Korean words I could make sense of while watching “A Shop for Killers” episode 1
This issue is a nod to my first ever Korean word, 걱정하지마, which translates to "Don't worry (about it)." Learning the Korean language is fun, swear words included.
I’m back from my period of languishing. While not intentional, I realized I had spiraled down into another period in my life wherein I needed to do a thing or two for a better headspace. It was a sad scene: My writing was next to none. My fire for creativity was nothing but sporadic sparks as tiny as fireflies. (Fireflies are cute and cool, though.)
My consumption of kdramas was lessening, too. It felt like nothing appealed to me. Sure, there are some I was watching/tried to watch, but there wasn’t any thrill to it. I watched it to pass some time. Until I started watching “A Shop for Killers.”
It was gripping right off the bat. I’m not sure if you’ve watched it already as well, but for those who haven’t yet, here’s the kdrama in a nutshell: Jian is a college student who only has her mysterious uncle, Jeong Jin Man, as her family. When she receives a phone call from the police informing her of Jin Man’s death, the world as she knew it begins to change. Her home is no longer an ordinary one when strangers begin attacking it. Her grade school classmate, Bae Jung Min, suddenly makes an appearance just when she needs someone. Suddenly, people are after her: Bloodthirsty killers who are out to get rid of her just to get their hands on her uncle’s online weapons shop.
“A Shop for Killers” gives off a gloomy vibe. It also shows the heartbreaking things that Jin Man and Jian went through as they both struggled to adjust to the deaths in their family. While the scenes can get pretty violent, the series also portrays the found family trope. Who could ever forget the few ones who remained loyal to Jin Man, even in his death?
There is action, there is the importance of family (both blood and found ones), and there are moments of triumph after much loss. 10/10 recommend if you want something intense and heartbreaking, tragic yet heartwarming.
Without further ado, here are some of the Korean words/phrases that I picked up while watching the first episode of “A Shop for Killers.” Learning Korean language through watching their dramas is definitely a good thing.
삼촌 죽었어요 (samchon jugossoyo) - Uncle’s dead.
막내 야 나 기억나? (mangnae ya na giongna?) - Youngest, do you remember me?
너무 걱정하지 마라 (nomu gokjjonghaji mara) - Don’t worry too much.
삼촌 친구 맞아요 (samchon chingu majayo) - I’m your uncle’s friend.
And that wraps up today’s newsletter. I hope you’re doing well – staying hydrated, making the time and space for yourself, and indulging in your favorite kdramas.
