Troca (2018)

I have watched 60 Korean dramas to date, and Switch is one of my top two shows of all time. I was not even planning on watching this drama, but it turned out to be the most underrated and overlooked gem that I’ve ever seen.

In a word, Switch is exceptional and definitely the biggest surprise of 2018. I normally do not write reviews, but I want other K-drama fans to see this show so that it can get the attention and viewership that it deserves. The writing, acting, and cinematography are phenomenal. I would recommend this drama to everyone who enjoys an intelligent, exciting, and creative show that will keep you guessing until the very end.

But let’s start with what I didn’t like. You have to suspend your disbelief during certain parts, and a couple of the plot devices are not 100% airtight. Also, there seemed to be more names to keep track of than in most shows. That is about it for the negatives.

While no script is perfect, the highlight of this drama is the writing. The plot is like a fast-paced chess game. I love shows that are plot-driven and have great characters, and Switch does not disappoint. The plot is unpredictable, and deception abounds. I can tell that the writer is smart because the script is thoughtful and shows attention to detail. In fact, some of the plot twists and cons are simply brilliant. I typically expect dramas to begin to lag around episode 12 or so, but Switch had excellent pacing and never lost my interest. The ending was so good that it gave me chills.

The awesome and memorable cast of characters was another key part of this drama’s success. It was a joy to watch the interactions between the crafty Sa Do Chan and the upright, driven Prosecutor Oh Ha Ra. The protagonists were people I really wanted to root for, but the antagonists were also impressive thanks to their brains and resources. Heroes and villains were well-matched, and it was hard at times to know who had the upper hand. The con team deserves a special mention for being hilarious and providing lots of light moments throughout the show.

I was unfamiliar with most of the cast before starting Switch, but I was blown away by the acting. They got the facial expressions, demeanor, and emotions exactly right. Han Ye Ri is perfect for her part, as is Jung Woong In. Jung Woong In was great in I Hear Your Voice and My Sassy Girl, but Switch is his strongest performance. Jang Geun Seok similarly did very well in his demanding role, and he had excellent on-screen chemistry with Han Ye Ri.

As for the overall production, I liked the camerawork and editing. I have no idea how they shot some of the more complex scenes (you’ll see what I mean if you watch the show), but I was seriously impressed. The scoring is also perfect. The OST features a range of instrumental and vocal tracks, including some that would be right at home in a spy film. Switch is one of the few dramas where I would listen to the entire soundtrack on its own.

In short, a wonderful and endlessly entertaining show. Switch is a truly exceptional production that should not be missed.

Leia Mais

Okay wow, just finsihed it. It was such fun and exciting drama of 32 epsiodes. We get introduced to both Sa Do Chan and Baek Joon Soo right at the starting, and the plot just dives in. I would definitely recommend this drama for anyone looking for a fun drama of prosecutors and our con man ;)

[May contain spoilers]
This is a drama about how our conman, Sa Do Chan, who concidentally also looks like Baek Joon Soo- a prosecutor. Due to a number of circumstances, he ends up taking Joon Soo's spot while also having to deal with our main female -Oh Ha Ra, another prosecutor. I think this drama was fun and clever and I never felt it dragged. I like the smart villains were out smarter.
Many of us may consider this drama as Jang GuenSuk's comeback to dramas (apart from his side character in Hwayugi). Now this is one I can call one heck of an actor! Played as both Sa DoChan and Baek JoonSoo and the execution between these two characters is really smooth, I for one fell in love with all the expressions that our conman expressed *-* Heck, i wouldnt say just a double role,maybe triple? for he plays not only Joon Soo & Sa Do Chan but also as Sa Do Chan playing Joon Soo. Romance in this drama takes a backseat really, don't watch it if thats all youre going in for. BUT the chemistry between the two of them is defintely there, and so visible too. Not forgetting our side charcters! They all were very much involved in this, making a fully rounded team I hwoleheartedly fell in love with. As for the music, I honestly did not pay it much mind except the times DC played out his plans flawessly.

This drama ended as playfully as it started out. Rewatch? HECK YES. I went through such a range of emotions that I would very much welcome again. And a seson two if there is, but not hoping for much in that aspect.

Once again, if you are wondering if you should watch this or not? yes yes yes, a thousand times yes. Entertaining and crime-filled, with enough humour thrown into the mix. Still not sure? Get through episode 1. Gurantee suck in if you make it past.

Leia Mais

What makes this drama different from other con artist theme? Well, it's the domination of switching between a con artist genius and a righteous prosecutor. Performances of the switching were quite interesting though I found myself a little bit tiring in the middle of the episodes and wondered if I could stop watching the show.

I found the story nothing extraordinary, but the same political dirty strategy. For 16 hours, they were just keep chasing the same villain who seems very perfect above the law, which is really unrealistic for me. In fairness, characterization-wise and execution are decent enough to be watched and some humor to be enjoyed.

I am not saying you don't have to watch this, but just don't hope too much for some story aspects.

Leia Mais

Jang Geun Suk's official come back and he chose a drama where he is portaying a con artist who changes places with a procecutor. Unlike other crime solving dramas with many cases, this one focuses only on one vilain that is connected to the main character's past. So, not much are happening on the story front. There was a big twist towards the end, but not that it isn't easy to predict it. Overall, the story was just okay. When it comes to performances, the switching characters was interesting, though it got a bit tiring after a while, and Geun Suk was good in changing personalities as well. However, at some point, the two weren't that different. Again, the game between who's who, even though it was entertaining at the begining, it got a bit dull. The rest of the performances were really good as well.
Summing up, I think that Switch was just an okay drama and it was entertaining sometimes. Just, don't expect too much from it.

Leia Mais

I really liked Switch Change World. I was hesitant to watch it just because it looked kinda cheesy but I was pleasantly surprised. It has a great cast and I enjoyed the dynamics between all of the characters a lot. The soundtrack was also very enjoyable and catchy with songs I've sought out to re-listen to.

Overall, this drama had a well paced plot, there was a decent balance of lightheartedness and crime-action, and it had a good ending. There wasn't really any romance, but you could see the relationship budding and a true respect for each other developing. I would like to think that a romance is down the road in the hypothetical world of the drama world after the series officially ended. For those of you who absolutely need romance in your dramas, this might not be something that holds your attention. BUT, *I* am one of those people who really thrives off a romance in a drama and I enjoyed this drama quite a bit. The plot was so well-written that I was curious to see what happened in the next episode (there were no lulls in the action which kept me binge watching).

If you're not convinced about whether or not you should watch this drama, I'd encourage you to give the first 3 hours a shot and see if it hooks your attention after our conman and prosecutor start working together for real.

Leia Mais

Jang Keun Suk oppa, jjang!

ahh when i finished this drama just a while back, i should have written a full review. i didn't write one because i only posted a short synopsis upon finishing. seeing how there are literally only 11 reviews on this drama so far really compelled me to write one.

i have to say the story is really great. i found the first several 30 minute episodes a bit dry, mainly because there's not enough sass in the supporting characters of the con team of Sa Do Chan. the other con-dramas i have watched are Legend of the Blue Sea and 38 Task Force, so compared to this drama, those two engaged me a lot quicker because the side characters are as interesting/funny. it didn't help too that the female lead was almost plain unlikeable and boring as hell at the beginning.

but the story and rhythm definitely improved as the episode progresses which pleased me tremendously. i must say the stronghold of the drama lies in the acting of Jang Keun Suk who played both characters of Sa Do Chan and Baek Joon Soo brilliantly and his performance is very gripping and enough to hold your attention for the entire show. but we also have a villain here who gives off a solid performance, of course, played the veteran actor Jung Woong In. i first watched him in I Hear Your Voice and i am glad i found him again here.

the one thing strongly holding me back from almost a full score is with the distasteful outcome of Sa Do Chan's father which was so floppily executed, almost to the point of the writer-director combo clowning themselves. gahh, i still get angry at how badly that scene was executed.

the romance that were hinted at, at the end of it, they ended up with nothing. sighh. i mean she would probably be better off with Baek Joon Soo the stuck-up/righteous/boring prosecutor, but the growing chemistry between her and Sa Do Chan was really cute, so it was such a huge dilemma at least for me, after all those signs of budding romance. but at least we get a small character development on Baek Joon Soo's part when he remembered to call the female guard at the entrance, pretty Mi Ran as Sa Do Chan sweetly addressed her. that was insanely cute!

overall, definitely a very solid con-drama totally worth giving a shot. i don't understand how the rating average gets below than 8.0 but that's honestly sick and fckin ridiculous. a show this good should be rated higher, and i am telling you that it is really a great one! enjoy. ^^

Leia Mais

I know I'm already late writing my review but I just cannot help it. At first, the reason why I watched this drama because I thought the lead female was Kim Su Na. I was actually disappointed when I figured it out it was not her and the female lead is really unfamiliar to me. But this drama is awesome! Actually, I cannot even put words.

I love the villain! He is my favorite villain. His character is always deep, I cried for him in I Hear Your Voice. And here, he loves painting and reading books, he is a one of kind villain. He is just really great!

The male lead, o god jang geun suk just nailed his character don't mention his sexy voice. He made cunning or being a con artist interesting.

All in all, the drama was not at all boring. I'm glad I finished it :)

Leia Mais

"Switch" and "Setting" Round and Round

Drama “Switch” merupakan drama yang epic untuk ditonton dengan plot cerita yang ringan dan full of surprise di setiap ceritanya sehingga tidak dapat ditebak apa yang akan terjadi selanjutnya. Aku sangat menikmatinya. Ini adalah perpaduan performance antara penipu dan jaksa yang belum pernah aku lihat ada di drama drama lainnya. Disini aku sangat sangat memuji dan mengagumi acting Jang Hyuk yang berperan sebagai Baek Joon Soo dan Sa Do Chan. Dua orang yang sangat bebeda sifatnya dan latar belakangnya. Apalagi Baek Komsanim dan Sa Do Chan merupakan poin utama yang menjadi penentu apakah drama ini akan bagus atau tidak. Ada di salah satu scene aku sangat membenci Joon Soo dan sangat mendukung Sa Do Chan. Padahal mereka adalah pemeran yang sama. Aku harap aku bisa melihat drama-drama Jang Hyuk mendatang. Tapi sepertinya dia sedang break ?! ☹
Masuk ke dalam plot cerita ini adalah pemberantasan gembong narkoba yang dikepalai oleh Choi Jung Pil seorang perdana Menteri Senior. Ia memiliki kekuasaan lebih dari presisden alias membentuk pemerintahan bayangan karena ia telah bekerjasama dengan beberapa kepala pemerintahan dan kepala jurnalis. Dalam perjalanan penyelidikan tentu saja tidak mudah bahkan hal ini juga mencelakakan seorang jaksa yaitu Baek Joon So yang dibuat kecelakaan dan hal ini membuatnya sakit jantung yang cukup parah. Selama Joon Soo sakit parah bahkan sempat koma, iapun digantikan atau dalam kata “SWITCH” oleh Sa Do Chan, seorang penipu jenius yang berkomplotan dengan seorang mantan produser film, seorang IT Genius dan seorang mantan perawat. Sa Do Chan sangat jenius sehingga ia dapat terus melakukan “SETTING” yang sangat membantu melancarkan penyelidikan ini. Sa Do Chan sendiri sebenarnya merupakan calon jaksa saat itu dengan nilai tertinggi. Namun, karena masalah hyung yang kini menjadi komplotannya membuat dirinya gagal menjadi jaksa. Dengan bantuan Sa Do Chan dan komplotannya, ia dapat memotong ekor Choi Jung Pil dari bawah. Dengan berbagai cara yang unik dan lucu, hal ini tetntu saja bukan hal yang menyenangkan bagi Geum Tae Woong, bawahan sekaligus menantu dari Choi Jung Pil. Geum Tae Woong sangat terobsesi dengan kekuasaan yang membuatnya tega meninggalkan anak dan istrinya di kampung dan menikahi anak seorang perdana Menter ketika ia masih berprofesi menjadi detektif. Namun, ketika kebohongan itu terbongkar, secara tak sengaja ia membunuh istrinya. Namun, hal ini diputarbalikkan bahwa temannya yaitu Sa Ma Chun, penipu ulung seklaigus ayah dari Sa Do Chan yang dipekerjakan di villanya. Sa Ma Chun bahkan hampir dibunuh oleh Geum Tae Woong dan hal itu membuat trauma masa kecil kepada Sa Do Chan. Ia mengira bahwa ayahnya dibunuh oleh Geum Tae Woong. Begitupun Choi Jung Pil diberitahu oleh Geum Tae Woong bahwa istrinya dibunuh oleh Sa Ma Chun. Sejak saat inilah Geum Tae Woong menjadi orang kepercayaan Choi Jung Pil. Namun, keserakahan Geum Tae WOong tak berakhir disini, ia rela membunuh semua orang dari seorang diplomat yang menjadi distribusi narkobanya, orang yang memegang bukti, seorang kepala bank yang ingin dia ambil alih kekuasaannya. Ia bahkan pada akhirnya mengkhianati Choi Jung Pil sehingga ia menjadi penguasa dari semuanya. Namun, ia berkali-kali jatuh dalam perangkap Sa Do Chan dan komplotannya. Legit banget memang mau nangkep Geum Tae Woong butuh kesabaran tingkat tinggi karena dia memiliki bekingan yang banyak dan sellau melakukan permainan kotor. Tapi, berkat Kerjasama Sa Do Chan, Oh Ha Ra dan Baek Joon Soo semuanya dapat teratasi. Karena sepandai pandainya tupai meloncat akan jatuh juga begitu pula Geum Tae Woong. Semua bekingannya kini Kembali mengkhianatinya dan iapun ditangkap dan mendapat hukuman mati. Aku cukup amaze dengan anaknya Geum Tae Wong yaitu Cho Sung Doo karena ia yang memiliki dendam kepada Geum Tae Woong karena telah menelantarkan ibunya bahkan tidak jujur dan menjadikannya bawahan akhirnya juga mengkhianatinya dan menceritakan kejujuran yang bahkan itu harus mengakui dirinya sebagai pembunuh. Cho Sung Doo, Choi Jung Pil bahkan kim silchang semuanya ditangkap dan harus membayar dari apa yang mereka perbuat.
“Setting” Sa Do Chan selalu sempurna untuk membuat Geum Tae Woong marah besar. Tapia da satu scene yang kupikir sangat mengharukan dan sangat sayang yaitu fakta bahwa sa ma chun masih hidup untuk membalaskan dendam pada Geum Tae Woong. Selama ini, ia tinggal dalam persembunyian dan berusaha menjebak Geum Tae WOong.Ia bahkan sampai memalsukan kematiannya sendiri bahkan kepada putranya. Namun, karena suatu insiden terjadi “switch” yang tidak terduga. Geum Tae Woong gagal dijebak dan bahkan menjebak Sa Do Chan. Sa Ma Chun pun tak tinggal diam dan kali ini ia tidak berhasil meloloskan diri. Ia mati ditangan Geum Tae Woong. Tak terbayangkan betapa hancurnya perasaan Sa Do Chan melihat dengan kepala matanya sendiri ayahnya dibunuh dua kali secara mengenaskan. Disini a lot banget kebenaran untuk diungkapkan. Orang yang tidak bersalah menjadi dianggap biadab. Orang yang pura-pura dianggap korban. Dunia ini terkadang sungguh kejam. Namun, sedalam-dalamnya kebenaran itu dipendam, ia akan muncul pada saat yang tepat. Geum Tae Woong juga menyadari bahwa dunia ini dukkha dan hal itu dimulai oleh dirinya sendiri. Ia amat sangat tersiksa dengan prinsip yang dikukuhkan dalam dirinya bahwa dirinya tak dapat terkalahkan. Aku berharap Sa Do Chan, Eun Ji, In Tae dan direktur Bong takkan pernah pisah selamanya. Karena mereka berempat sangat cocok bersama !!

Leia Mais

A Must Watch Drama

This drama is for someone who's in a desperate need for something...anything. I was in a drama block for about 2 months not being able to find anything to suit my taste. After desperately searching I came across Switch-Change the World |to be honest i had started the drama before but gave up because I didn't like the female lead| and i began to rewatch the drama from epi one and i fell in love and i warmed up to the female. The characters are amazing and the casting couldn't have been better. Anyways I'm not good at reviews but i had to write something for this drama as i just finished it a moment ago and in tears. So yea....go and give it a try and trust me if it seems boring or not like you at first give it 3 episodes |30 mins per epi| and trust me you'll fall in love trust me with either Sa Do Chan, Sung Doo or In Tae...who's to tell maybe even Manager Kim Hyun Wook.

Leia Mais

This drama series is worth watching over and over again. When it comes to story, its a fresh story, unpredictable, entertaining and gives its viewers suspenseful feel. When I'm watching this, I can't wait for the next episode to watch again. You will get hooked in each and every episode. When it comes to its casts and acting, i think everybody worked their part very hard and they blended very well in every scene. To be honest, I watched this because I'm a fan of Jang Geun Suk, and seeing him portray his dual role amazes me more. He did his role very well and you will never get bored in his acting abilities, and he really blend very well with his co stars especially with the female lead. I expect to see him more in future drama series. Speaking of the OST's, all i can say that they're all cool to listen. The music arrangement fits very well in every scene which made every episode more exciting. As a whole, you will never get tired watching this over and over again. I love this !

Leia Mais