From the beginning, window shopping, Yeom Jung-ah's 100 points acting, even the original author of 50 million views, thumbs up
Jul 23, 2025
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The first and second episodes of the ENA Monday-Tuesday drama 『I Shopping" (directed by Oh Ji-hwan / scripted by Ahn So-jung / production group Aite, Take One Studio) elaborately embody the unprecedented world view of an illegal adoption cartel, depicting the process of dramatically surviving children coming out of the world and starting to confront the huge blackout. The powerful message, detailed narrative, and thrilling action and directing that penetrates social taboos head-on gave extreme immersion and drew favorable reviews from viewers.
In the meantime, Um Se-yoon and Ryu Ga-myung of the original 『I Shopping』, which won the 『Best Creativity』 award at the 2017 Webtoon International Content Market SPP 2017 and received 51 million views, have delivered celebratory posters containing support for the drama along with behind-the-scenes stories related to the work, raising expectations for future developments.
First of all, writer Um Se-yoon got the idea from a news article about how children are illegally traded abroad"At the time, it felt distant because it was an overseas story, but when I heard that there was a similar case in Korea, I realized that it was no longer someone else's business." Regarding the background of selecting the title 'I Shopping', which drew great attention immediately after its release, Um said "I personally prefer intuitive and interesting titles," adding "Since this work is such a dark and heavy material, both the painting and the title were set to bright and light images." It's a word that's not scary in text alone, but it's intended to have a reversal effect and shock that comes when you realize the other side of 'I' and 'Shopping' after seeing the work, adding to the interest by revealing the hidden meaning of the title.
As a message that he wanted to convey through his work, writer Um Se-yoon emphasized 'right to failure'. He added: `Our society does not tolerate failure and wandering easily, so I am worried that children will hesitate to challenge themselves"'Ishopping' is also the story of children who experience failure and get back on their feet. I hope children have at least the freedom to fail as much as they want"It drew attention with a sincere message.
Both writers also sent 'thumbs' for the dramatized 'i-shopping's casting synchro rate. Writer Eom said, "Yum Jung-ah is by far more than 100 points" and added, "I could feel a sense of immersion beyond Se-hee in the original film with just one expression and one eye."," he praised. Writer Ryu, who was in charge of the painting, was also surprised by the fact that the character and appearance synchronicity were so high that the actor Yeom Jung-ah literally acted beyond the original. Seeing the children live and move made me feel sorry for them all, and I wanted to help them. Kim Su-ro, who appeared in a special show, also looked so good with the character" expressed satisfaction.
Finally, when asked what kind of work he wants 'I Shopping' to be, Um said "'I Shopping' is a story of children seeking revenge for their parents who abandoned them, but it's not just a brutal revenge play" Behind the revenge is a narrative of sadness, anger, and growth. If you watch it until the end, it will be a warm drama." Writer Ryu also "If you had looked at it as it is, please watch how the hurt children overcome the hurt that they should not have received."The message " left a deep lingering impression.
ENA Monday-Tuesday drama 'I Shopping' will air 3rd episode at 10 p.m. on the 28th (Monday) and will be available on TVING exclusively for OTT.
tokkig@sportschosun.com
