Is The “Light Shop” Based On A Webtoon?

You ever look at a flickering light and think, “Is that a sign from the beyond… or just my landlord refusing to change the bulb?” Well, Light Shop takes that unsettling feeling and turns it into an entire K-drama. And not just any K-drama—one that makes you question life, death, and whether you should be emotionally attached to an inanimate store. Spoiler: You absolutely will be.

Now, if you’re wondering if Light Shop is based on a webtoon—yes, it is! Because of course, it is. South Korea is out here converting webtoons into dramas like it’s an Olympic sport, and honestly, they deserve a gold medal for this one.

The Webtoon That Started It All

Created by Kang Full (aka the genius behind Moving), the Light Shop webtoon first graced the internet in 2011, making readers paranoid about every glowing object in their homes. Fast-forward to 2024, and Disney+ swooped in to turn this eerie masterpiece into a full-blown K-drama.

It comes complete with moody Seoul aesthetics, heartbreaking character arcs, and enough existential dread to make me rethink every life decision I’ve ever made.

I’ll be honest, when I first heard about this adaptation, I had a moment of dramatic skepticism—complete with slow-motion blinking and a deep sigh. Some webtoon-to-drama transitions are seamless.

Others? They should’ve stayed in their beautifully drawn panels where they belong. But Light Shop? This one got it right.

From the very first episode, I felt that creeping sense of wonder and dread, like I was stepping into a world where the dead aren’t quite gone and the living aren’t fully here.

From the very first episode, I felt that creeping sense of wonder and dread, like I was stepping into a world where the dead aren’t quite gone and the living aren’t fully here.

Watching it was like getting lost in one of those 3 AM existential spirals—except this time, I had company.

The characters carried that same weight, that same longing to make peace with their pasts, and I felt it in my soul.

From Webtoon To Screen: A Haunting Transformation

The Light Shop webtoon was already haunting in all the best ways. A seemingly ordinary shop that sells lights is actually a crossroads between life and death. People (and sometimes… not quite people) step inside with unfinished business, seeking closure, redemption, or just one last chance to choose their fate.

Fast-forward to 2024, and Disney+ decided this eerie, emotional masterpiece needed the live-action treatment.

And honestly, when Disney+ and Kang Full team up, you know it’s going to be a big deal.

What’s Different? Drama Vs. Webtoon

Adapting a webtoon into a drama is always a balancing act between staying true to the source and making it binge-worthy for TV. Light Shop made some fascinating changes:

• Setting Shift. The webtoon unfolds in a rural village, adding to its ghostly, small-town mystery vibe. The drama? Full-blown urban neon aesthetic, set in Seoul. Think vintage charm meets modern existential crisis. At first, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this change, but the city setting adds an extra layer of loneliness and chaos that makes the quiet moments in the shop hit even harder.
• Character Expansions. Some side characters in the webtoon now have full-fledged arcs in the drama, while new faces were introduced to spice things up. And trust me, you will get attached. Against your better judgment.
• Romantic Tension Upgrade. The drama sprinkles in a bit more romance because what’s a K-drama without a heart-wrenching love story (or a very inconvenient love triangle)? And yes, I totally yelled at my screen at least twice because of it.
• Thriller Elements. While the webtoon leaned into quiet, reflective storytelling, the drama cranks up the tension with added suspense and action. My heart was not ready.
• The Ending. The webtoon leaves a few things open-ended (perfect for overanalyzing at 2 AM). The drama? It gives us a more definitive resolution, though still packed with enough ambiguity to keep the theories rolling.

Cultural Depth: Understanding Light Shop Through A Korean Lens

To fully appreciate Light Shop, you need to understand that Korea does ghosts differently. Forget the Western idea of chains and wailing specters.

In Korean culture, spirits are a big deal. They are woven into history, folklore, and even modern beliefs. The idea of han (a deeply rooted sense of sorrow and unresolved emotion) runs deep, and Light Shop taps into that beautifully.

The drama isn’t just about eerie encounters. It’s about people struggling to let go, to move on, or to finally find peace. And if you’ve ever had regrets that keep you awake at night, this one will hit hard.

And let’s talk about Seoul as a setting. Unlike the webtoon’s quiet countryside, the drama’s neon-lit city backdrop intensifies the contrast between the rush of modern life and the quiet, forgotten souls lingering in the shadows.

And let’s talk about Seoul as a setting. Unlike the webtoon’s quiet countryside, the drama’s neon-lit city backdrop intensifies the contrast between the rush of modern life and the quiet, forgotten souls lingering in the shadows.

This theme—tradition vs. modernization—is something you’ll see in a lot of K-dramas. Because let’s face it, Seoul is both dazzling and overwhelming, and Light Shop makes you feel that push-and-pull between the living and the lost.

Who couldn’t help but think about life in Seoul. One moment, you’re dodging motorbikes in a packed street market. The next, you’re standing in front of a centuries-old temple, wondering if time even exists.

This drama gets that feeling. It’s not just about the contrast between the dead and the living. It’s about the quiet spaces in between, where stories refuse to fade away.

And that? That’s what makes Light Shop so unforgettable.

Shared Universe? Oh, Absolutely.

If you’ve seen Moving (another Kang Full creation), you might have caught some subtle hints that Light Shop exists in the same universe.

Yes, that means these characters might just be a few plot twists away from crossing paths.

And yes, that means your fan theories are 100% valid. Keep your eyes peeled for those hidden connections because Kang Full loves a good Easter egg.

Final Verdict: Webtoon Or Drama—Which One Should You Experience?

Both, obviously! But if you prefer slow-burn supernatural mysteries with deep emotional layers, the webtoon is where it’s at. If you love stunning cinematography, well-paced storytelling, and a bit more action, the drama is your jam.

Either way, Light Shop is a must-watch (or must-read). Just maybe don’t watch it alone in the dark… unless you want to start questioning every flickering light in your house.

So, are you team webtoon or team drama? Let’s discuss because I have thoughts and need to emotionally spiral with someone.