In the popular Korean drama Shop for Killers, actress Kim Hye-jun portrays the character Ji-an, a high school student who possesses impressive self-defense skills. The series tells the story of Ji-an and her uncle Jin-man, played by Lee Dong-wook, as they navigate a dangerous world filled with trained assassins. In an intriguing twist, Ji-an's uncle challenges her to punch him in the head before she can move out, using it as a means to prepare her for the threats they face. This unorthodox parenting advice sets the tone for Ji-an's journey towards self-protection.
Lee Dong-wook, the actor behind Jin-man, explains the reasoning behind his character's parenting approach. He aimed to strengthen Ji-an's stamina and equip her with martial arts skills to ensure she could defend herself. Given Jin-man's secret involvement in a dark web weapons store, it becomes crucial for Ji-an to possess the ability to dodge bullets and even take down drones using a slingshot. Ji-an's uncle strives to eliminate any potential danger and make sure she can survive independently.
Ji-an's parents tragically pass away, leaving Jin-man as her primary guardian. Despite his stoic and enigmatic nature, Lee Dong-wook successfully brings depth to his character, connecting with viewers through his portrayal. He purposely keeps Jin-man mysterious until the end, challenging the audience to unravel his true intentions. Lee describes the difficulty of building a relatable character with minimal dialogue or facial expressions, but his performance effectively conveys Jin-man's complexity.
Lee, known for his roles in Tale of the Nine-Tailed, Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938, Bad and Crazy, and Strangers From Hell, appreciated the focus on the uncle-niece relationship in Shop for Killers. He highlights how Jin-man evolves into a father figure for Ji-an, emphasizing the bond they share. This aspect resonated with Lee and added depth to his portrayal, setting Jin-man apart from his previous characters.
While Lee had previous experience showcasing his action skills in various dramas, Kim Hye-jun's role as Ji-an pushed her beyond her comfort zone. Unlike her past projects that featured simple action scenes, Shop for Killers demanded extensive preparation. Kim worked hard to master the intense and plot-driving action sequences that form a significant part of the drama. Starting from scratch without a background in taekwondo or martial arts, she dedicated herself to the physical demands of the role.
Kim's dedication is clearly evident as Ji-an assumes the role of her uncle's successor and thwarts the attempts of numerous assassins. The actress, known for her performances in Kingdom, Kingdom 2, Connect, and Inspector Koo, was drawn to Ji-an's bravery and inner strength. Although Ji-an may appear fragile on the outside, she possesses a remarkably strong mentality. Kim saw the opportunity to gather courage through following her character's journey, making her role in Shop for Killers particularly intriguing.
Adapted from Kang Ji-young's novel, The Killer's Shopping Mall, Shop for Killers has gained international popularity. The drama airs on Disney internationally and is available on Hulu in the United States. With its stylish action, compelling characters, and gripping storyline, this Korean series provides fans with an exciting and thrilling viewing experience.
In Shop for Killers, Kim Hye-jun's portrayal of Ji-an showcases a powerful female character who defies expectations, combines inner strength with combat skills, and navigates a perilous world with her enigmatic uncle. This action-packed drama proves that sometimes the most unorthodox parenting advice can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
