• Nigerian comic skit mater, Kemi Ikuseedun created and produced a Nigerian-Korean movie entitled My Sunshine
• The movie which is set in Nigeria has elements of Korean drama styles and portrays a classic Korean high school experience
• Nigerians reacted as some applauded the makers of the movie while others claimed to have found it awkward and cringing

The release of My Sunshine, the acclaimed Nollywood’s first-ever Nigerian-Korean movie, has ignited strong reactions from audiences. The film, which premiered on YouTube on Friday, October 5, 2024, has split opinions among Nigerians, with some embracing the fresh concept, while others find it cringe-worthy.

The movie was produced by Nigerian Comedienne and Actor, Kemi Ikuseedun, also known as Mummy Wa, and directed by Abdulrasheed Bello, also known as JJC Skillz. 

My Sunshine stars Kemi Ikuseedun, Mr Macaroni, Chinedu Ikedieze, Olayode Juliana, Akinsola Esther, Diva Gold, Grace Angel, Khalid Ahatu, Akinsola Esther, Peter Komba, and others.

The movie blends elements of Nollywood and K-drama styles and has excited some viewers who appreciate the cultural fusion. 

Although it is set in Nigeria, My Sunshine portrays a classic Korean high school experience of love and friendship.

Many fans have commended the makers of the movie for pushing boundaries and showing Nollywood’s willingness to explore new creative ideas. Fans of both Nigerian and Korean content have applauded the movie’s aim to mix two distinct cultures. 

However, not everyone shares this enthusiasm. Some Nigerians find the movie awkward and forced, pointing to moments where the dialogue and especially the language feel unnatural. 

Some Nigerians claimed to have been embarrassed at the attempt of Nigerians to speak the Korean language and made mockery of some lines in the movie. 

Despite the mixed reviews, My Sunshine, which runs for 74 minutes, has certainly made waves. The movie may not have won over everyone, but it has certainly started a conversation about Nollywood’s growing international collaborations.

Nigerians react to My Sunshine, first Nigerian-Korean movie 

The release of My Sunshine has stirred a lot of conversations among Nigerians. As the first movie to blend Nollywood with Korean drama, it has generated mixed reactions from fans of K-drama, content creators and Nollywood lovers. While some are excited about the bold move, others aren't as impressed and many people have dropped their opinion on social media. 

A few people said that the movie is great if its was payback for the Korean entertainment industry’s poor depiction of Africa. 

Here are some of the reactions that trailed the release of the movie:

@nkemchorduru9243 posted: “Tik tok brought me here. 😂 Coming from a k drama addict these guys killed it 💯💯. Kudos to the entire cast.”

@RashidatOyindamola posted: “Any K-drama fans here 😅 When I first saw this movie ad on Facebook I was like "wow", Nigeria don com again 😂😂 But I really love this movie ❤❤❤ Kudos to all the cast🎉 I really wish am among them 😢”

@hushlion2397 posted: “Person just dey laugh till movie end😂😂”

@UmuKamara-eg8fd posted: “Can we all take a moment to just appreciate everyone in the  movie, especially the fl’s friend, she ate.”

@gladysugborotu3774 posted: “I can't believe i left my regular korean movies to watch Nigeria korean. Love the combo 💞”

@motunrayofayemi5021 posted: “I can't believe I actually got emotional while watching this, just the way my k-dramas do give me bumps… I rate this a 9/10. You guys killed it been the first attempt.”

@saltedfish posted: “The way I skip with speed anytime I see a short clip of it on TikTok. Abeg I no fit. SHame wan kpai me and I n even join dem do the movie.”

@Osas posted: “Mk dem delete am abeg. E no funny Ghana don dey laugh us.”

@Azgold posted: “Funny how none of them could just say ‘stop we’re doing nonsense’”

@Iam_RubyK posted: “Was worth the watch.”

@Yung_tech3 posted: “Like if it's not stup--idity why on hell will you make such movie ? Like who's your target audience? Because it's definitely not Nigerians I know , go premier in south Korea if Dy even give af , we should stop being stup##id  please.”

@o0Btxt0o posted: “I just saw a Nigerian Korean movie trailer….pls erase it from my mind Jesus. They were throwing in random korean words in it whyyyy😭😭😭”

@mojola0luwa posted: “I am happy about this Nigerian Korean movie. I hope Koreans see it and cringe just like we do when they represent “Aprica” in their movies.”

@adesolaaaaa posted: “Someone said the Nigerian-Korean movie is pay back for K-pop stars attempting to do afro pop and you know what? I f*ck with it.”

@Evil_Asf posted: “Which kind cringe movie be this? Na the Korea way dem dey even speak vex me pass.”

@Nonijaz posted: “I watched this movie yesterday and kept wondering why Korean language was infused?? The story line doesn’t explain this…. Tbvh, it was just okay, I would only recommend if you have so much spare time …5/10.”

@Nellbree2 posted: “Plz plz plz i take Wetin una believe beg una, person no fit just stay one month make una no shock person 😂😂😂😂”

@Debbszn22 posted: “Giving foreigners undeserved attention. Just cause they are not us🤦‍♀️ Well na b’cos country no get future. Can we focus on other languages in Nigeria? I know there are lots more outside the basic three we know.”

@Spraggabenzz posted: “The culprits behind that Nigerian Korean movie needs to be brought to book. And I mean by dss not police.”

@symply_zina posted: “I still don’t understand how you gathered Nigerians to act a Korean movie in Nigeria! Make it make sense fgs! This people ain’t even worth it, for people that portrays Africans as poor and beneath them and y’all are still glorifying them! Big shame!”

@IfeyOkoli posted: “That Korean Nigerian movie is the most foolish thing I've ever seen.”

@oyinnxo posted: “Whoever thought of that Korean Nigerian movie needs to be arrested and banned from ever thinking again.”

@Rainer__r posted: “Omo yesternight I saw first Korean Nigerian Movie bruh never felt embarrassed in my whole life they way I felt about that movie. Yoruba, English and Korean, na collabo. Palliiiiiiiii, Ikeja😭😭😭😭”

10 exciting Nollywood titles to watch in October

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported on 10 new exciting Nollywood movies you should watch in October. 

Among them are Smart Money Woman, A Night in 2005, Inside life, Hijack and My Fairytale Wedding.