Body swaps give a whole new meaning to “putting yourself in someone’s shoes” in K-dramas. Across time, space, and even gender, these characters find themselves in situations ranging from heartbroken to comical. For many, it’s a chance to rethink their lives, while for others, it’s seeing life through the eyes of another. Here are five K-dramas where roles and souls are swapped with serious and comedic consequences.
These K-dramas offer a blend of comedy, romance, and deep reflections on life, through body-switching stories.
“Mr. Queen”
Jang Bong Hwan (Choi Jin Hyuk) is an exceptional chef at the Presidential Palace. Arrogant and seductive, he is accidentally transported into the body of Kim So Yong (Shin Hye Sun), a queen of the Joseon era. What follows is a comically chaotic situation for Bong Hwan, who finds himself in the body of a woman in a time and place that is completely foreign to him. Known to be a seducer, he must now navigate the life of a queen. The queen’s unusual behavior causes disorder at the palace, and Bong Hwan uncovers secrets thanks to her curious nature. Bringing modern flavors to royal cuisine, “Mr. Queen” also addresses the social prejudices and gender inequalities of feudal times, while offering a new vision of love and power.
“Secret Garden”
Gil Ra Im (Ha Ji Won), a stuntwoman aspiring to become a martial arts director, meets Kim Joo Won (Hyun Bin), a rich and narcissistic CEO. Their meeting turns their lives upside down when they exchange souls. Ra Im ends up in Joo Won’s body and vice versa. As they try to understand what is happening to them, deep feelings emerge and an intense romance develops. Joo Won becomes more empathetic and caring, while Ra Im realizes that love doesn’t need to be complicated. The chemistry between Hyun Bin and Ha Ji Won makes “Secret Garden” captivating.
“18 Again”
Hong Dae Young (Yoon Sang Hyun), 37, is going through an existential crisis. After an accident, he gets the chance to become his 18-year-old self (Lee Do Hyun) again. Basketball star, he can now live his life the way he always wanted. “18 Again”, an adaptation of the American film “17 Again”, is a story of second chances, tackling growing pains, first love and parental pressures. Lee Do Hyun shines in his role, perfectly playing a mature man in a young body.
“Branding in Seongsu”
Marketing team leader Kang Na Eon (Kim Ji Eun) and idealistic intern So Eun Ho (Lomon) exchange souls after an accidental kiss. Na Eon, in Eun Ho’s body, discovers the challenges of life as an intern. The drama also includes thriller elements with a psychopathic killer. “Branding in Seongsu” mixes romance, emotional obstacles, intrigue and revenge. The chemistry between the two main actors is a strong point of the drama.
“Miss Night and Day”
Lee Mi Jin (Jung Eun Ji), unemployed for seven years, finds herself in the body of a 50-year-old woman, Im Soon (Lee Jung Eun), after a scam. During the day she is Im Soon and at night she becomes Mi Jin again. She takes advantage of her new identity to find a job and ends up working at the prosecutor’s office, where she meets Gye Ji Woong (Choi Jin Hyuk). This fantasy drama addresses themes of class and ageism, while providing fun adventures and comedic situations.
Which is your favorite?