Disney+’s original series 'Light Shop' is set to premiere, raising anticipation over whether it will live up to its expectations.

Set to release on December 4 through Disney+, 'Light Shop' tells the story of a mysterious shop at the end of a dark alley, which attracts enigmatic customers harboring secrets of their own.

The series is based on the webtoon of the same name by Kang Full, a cornerstone of his 'Mystery Psychological Chill' series. The webtoon, which has garnered over 1.5 billion views globally, has received widespread acclaim and adoration from readers. The star-studded cast includes Ju Jihoon, Park Bo Young, Seolhyun, and Um Tae Goo.

Adding to the intrigue, Kim Hee Won, known for his role as Choi Il Hwan, the homeroom teacher of Bong Seok (Lee Jung Ha) and Hee Soo (Go Youn Jung) in Moving, takes the helm as director of 'Light Shop', promising a fresh perspective.

The question remains: Can 'Light Shop' follow in the footsteps of 'Moving', which marked a turning point for Disney+’s original series by achieving unprecedented buzz? 

Moreover, will it serve as a counterpoint to 'Netflix’s Squid Game Season 2', which is set to release this Christmas?

Last month, the announcement of 'Moving Season 2' during the Disney Content Showcase APAC 2024 in Singapore further heightened expectations.

Upon its release, 'Moving' became a global sensation on Disney+ and Hulu, ranking as the #1 local content on Disney+ in 2023. Speaking at the event, Disney+ Asia-Pacific Head Carol Choi emphasized, “With Moving’s success and its profound message, we cannot stop here. We’ve already begun working with Kang Full on Season 2, though it’s still in the early stages.”

As more of Kang Full’s works are adapted into live-action, speculation grows about the potential for a “Kang Full Universe.” Many fans note that his works, such as 'Moving' and 'Timing', share thematic and narrative connections, including recurring abilities and mysteries revealed in sequels.

At the showcase, Kang Full hinted at a subtle link between 'Moving' and 'Light Shop', noting that both are set in 2018. However, he was cautious about confirming an interconnected universe, saying, “I’m not sure if we can achieve the same cohesiveness in dramas as we did in comics.”

Unlike the 20-episode 'Moving', 'Light Shop' will have a more concise format with just eight episodes. The first four episodes premiere today (December 4), with two new episodes released weekly thereafter.

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