[Seulssine] 'Switch' Kwon Sang-woo and Oh Jung-se, Making You Laugh and Cry

[Lee Isul's Wise Cine Review]
Comedy 'Switch' Starring Kwon Sang-woo and Oh Jung-se
Top Star and Manager Switched Overnight

Movie still from 'Switch'. Photo by Lotte Entertainment

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] A famous actor and his manager switch places overnight. Like a Christmas gift. A top star who has everything?money and fame?accidentally gains a family and realizes the meaning of love. The first Korean film of 2023, Switch, makes the audience laugh and cry while awakening the most important values in life.

Switch (directed by Ma Daeyoon) was unveiled at a press screening held on the afternoon of the 19th at Lotte Cinema Konkuk University in Jayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. The story depicts what happens when the lives of an arrogant top star and his only friend and manager, Jo Yoon, are swapped overnight. Actors Kwon Sang-woo and Oh Jung-se play the star and manager duo, while Lee Min-jung appears as Kwon Sang-woo’s wife.

Box office hit actor Park Kang (played by Kwon Sang-woo) enjoys a glamorous life. Scandals with actresses are just minor nuisances. Everything in his life comes easily. Wearing a dazzling tuxedo, he receives the Best Actor award at a film ceremony, but his daily life feels dull and uninspiring. The best he can do is smile happily while taking selfies with the trophy. On the drama set, Park Kang is king. For him, the fee is more important than good acting. He roughly recites lines written on his palm, while the director scrambles to please him.

Even on Christmas Eve, when everyone else is happy, Park Kang is not. He grabs his only friend and cleanup specialist manager Jo Yoon (played by Oh Jung-se), drinks heavily, and hails a taxi. The next morning, he wakes up in an unfamiliar house, embraced by two little kids he’s never seen before, and hears the voice of his first love Suhyun, whom he parted with for success. Before him unfolds a new life as Suhyun’s husband and father of two children. His bank account is empty. Worried about the deposit for his rented home, he scrambles to make ends meet by performing in theater and reenactment programs.

Movie still from 'Switch'. Photo by Lotte Entertainment

Meanwhile, Jo Yoon, who was the manager, has become a box office hit actor recognized for his acting skills. He is the top actor loved by all for his fatal charm. Although he lives a glamorous life, love is difficult. He agonizes without ever confessing to the person he likes. On the other hand, Park Kang, who is forced to swallow his pride, works as Jo Yoon’s manager.

The film asks what the most important value in life is through the premise of a top star and manager accidentally swapping lives. At the press conference, director Ma Daeyoon explained, “The message is that happiness is close even at this very moment and can be found anytime.” He added, “Happiness in our lives is not far away.” Kwon Sang-woo said, “Through the film, I became grateful to my family, manager, and everyone around me.”

Switch features a warm atmosphere that fits well with the year-end and New Year season. Kwon Sang-woo and Oh Jung-se make the audience laugh with their seasoned acting. The film lightly explores the universal theme of happiness through “family.” A pleasant imagination that anyone might have once experienced unfolds on the screen. This cozy, fairy-tale-like film for adults cheerfully opens the door to the Year of the Rabbit (Gyemyo year). It opens on January 4, 2023. Rated 12 and over. Running time 113 minutes.