If you’re in the mood for a lighthearted yet meaningful comedy, ‘Daddy You, Daughter Me’ is one of those hidden gems that will catch you by surprise. Directed by Kim Hyung Hyup and released in 2017, this South Korean film takes a familiar trope; the classic body-swap scenario, and injects it with sincerity, charm, and just enough absurdity to keep you laughing while tugging at your heartstrings.
Based on the 2006 Japanese novel ‘Papa to Musume no Nanokakan’ by Takahisa Igarashi, the story begins when a father and his teenage daughter swap bodies after a car accident. Yoon Je-moon plays the uptight, workaholic dad, Won Sang-tae, while Jung So-min is his strong-willed high school daughter, Won Do-yeon. What follows is a comical and endearing journey as the two navigate each other’s daily lives.
What sets ‘Daddy You, Daughter Me’ apart from other body-swap stories is its restraint. It avoids the overused awkward gags (no cringe-worthy bathroom scenes here!) and instead focuses on the emotional growth of its characters. Watching a father experience the pressures of teenage life and a daughter understand the responsibilities of adulthood brings a new level of empathy between the two. Their misunderstandings transform into mutual respect, and their relationship deepens in a way that feels genuine and earned.
Jung So-min and Yoon Je-moon deliver delightful performances, effortlessly switching mannerisms and delivering both comedic timing and emotional depth. Their chemistry carries the film, making it not just a comedy but also a tender family story about connection, empathy, and love.
Go ahead and watch the trailer below.
