A Shop for Killers

A Shop for Killers centers on Jeong Ji-an, who was raised in her uncle Jeong Jin-man's sprawling shopping mall after losing her parents. When the uncle dies suddenly, Ji-an's sense of belonging unravels as she uncovers hidden ledgers, shadowy clients and employees with guarded pasts. The series follows her unraveling of secrets tied to the mall and the people around it, where favors and threats are traded under an ordinary storefront. Tension comes from shifting loyalties and moral compromise, and Ji-an has to decide how much secrecy she's willing to accept to survive and protect what remains of her family.

Released in 2024, A Shop for Killers was directed by Noh Gyoo-yeob and developed by creators E.oni, Lee Kwon and Gang Ji-yeong. The cast is led by Lee Dong-wook and Kim Hye-jun, supported by Seo Hyun-woo, Geum Hannah and Park Ji-bin.

Despite solid viewer ratings and considerable online attention, the series did not sweep major industry awards at release. Individual performances, especially by Lee Dong-wook and Kim Hye-jun, received early praise from critics and fan communities, though formal accolades remain limited.

The show's blend of crime puzzle and stylized action spawned active online discussion, with fans dissecting character motives and sharing theory threads. Lee Dong-wook's portrayal renewed interest in his career, and certain sequences and character pairings have become frequent subjects of fan art and clips. Memes and short clips from tense confrontations circulated widely, helping the series reach viewers who might not normally watch crime drama.

Critical and audience response has been favorable, reflected in an 8.101/10 user vote average from 134 ratings. Reviews highlight taut pacing, layered performances and a moody atmosphere. Viewers often single out Kim Hye-jun's emotionally precise performance, while supporting players like Seo Hyun-woo and Park Ji-bin add depth in key episodes. Major themes include family loyalty, secrecy, moral ambiguity and how far people will go to keep power and safety.