ABOUT THE FILM
Seoul Switch is a whimsical, fun-loving short film that explores Asian American identity like you’ve never seen before.
It’s The Prince and the Pauper set in modern-day Korea but written through a smart, comedic, satirical lens. Historically, the switch trope hasn’t been known for its elevated themes or nuanced characters but this movie pushes the envelope, tackling class, race, and privilege while playing inside this fun premise.
Photo by: Matt Infante
STARRING KEVIN WOO
Most recognized as the main vocalist in the K-Pop group U-KISS, Kevin was born in California and moved to Seoul when he was 15. Woo debuted, recorded chart-topping abums, and toured the world from 2008 to 2017. Since then, Woo has since been pursuing solo music and acting, recently making his Broadway debut in KPOP: The Musical (2022). He most recently booked a major role on eight-time Grammy winner Anderson .Paak’s upcoming film, K-Pops!
Photo by: Matt Infante
FOLLOW SEOUL SWITCH
Film Festival Run
3/9/24 - DisOrient Film Festival - WINNER - Best Narrative Short
4/3/24 - Korean International Short Film Festival - NOMINEE - Best Actor
4/3/24 - Incheon International Short Film Festival - WINNER - Best Short Film
4/21/24 - Hollywood Shortsfest - WINNER - Best Actor & Best Editing
6/7/24 - Short Shorts Asia - Academy Award Qualifying
Photo by: Matt InfanteThe Seoul Switch feature screenplay is available upon request. This year, we plan to take our proof of concept to the big screen—that requires your help! Donate to help our team cover festival entry fees, travel, lodging, social media and marketing.
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LIANN KAYE
WRITER/DIRECTOR
"The first time I saw BTS perform to a stadium of screaming girls, I found the experience bizarre. Later, I realized that this was because I hadn’t grown up seeing Asian pop stars in American media. The more KPOP videos I consumed, the more I realized, 'Sup, these Korean dudes are hot as hell!' Was I being brainwashed? Or was I simply decolonizing my beauty standards? Could the same Korean face be ridiculed in American high school and obsessed over in Korea? It soon became clear that my calling was to write this movie that explores all of these questions through humor, heart, and entertainment."
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KEVIN WOO
LEAD ACTOR / ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
“As a former idol, I’ve read numerous KPOP screenplays over the years, none of which truly resonated with my experiences in the industry. Seoul Switch is a masterclass deep-dive into the KPOP world, written with razor-sharp wit and remarkable attention to detail. Liann clearly did her research. As a Korean American, I deeply resonate with these themes of grappling with Eastern vs. Western views on artistry, identity, and masculinity.”
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NICOLE PALERMO
PRODUCER
Nicole Palermo is a NY-based Producer in both the narrative and documentary worlds. She primarily partners with Imagine Documentaries, where she has worked on the much anticipated Disney+ feature JIM HENSON IDEA MAN directed by Ron Howard, Peacock's STORMY, Apple TV+’s THE SUPER MODELS, and Bryce Dallas Howard's PETS.
Nicole is currently the Co-Producer on TENDER THOUGHTS written and directed by Anndi Jinelle Liggett as part of Indeed’s Rising Voices Program in co-production with Lena Waithe’s Hillman Grad. Tender Thoughts will have its world premiere at Tribeca Film Festival 2024.
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CHARLENE KAYE
SCORE & POP SONGS
As former frontwoman of the critically acclaimed New York-based group San Fermin, KAYE (Charlene Kaye) has played network television and has toured with St. Vincent, Arctic Monkeys, alt-J, and others. Her most recent full-length album, Conscious Control, has earned praise from Rolling Stone, NPR, FLOOD Magazine, and more. Previously she has collaborated with Liann by scoring her mini-series, The Blessing. Liann, in return, has directed over 15 of her music videos.
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JESSE SANCHEZ-STRAUSS
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Jesse Coyote Sanchez-Strauss is a Director of Photography and Steadicam Operator based in New York City. Originally from Ohio, she earned her BFA in Film from UNCSA, specializing in Cinematography. Since moving to NY, she has also trained as a Steadicam Operator (SOA).
Her work can currently be seen in festivals around the world. Her short film Engaged (DoP) has recently screened at over 20 film festivals, including ‘Outfest’ and ‘Hollyshorts’. Her Steadicam work can be seen in the feature film “Black Bear” starring Aubrey Plaza, Christopher Abbot, and Sarah Gadon, directed by Lawrence Michael Levine.
Contact
Send us a message if you’d like to get involved!