Killer’s Shopping List: A quirky K-drama mixing crime and comedy!

Some days are meant for productivity, while others demand a full-on retreat into the cozy corner of your couch with a good series and zero regrets. Today was the latter. It was one of those glorious rest days where the only thing on my agenda was to dive headfirst into another K-drama. Thanks to iQIYI, I finally checked Killer’s Shopping List off my watchlist—and let me tell you, it was absolutely worth the binge.

 

A Shopping Cart Full of Suspense

For those unfamiliar, Killer’s Shopping List (살인자의 쇼핑목록) is a South Korean series starring Lee Kwang-soo, Kim Seol-hyun, and Jin Hee-kyung. The show first aired in 2022, but somehow it slipped past my radar. With just eight episodes, it’s a compact and gripping blend of mystery, thriller, and dark comedy, making it easy to devour in one sitting.

The premise? Well, imagine a murder mystery where the key evidence isn’t a bloody weapon or a cryptic letter—it’s a simple shopping receipt. That’s right. Something as mundane as a thermal-printed slip of paper becomes the crucial clue in a series of bizarre murders.

 

Meet the Underdog Detective Squad

At the heart of the story is Ahn Dae-sung (played by Lee Kwang-soo). Dae-sung is the definition of an underdog: a guy with an incredible memory but a timid, self-effacing nature. He’s been stuck in a rut for years, repeatedly failing the civil service exam to become a 9th-grade public official. Despite his academic setbacks, he continues to work part-time at MS Mart, a local supermarket owned by his fiercely practical mother, Myung-sook (Jin Hee-kyung).

Then there’s Do A-hee (Kim Seol-hyun), Dae-sung’s girlfriend and a dedicated police officer. She’s sharp, fearless, and willing to bend the rules when it comes to solving a crime—definitely the brawn to Dae-sung’s brain. Their relationship is one of the many endearing elements of the show. Even though Dae-sung is a bit of a lost cause on paper, A-hee’s loyalty to him never wavers. It’s rare to see a K-drama where the girlfriend is the tough, assertive one, and the boyfriend is the anxious, overly cautious type. This role reversal makes their dynamic refreshingly realistic.

  

When a Grocery Run Turns Grim

The story kicks off with a mysterious murder near an apartment complex. The location? A stone’s throw from MS Mart. A-hee is on the case, determined to prove herself as a competent cop. The initial clues are vague—almost frustratingly so—until they stumble upon a receipt from MS Mart, pinpointing the possible involvement of one of their regular customers.

From here, the narrative turns into a whodunit with a neighborhood twist. MS Mart, once a mundane grocery store, becomes the epicenter of a sinister investigation. The mart's aisles, once filled with nothing but snacks, cleaning supplies, and instant ramen, now hold the lingering tension of possible murder suspects.

 

Every Customer is a Suspect

One of the series' strengths lies in its depiction of ordinary people with hidden lives. Each character—from the eccentric customers to the quirky employees—could easily be the killer. The show plays with the idea that even the most unassuming neighbor might be harboring a dark secret.

There’s the shifty old man who buys gloves and bleach on a suspiciously regular basis. The overly polite schoolteacher who always seems to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. And let’s not forget the creepy regular with an unsettling habit of staring just a little too long. Each time a new customer steps into the mart, the audience is invited to squint suspiciously, scanning their grocery list for clues.

 

Dark Comedy and Quirky Humor

What makes Killer’s Shopping List stand out from the sea of typical crime thrillers is its unexpected humor. The show strikes a tricky balance between dark subject matter and offbeat comedy, which gives it a unique charm.

Dae-sung’s bumbling nature brings a layer of levity, making him an unlikely but endearing detective. His exaggerated reactions, awkwardness, and genuine fear during the investigation provide a comedic contrast to A-hee’s no-nonsense attitude. The banter between the two—peppered with snarky remarks and genuine affection—keeps the show from becoming too grim.

 

Themes Beneath the Mystery

Beyond the whodunit plot, Killer’s Shopping List also subtly explores societal issues. The show highlights the struggles of small business owners, the pressures of conforming to expectations, and the emotional weight of repeated failure.

Dae-sung’s character arc is particularly poignant. He’s not your typical hero; he’s a guy who feels stuck and inadequate, failing at a dream he can’t seem to reach. Yet, through the investigation, he discovers that his photographic memory—a trait that once seemed useless—becomes his greatest strength. It’s a touching reminder that skills and talents, even the obscure ones, have value.

 

Standout Performances

Lee Kwang-soo is an absolute scene-stealer. His portrayal of Dae-sung is both hilarious and heartbreakingly earnest. Kwang-soo’s natural comedic timing makes the funny scenes pop, but he also carries the emotional weight of the character’s insecurities with subtlety.

Kim Seol-hyun is equally captivating. Her portrayal of A-hee is sharp, bold, and refreshingly pragmatic. She’s not the damsel in distress but the one kicking down doors and putting suspects in their place. It’s a reversal of gender stereotypes that adds depth to her character.

Jin Hee-kyung as Myung-sook brings warmth and no-nonsense practicality. She’s a business-savvy woman who’s tough on her son but fiercely protective. Their mother-son relationship is complex yet endearing—a testament to the show’s nuanced character writing.

 

Final Verdict: Worth Adding to Your Cart

If you’re looking for a short but engaging K-drama that offers a blend of mystery, comedy, and quirky character dynamics, Killer’s Shopping List is definitely worth the watch. It doesn’t overstay its welcome, wrapping up its plot in a tight eight-episode arc, which makes it perfect for a weekend binge.

The show leaves you with a surprising amount of warmth and introspection. While it’s about solving murders, it also touches on loyalty, resilience, and the unexpected strength in ordinary people.

So, the next time you find yourself with a free day and no plans, grab your snacks, settle in, and let Killer’s Shopping List take you on a delightfully dark and unpredictable ride. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself eyeing the person in front of you at the grocery store a little differently. After all, you never know what their shopping list might reveal.