“A Shop for Killers” is a 2024 South Korean action TV series co-conceived, co-penned, and co-directed by Lee Kwon, featuring Lee Dong-wook and Kim Hye-jun. Adapted from Kang Ji-young’s novel of the same name, the storyline revolves around a young girl orphaned in childhood, raised by her uncle who operates a dubious online store. The series debuted globally on Disney+ from January 17 to February 7, 2024, and on Hulu in the United States.
CHARACTERS
Main
- Lee Dong-wook portrays Jeong Jin-man, a clandestine operator of an unconventional shopping complex named ‘Murthehelp,’ who has been raising his niece, Ji-an, since the demise of her parents.
- Kim Hye-jun plays Jeong Ji-an, a young girl who has been brought up by her enigmatic uncle following the loss of her parents. Ahn Se-bin and Cho Si-yeon depict Ji-an at different stages of her life as a child and a 13-year-old, respectively.
Supporting
- Seo Hyun-woo appears as Lee Seong-jo, a proficient and ruthless sniper.
- Jo Han-sun portrays Bale, a notorious antagonist feared by fellow assassins.
- Park Ji-bin takes on the role of Bae Jeong-min, Ji-an’s classmate who unravels the secrets of the shopping mall with his adept hacking skills. Kim Ye-gyeom portrays the childhood version of Jeong-min.
- Geum Hae-na embodies So Min-hye, an S-class assassin skilled in various combat techniques. Lee Tae-young plays Brother, a mysterious part-time worker managing the mall covertly. Kim Se-heon portrays the younger version of Brother, while Kim Min acts as Pasin, Ji-an’s Muay Thai instructor and Jin-man’s long-time associate.
Others
- Ahn Gil-kang appears as Lee Yong-han, the leader of Babylon, a mercenary group. Park Jeong-woo plays Honda, a mute colleague of Jin-man and the elder brother of Brother.
- Jung Yi-hun takes on the role of Jun-cheol, a member of the mercenary team loyal to Jin-man. Kim Jun-bae appears as Mr. Kim, a seasoned assassin with a troubled past.
- Han Chul-woo and Song Ah-kyung appear as Ji-an’s deceased parents. Hwang Dong-hyun plays Kuma, a member of the mercenary squad hired by Seong-jo, while Kang Hee-se and Kang Hee-je portray the twin assassins. Park Sang-won appears as Kim Seong-hwan, a new recruit to Babylon, and Hwang Dae-ki is seen as Bongo.
Special Appearances
- Cha Mi-kyung makes a special appearance as Ji-an’s grandmother in episode 1, alongside Kim Han-jong as a taxi driver and Kim Yoon-sung as Detective Park. Cho Ji-an appears as Jun-myeon in episode 4.
STORYLINE
“A Shop for Killers” immerses viewers in the gripping narrative of ‘Murthehelp,’ an unorthodox shopping mall masterminded by Jeong Jin-man, shrouded in secrecy. Jin-man, tasked with caring for his niece Ji-an after her parents’ passing, leads a clandestine existence, delving into the mysterious underworld concealed within the mall’s facade.
Raised within the enigmatic confines of Murthehelp, Ji-an confronts the enigmas surrounding her upbringing. The arrival of Lee Seong-jo, a proficient sniper, and Bale, a notorious antagonist, adds complexity to the unfolding story. As Ji-an’s childhood friend Bae Jeong-min unravels the mall’s covert operations, a labyrinth of secrets begins to surface, unraveling the intricate web of deceit.
