Switch: Change The
World 스위치 - 세상을 바꿔라
SBS (2018) 32 30 Minute Episodes
Suspense, Grade: B+
Korean Drama Review by Susan, Philippines (No End Spoilers)
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I was thrilled to watch this
suspense drama because of stunning actor Jang Geun
Seok whom I had loved in classic dramas You're
Beautiful, Mary
Stayed Out All Night, Beethoven
Virus, and Love
Rain. The characters in this double con
man story are interesting and memorable. The
development, flow and exploration of relationships
were all presented very smoothly. Even though this
drama is mainly focused on the suspense plot, the
ensemble actors performing their parts splendidly
was the highlight for me. Props to the casting team!
And special kudos to the writer Baek Woon Chul who
had written the screenplay for the magnificent The
Suspicious Housekeeper (which I know is
one of admin Jill's top K-drama favorites!).
The direction of the action sequences by Director
Nam Tae Jin was extra cool and the editors did well
in increasing suspense so that I never got bored.
The sensual tension between the lead characters is
also prominent in all the right places. The OST is
fantastic, especially the songs Raise Me Up
by Hong Ki of FTIsland and Crazy by Teen
Top.
The Story:
Sa Do Chan (Jang Geun Seok) is a
con man who was raised by his con man daddy but who after
college studied to become a prosecutor instead of a criminal
like his dad. Unfortunately, he was unable to take his bar
exam due to a sudden emergency in his life, the murder of
his dad. Over time he grows a loyal gang of friends to help
him carry out his professional legal ambitions. They have a
personal code of honor: only go after con men criminals
who’ve escaped prosecution, to bring them to renewed
justice.
Meanwhile, a hard ass prosecutor, Baek Joon Soo (also played
by Jang Geun Seok) has become a thorn in the side of Seoul’s
criminal elite. They plot to kill him, strike him soon
enough, and he falls into a temporary coma. Oh Ha Ra (Han Ye
Ri) is Baek Joon Soo’s legal partner and secretly pines away
for him. Oh Ha Ra is like a bridge between Sa Do Chan and
Baek Joon So. She’s a responsible prosecutor but she’s well
aware of loopholes in the law that allow criminals to roam
free. She aims to compensate for what the law lacks. She’s a
kind compassionate person who looks out for the well being
of people around her. She and their boss, Jung Do Young
(played by great actor Chae Jae Won), create a super risky
plan to bring the criminals to justice by roping in Sa Do
Chan to act as Baek Joon Soo.
At first, Sa Do Chan refuses
outright, even with the threat of arrest over his head, but
he finally agrees when he hears that the prosecutors are
searching for a faceless gang boss nicknamed Grizzly. We
learn that Sa Do Chan too has been looking for him for years
because he thinks that Grizzly is his dad’s murderer.
So begins a thrilling action
packed series of events filled with conning, secrets,
mysteries, switches, crime and a teeny bit of romance to
please younger female viewers. (I didn't think it needed
that at all, imo, and I am female, too!).
There’s no reason you shouldn’t watch Switch: Change the
World. Especially if you love Jang Geun Seok; he gives
you drool worthy visuals and acting in his dual roles. The
story may seem a bit like an Indian drama in style but it’s
not as outlandish as it may appear at first. The cast did an
absolutely amazing job and the setups of the con gang
members are immensely enjoyable. Enjoy this under-rated
Korean drama!
