts to great effect, to tell a story of Jeong Jian, who loses her parents in an apparent murder suicide, and is raised by her uncle Jeong Jinman who seeminly runs an specialty hardware store. But all is not as it seems, with clever hints given out over the first episode that something more is a foot. When her strict, but stand offish Uncle apprently commits suicide, which Jian believes is too out of character. The thrill ride action starts, and frankly, never stops over the 8 episodes (about 50 minutes each).

TV really doesn;'t get much better than this, and stands in line with the really great South Korean actions series of the last year (Bargain, Worst of Evil, Moving, Revenge of Others)
2 out of 9 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
A Shop for Killers
tamijam14 February 2024
1. I like a series that doesn't have the typical duration of 16 episodes. They are often bloated and hard to watch without fast forwarding through recaps and annoying musical montages. These 8 episodes left me wanting more.

2. The pacing is good. All episodes come in at 50 - 60 minutes.

3. The cast is great. Characters are interesting, charismatic, attractive, and relate well with each other. Even enemies have chemistry.

4. The mystery is there. Suspense built in. The plot interesting. Plot twists are abundant.

5. The bad guys are bad. The good guys can be bad and are still sympathetic. Characters feel well drawn out.

6. Our hero is a girl. From the get go she is smart. She makes mistakes out of genuine naïveté then picks herself up and carries on. She doesn't become jaded or spoiled by the violence thrust upon her but is able to maintain her humanity.

7. Our hero's uncle, played by lee dong work, doesn't look like his previous and too highly groomed characters. He's rough and handsome. He's a bad guy who's also a good guy. His character carries great pathos.

8. There is only one episode that felt at times redundant. Yet it did provide more insight into just how the story got to that point.

9. The series is up there with My Name, another 8 episode series that provided mystery, surprise, suspense, and catharsis. The pay off in this show feels more satisfying with surprisingly less disappointment.

10. The show left questions unanswered. There is potential for the future of this show.
1 out of 7 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
An error has occured. Please try again.

See also

Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews


Recently Viewed