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| From left, actors Kwon Sang-woo, Oh Jung-se, Lee Min-jung and director Ma Dae-yun attend a press conference for the film, "Switch," in Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap |
By Kwak Yeon-soo
Actors Kwon Sang-woo and Oh Jung-se will star in fantasy-comedy film "Switch" as best friends who have their identities swapped on Christmas.
"Switch" is a humorous story that follows A-list actor Park Kang (Kwon) who wakes up one Christmas morning to find himself living an alternate version of his own life in which he had chosen to marry his girlfriend and settled into a quiet family life with two adorable kids.
Oh initially plays the role of Kang's overworked manager, Jo Yoon, but thanks to some fantastical forces, he finds himself in an alternate reality where he suddenly becomes a famous actor.
The film brings out the importance of relationships and values that govern our choices in life by juxtaposing career success with the emotional fulfillment arising from deep and abiding love and affection.
Director Ma Dae-yun explained he was inspired by Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" and Mark Twain's "The Prince and the Pauper." He added a Christmas and New Year holiday vibe to the story concept.
"The identity-switching concept is not so complicated. I mean, the situation is complicated, but in the film, it proceeds with a simple narrative. It will bring you to tears and laughter as well as offer insights into the meaning of life and love," he said during a press conference for the film in Seoul, Wednesday.
Ma said he wrote the script with actors Kwon and Oh in mind. According to him, they have made a strong mark in almost every film genre ― be it comedy, action, thriller or romance.
"Both of them embody characteristics of A-list stars and managers. Above all, their buddy chemistry was so good," he said.
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| The poster for the film, "Switch" / Courtesy of Lotte Entertainment |
Kwon said it was the first film that reminded him of his father. "'Switch' made me feel a tornado of emotions. It felt nostalgic, emotional and even inspiring. In many ways, it reminded me of my father and our relationship."
Oh asked the audience to enjoy the film's message. "It throws out a lot of messages about family, love and the lives we choose to live. It is a fun and heartwarming story," he said.
Actress Lee Min-jung portrays Soo-hyun, who also finds herself between two realities, much like Kwon and Oh ― one in which she pursues a high-flying career abroad and another in which she marries Park and lives in Korea.
She expressed her excitement about returning to the big screen after 10 years since "Love On-Air" (2012) was released. "I love movies, especially heartwarming drama genres like 'Switch.' I had a son and I starred in a couple of drama series, so the film project got delayed. Talking of 'Switch,' I really enjoyed the script and liked the cast lineup," she said.
"Switch" will hit local theaters in January.
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