Disney+ Raises the Stakes With A Shop for Killers Season 2 With Bigger Battles and Deeper Bonds

Disney+ offered an exciting first look at A Shop for Killers Season 2 during a press conference held in Seoul on 20th July 2026, giving fans a preview of what promises to be an even bigger and more action-packed new chapter.

The event was attended by director Lee Kwon and cast members Lee Dong Wook, Kim Hye Jun, Jo Han Sun, Geum Hae Na, Kim Min, along with new additions Jung Yoon Ha, Hyunri, and Japanese actor Masaki Okada, whose casting has already generated plenty of buzz ahead of the premiere.

The cast and creators introduced exclusive highlight footage that showcased the series' upgraded scale, cinematic visuals and more intense action. The preview revealed a larger conflict between Murder Help and Babylon, with polished cinematography and high quality production that further positions A Shop for Killers as one of Disney+'s standout Korean originals of the year.

Director Lee Kwon explained that Season 2 is built around one key theme: counterattack. After leaving viewers with many unanswered questions in Season 1, he wanted to naturally expand the story by exploring how Jian would respond after learning more about her uncle Jinman's past and how the two characters would move forward together.

Kim Hye Jun shared that Jian has changed significantly. While her goal in Season 1 was simply to survive, she now realizes that remaining passive only puts those around her in danger. This season sees Jian taking the offensive for the first time. She also revealed that after showcasing close combat and Muay Thai in Season 1, viewers can now expect firearm action from her character.

Lee Dong Wook said Jinman also undergoes a shift in mindset. Rather than staying on the defensive, he decides it is finally time to put an end to the conflict by launching his own counterattack. Asked how fans should prepare, the actor joked that he simply approached the role the way he always has, adding that "doing what I've always done is the scariest."

Returning cast members Geum Hae Na and Kim Min teased even more ambitious action sequences. Geum revealed she obtained a motorcycle license, trained for wire action and even taught herself karambit techniques that eventually made it into the series. Kim added that the story travels across many different locations, allowing audiences to experience a wider variety of action styles including taekwondo, wrestling and Muay Thai.

One of the most anticipated new additions is Masaki Okada, who plays the mysterious mercenary J. Describing his character as someone who is both curious and dangerous, with childlike and mature qualities coexisting, Okada shared that this project marked his first full-scale action role. He credited Lee Dong Wook and the cast for helping him discover that action is more than physical movement, calling it "a conversation" between performers and describing the experience as deeply meaningful.

Looking back on the success of Season 1, Lee Dong Wook said the very fact that a second season was made is proof of how much love the series received. Kim Hye Jun echoed those thoughts, saying she was grateful for the support from audiences, adding that Season 2 became possible because viewers embraced the first season so warmly.

Director Lee Kwon also spoke about the newly expanded cast and what each actor brings to the story. He described Masaki Okada's character, J, as someone who is stylish, enjoys what he does, and approaches action with confidence and energy. The director explained that they gradually developed the character during filming, adding details such as his love for music before heading into action scenes and his distinctive fashion style.

The director also praised Hyunri for the dedication she showed while preparing for her role, revealing that she trained intensely in a short period to physically transform for the character while bringing out her many different sides.

Speaking about Jung Yoon Ha, who plays the ruthless Kusanagi, Lee Kwon shared that the actress went through many challenges during filming because of how demanding the role was. Since several cast members were based in Japan, they spent a great deal of time working closely together on set. Although Kusanagi was not a character who allowed for relaxed conversations within the story, the team communicated frequently behind the scenes to build the role together.

Lee Dong-wook and Kim Hye-jun also shared new details about the evolving relationship between Jeong Jin-man and Jeong Ji-an, hinting that the emotional bond between uncle and niece will become one of the season's biggest highlights.

Lee Dong-wook revealed that after the surprise ending of Season 1, where Jin-man was revealed to be alive, Season 2 begins by exploring what the character had been doing while Ji-an fought to protect the house on her own.

He also shared that while Season 1 focused more on Jin-man's relationship with the younger version of Ji-an, played by the child actress, the new season shifts its attention to his connection with the adult Ji-an. According to Lee, viewers can expect more emotional conversations, conflicts and character growth as the two learn how to navigate life after Ji-an steps into the dangerous world once occupied by her uncle.

Kim Hye-jun echoed that sentiment, saying audiences will also see Ji-an gradually becoming more like Jin-man. As she begins to understand the weight of his decisions and responsibilities, her perspective on her uncle continues to change throughout the story.

Beyond the emotional moments, both stars also teased more action scenes together in Season 2. Fans who have been hoping to see Jin-man and Ji-an fighting side by side can look forward to new sequences that showcase their growing chemistry both emotionally and in combat.

With action-heavy titles becoming increasingly popular, Lee Dong Wookwas asked how he felt about the growing trend of high-intensity action series and where A Shop for Killers fits within the landscape.

“I think it’s like having a neighborhood filled with great restaurants. When that happens, everyone benefits and grows together,” Lee Dong Wook explained. “Maybe this is an era where many people are looking for that kind of catharsis, which is why more works like this are being created.”

However, he emphasized that the series was not designed simply to follow a trend. “After Season 1 ended, our director began planning and preparing for this season. Including the filming process, it has been almost two years since we started imagining and creating this story,” he said.

“Rather than thinking that we are joining this trend because action content is popular right now, I think it would be better to see it as us continuing the work we had already been doing from the beginning.”

Meanwhile, Jo Han Sun teased the evolution of the villains in Season 2, explaining how his character differs from the antagonist in the first season.

“In Season 1, Bale was a villain who brought tension and depth to the story rather than simply trying to show something extraordinary,” Jo explained. “But in Season 2, my character is someone who only looks in one direction and runs forward like a racehorse. He doesn’t see anything else around him and is focused solely on achieving one goal.”

He added that viewers can expect a more relentless and single-minded antagonist this time around.

With a larger story, expanded action and several intriguing new characters joining the fight, A Shop forKillers Season 2 looks set to raise the stakes when it premieres on Disney+.