The poster for 'Alchemy of Souls'Image via tvN
By
Anja Djuricic
Published Feb 3, 2026, 8:50 PM EST
Anja Djuricic was born in Belgrade, Serbia, in 1992. Her first interest in film started very early, as she learned to speak English by watching Disney animated movies (and many, many reruns). Anja soon became inspired to learn more foreign languages to understand more movies, so she entered the Japanese language and literature Bachelor Studies at the University of Belgrade.
Anja is also one of the founders of the DJ duo Vazda Garant, specializing in underground electronic music influenced by various electronic genres.
Anja loves to do puzzles in her spare time, pet cats wherever she meets them, and play The Sims. Anja's Letterboxd four includes Memories of Murder, Parasite, Nope, and The Road to El Dorado.
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Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents:
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One of the most prominent genres in K-dramas is fantasy, and one of the most used and popular tropes in this genre is body swapping. It's rare to see intersex body swapping, but it happens; most of the time it's two men or two women swapping with each other, experiencing each other's lives for a cautionary or morality tale.
Body swapping usually leads to one person understanding the other in their circumstances, but it's most often about understanding oneself and where the protagonist needs to make adjustments to feel happier or have a better life. As a form of a positive message, the body-swapping trope takes big steps in showing viewers that it's best to be yourself, no matter what. Here are the best K-dramas with body-swapping, ranked by how loved and popular they are.
10 'Big' (2012)
Gong Yoo and a costar smiling near a plant in the Kdrama Big.Image via KBS2
Big is the name of the famous Tom Hanks movie in which a teen boy suddenly wakes up as an adult; the K-drama of the same name might have tried to allude to that, but it's a classic body-swapping tale, with a teenage boy and an adult man exchanging bodies after getting into a car accident with each other. The show was quite popular because it was Gong Yoo's return to the mainstream after serving in the army, and while it held a high viewership throughout, fans were deeply dissatisfied with its ending.
Big follows Seo Yoon-jae (Gong), a doctor engaged to the high school teacher, Da-ran (Lee Min-jung). Da-ran gets an exchange student in her class, 18-year-old Kyung-joon (Shin Won-ho), who is troublesome and treats everyone but her poorly. After Kyung-joon and Yoon-jae get into a mysterious car accident with each other, Kyung-joon wakes up in Yoon-jae's body, while Yoon-jae's consciousness disappears. Kyung-joon now has to live out Yoon-jae's life—go to work, fulfill adult expectations, and have a relationship with Da-ran. Despite some flaws, Big is still one of the most recognizable body-swap K-dramas.
9 'Ghost Doctor' (2022)
Kim Bum stares intently at something ahead in Ghost Doctor.Image via tvN
Ghost Doctor is a very interesting body-swapping drama that leans into possession more than just pure body-swapping tropes. That's why we can call it a medical comedy/drama with supernatural elements, and it centers on two doctors who are opposites in every way, but also side characters who have some unfinished business, and those trying to become the best doctors at the hospital. It's more of a body-sharing concept, with great humor and character development, exploring guilt, mentorship, and unfinished business, both in life and death.
Ghost Doctor follows Cha Young-min (Rain), a brilliant but arrogant surgeon who ends up in a coma, and a younger doctor, Go Seung-tak (Kim Bum), who is a kind but inexperienced resident, and the grandson of the hospital's founder. One day, Young-min's spirit begins possessing Seung-tak’s body, and the hospital becomes chaotic, but experiences unexpected growth and nurtures numerous friendships; the two learn how to be each other and more about themselves. Ghost Doctor is a great show if you want to watch some lighthearted and emotional moments combined into a silly dramedy; the supernatural hook is used as a way to deepen the relationships in the show. A bonus point is Rain, who is one of South Korea's biggest and most prominent multi-talented artists.
8 'Two Cops' (2017–2018)
Jo Jung-suk and Kim Seon-ho arguing while sitting on the ground in Two Cops.Image via MBC
Two Cops is a fun buddy cop comedy with a body-swapping twist; it combines crime, comedy, romance, and an occasional body swap/possession moment. Much of the show's charm comes from the switch up in tone from Jo Jung-suk, who portrays both a detective and a small-time criminal who he switches bodies with. His ability to transform into each of the two characters at any given moment makes even the most serious interrogations chaotic in seconds.
Two Cops follows the tough detective, Dong-tak (Jo), who suddenly finds himself sharing his body with the spirit of a small-time con artist, Su-chang (Kim Seon-ho), after a freak accident occurs. This body-sharing situation presents a constant push-and-pull between the just Dong-tak and the self-interested Su-chang. Though they constantly clash, Su-chang's street smarts pair well with the Dong-tak's discipline, creating an unconventional but effective partnership. It may not be as flashy as some other fantasy/body-swapping entries, but Two Cops uses its concept efficiently, keeping the focus on character dynamics and growth.
7 'Moon River' (2025)
Kang Tae-oh and Kim Se-jeong looking at each other emotionally in Moon River.Image via MBC TV
Moon River is one of the newest historical K-dramas that isn't talked about enough, but has a touching saeguk romance that any fan of the genre would enjoy. The drama has classic body-swapping motifs, but tells the story of the two people who switched bodies through a more introspective lens. As they become each other, they learn about each other's traumas, regrets, and conditions for survival over the years. Moon River is different from other body-swapping stories also because it doesn't rely on the trope as a gag or a hindrance; instead, together with a beautiful atmosphere and character-driven storytelling, it makes the story feel intimate and emotional.
Moon River follows Crown Prince Lee Kang (Kang Tae-oh) and merchant Park Dal-i (Kim Se-jeong), who suddenly swap bodies and begin living as the other person. This switch forces them into each other's roles, leading them away from their predetermined paths in society. Dal-i has lost her memory while Lee Kang finds himself unable to feel happiness or joy. After switching, they learn more about another person's pain, but also about their own paths in life. It's a heartfelt and very emotional story, so prepare some tissues, too.
6 '18 Again' (2020)
The poster of the K-drama '18 Again'Image via JTBC
If 18 Again sounds a lot like 17 Again with Zac Efron, it's because this K-drama was based on the story from the film. It's not exactly a body swap with another person, but rather the protagonist switches bodies with his younger self for another chance at life. This transformation helps him grab some missed opportunities, fix relationships, and observe life from the perspective of his younger self while possessing his current knowledge. Anyone would likely use this opportunity to do some things they missed out on when they were younger, and that's why the story is so relatable.
18 Again follows middle-aged Hong Dae-young (Yoon Sang-hyun), who is on the brink of divorce and distant from his 18-year-old twins. One day, he magically reverts to his 18-year-old body (played by Lee Do-hyun), but keeps all his adult memories and knowledge. Unlike traditional body swaps, his soul stays the same, but the world treats him differently. This shift allows Dae-young to get to know more about his family from a new perspective, hoping they would no longer see him as a stranger. It's a heartfelt and funny drama with a non-traditional body swap, but we can surely forgive it and make it count because the person is in a different body anyway.
5 'Death's Game' (2023–2024)
Death's Game takes body-swapping to bigger heights, by forcing the protagonist to experience life from various people's perspectives. The hopping from one body to another helps Death's Game explore themes of mental health, privilege, and empathy, as well as raise understanding for and across different social classes. Each arc is intense and often brutal, and while it can also be controversial, the drama is intense, led by great performances, and shows a high production value.
Death's Game follows Choi Yee-jae (Seo In-guk), who dies by suicide after losing all hope of leading the life he wanted. But, his life doesn't really end—he meets the personification of Death (Park So-dam), who forces him to experience life again and again, through the multiple bodies of people destined to die. With every new identity, he must confront different lives, choices, and consequences, slowly realizing the weight of existence. Death's Game takes on the colossal theme of mortality itself, asking whether understanding the lives of others is enough to change one's own outlook.
4 'Secret Garden' (2010–2011)
The two main characters walk side by side down a street in Secret Garden.Image via SBS TV
Secret Garden is one of the most iconic body-swap dramas in K-drama history. This is one of those dramas that kind of overuses tropes, but even if they clash, they're still great and binge-watch-worthy. The body swap premise is a way to elicit empathy for one another out of the protagonists, who come from different lives and like different things. They have one thing in common, which is feelings for each other, so it's an interesting pairing. This K-drama launched Hyun Bin into stardom and made him the globally renowned actor he is today.
Secret Garden follows a wealthy CEO, Joo-won (Hyun Bin), who unexpectedly switches bodies with the tough stuntwoman, Ra-im (Ha Ji-won). They're very different—he is spoiled and snobbish, though gentle on the inside, while she's tough and strong, but feminine beneath her exterior. When they switch bodies, they begin to understand each other, and gradually develop a bond; the show leans into comedy, romance, and drama, and the gender role reversal is interesting, too. Though Secret Garden is outdated in some respects, its cultural impact is undeniable, and it set a template many later dramas would follow.
3 'Oh My Ghost' (2015)
Kim Seul-gi watching Park Bo-young and Jo Jung-suk leaning in for a kiss in Oh My Ghost.Image via tvN
Oh My Ghost is another body swap/possession mix, and this one is as iconic as Secret Garden. It was one of the most popular K-dramas of the 2010s, with a rise in viewership week after week; the finale was watched by 7% of viewers in South Korea, which is a pretty big deal. Oh My Ghost stars Park Bo-young, whose sweet appearance and public persona fit characters like the one in this drama very well; her performance helps the show explore the depths of female agency and desire, as well as emotional repression, but all through a charmingly comical, often slapstick narrative.
Subscribe to our newsletter for top K-drama body-swap picks
Explore curated K-drama insights in our newsletter: body-swap picks, rankings, and thoughtful context that deepen your appreciation of fantasy tropes, along with coverage of related K-drama trends and recommendations. Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.Oh My Ghost follows the shy, introverted assistant chef, Bong-sun (Park), whose life changes when she becomes possessed by a bold, flirtatious ghost, Soon-ae (Kim Seul-gi). Soon-ae wants to experience romance by possessing Bong-sun, which totally changes Bong-sun's personality and confidence. She gets noticed by her arrogant boss, head chef Kang Sun-woo (Jo Jung-suk), and the show cleverly depicts the contrast between the two women sharing one body, showing how suppressed desires and self-worth shape a person's behavior. It's a fun, quintessential K-drama for lovers of Korean TV.
2 'Mr. Queen' (2020–2021)
Kim Jung-hyun and Shin Hye-Sun in the middle of a conversation in the K-drama, Mr. Queen.Image via tvN
Mr. Queen delivers one of the boldest and most memorable body-swapping concepts in modern K-drama; in fact, some of its ideas were indeed considered controversial, but the overall result still outshined some of its problems. Shin Hye-sun delivers a stunning performance as both a queen and a medieval woman who swaps bodies with a modern-day man; the chef’s influence and instinct help the queen survive deadly schemes that surround her, while also uncovering hidden truths about her past.
Mr. Queen follows a sharp-tongued, arrogant male chef from present-day Seoul, Jang Bong-hwan (Choi Jin-hyuk), who gets transported into the body of Queen Cheorin (Shin) during the Joseon era. The queen’s sudden change in personality confuses those around the palace, but it also infuriates the people adhering to strict hierarchy and obedience. Mr. Queen succeeds because it fully commits to its absurd premise, and a hilarious body swap turns into a surprisingly layered historical drama.
1 'Alchemy of Souls' (2022–2023)
Go Youn-jung sitting down, looking at something in Alchemy of Souls.Image via tvN
Alchemy of Souls is a complex and layered fantasy series that requires full attention, but is also commanding and interesting enough to hook you right away; the outcome is nothing less than a binge-watch marathon. Alchemy of Souls builds an entire fantasy world and turns the story into an epic by creating a deep lore around the practice of soul shifting, making it dangerous and risky. In this show, body swapping is presented as a threat to the political and social order, and must be used lightly; naturally, it's also used to introduce a romantic bond that transcends time and space (and bodies, it seems).
Alchemy of Souls is set in the fictional nation of Daeho, and it follows a group of powerful mages who use forbidden magic to move souls between bodies. The protagonist is a feared assassin, Nak-su (Go Youn-jung), whose soul becomes trapped within the weak servant girl, Mu-deok's (Jung So-min) body. This forces Nak-su to learn more about her own privileges and where power comes from; she also becomes entwined with the noble Jang Uk (Lee Jae-wook), teaching him her skills and slowly falling in love with him. Alchemy of Souls is one of the most popular fantasy K-dramas out there, and it's a treat for fans of premises like this one; it's truly the best of its kind because of how layered it is, and for its main cast's brilliant performances.
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Alchemy of Souls
TV-14
Fantasy
Action
Drama
Release Date
2022 - 2023-00-00
Cast
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Lee Jae-wook
-
Hwang Min-hyun
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