Among the genres that South Korean television shows, or K-Dramas, in particular, are elegant thrillers, often Take their landmarks of American pop culture. Indeed, one of the most popular sources of inspiration in this regard is the work of the filmmaker Quentin Tarantino, who has always had a visual flair when it comes to staging the pieces of action to his films, in particular His epic of revenge in two parts “Kill Bill”. Admittedly, some dramas K have been visibly influenced by Tarantino’s narration sensitivities, in particular the 2024 series “A Shop for Killers”. Currently available to broadcast on Hulu, the show puts its own South Korean touch on bizarre contract killers with lots of pizzazz.

“A Shop for Killers” follows Jeong Ji-An (Kim Hye-Jun), an orphan who was raised by his uncle, Jeong Jin-Man (Lee Dong-Wook), after the death of his parents. However, when Jin-Man suddenly dies and leaves the apparently normal shopping center that he owned and operated for Ji-An, the latter is shocked to discover that his uncle’s affairs are in fact an elaborate front to provide weapons and equipment to all kinds of professional killers. Left with few other choices, Ji-An is forced not only to protect Jin-Man’s affairs, but also to face his rivals, his enemies and the law if she hopes to stay alive.

With a sacred configuration, this is why fans of American action thrillers, including films and especially Tarantino films, will appreciate “a store for killers”.

Admittedly, “A Shop for Killers” has a lot of style to lose, in particular in its catchy opening episodes because it establishes the tone of the series. With its first season taking place for eight episodes, the story moves at a quick pace, catapulting on all the logic jumps in its premise to bring viewers into action. Said in a non-linear way (like many Tarantino films, in particular his work in the 90s), the main story takes place on a single day while Ji-An defends himself. And a bit like “Kill Bill”, the K-Drama contains a robust mixture of cannons and martial arts to distinguish its many action sets.

But beyond its elegant sequences of flair and kinetics, “A Shop for Killers” has a subtle heart that escapes most contemporary thrillers. A large part of this emotional investment comes from the series leads Kim Hye-Jun and Lee Dong-Wook, with the dynamics of the pair explored in flashbacks throughout history. While the truth about his uncle becomes clear, Ji-An’s perception of him is shaken by his heart, and the two actors fully benefit from this configuration. But for all these cropped family conflicts, the show is also very aware of the reason why its audience is attentive, offering a lot of action to keep them riveted and come back for more.

Directed with commitment and offering a vision closely targeted on the kind of modern action, “A Shop for Killers” is a must for any K-Drama fan focused on thriller with a Hulu subscription.