Nigerian Content Creator Kemz Mama on Making K-Drama-Inspired Film, 'My Sunshine'

“I didn’t expect the backlash,” Ikuseedun tells OkayAfrica, responding to comments that labeled the film as try-hard. “I knew full support wasn’t guaranteed, but I didn’t expect negative reviews or mockery. It’s made me more determined, though.”

As Korean culture continues to find eager fans in Nigeria — evidenced by a growing interest in K-dramas and Korean language studies, as well as several Korean-themed events — My Sunshine taps into this cultural phenomenon while also trudging through the complexity of marrying two distinct worlds.

Popular K-dramas like Boys Over Flowers inspired Ikuseedun to make My Sunshine. “I wanted to recreate that nostalgia. Nowadays, a lot of stories feel rigid, and while people enjoy them, I wanted to remind the audience of that uncomplicated love we grew up watching. My Sunshine is a simple movie — no twists, just love all the way through,” she says.

In this interview with OkayAfrica, edited for length and clarity, Ikuseedun opens up about the challenges of merging these two cultures and filming in two languages, the task of finding the perfect cast, and her creative resilience in the face of backlash.

OkayAfrica: What were the biggest challenges while making this film, in blending two distinct cultures, and what was the most rewarding part?

Kemi Ikuseedun: It was tough, mostly because everyone had to learn Korean. A lot of people were excited, especially those familiar with my skits, but for the ones who had never been on set, it was a bit overwhelming at first. We had two scripts — one in English and one in Korean. The actors had to understand both, not just to deliver their lines, but to truly grasp the context. It was a challenge, especially with the intonations, but we got through it, and it made the project that much more fulfilling.

The joy for me is that people, especially Koreans, loved it. And though Nigerians gave mixed feedback, many still appreciated it. Seeing my cast, many of whom I’ve worked with for years, finally getting recognized for something they love, has been rewarding. It feels like a turning point. It’s especially rewarding that what started as a hobby has now become something people see as a talent. My Korean also got even better on set [because I was] speaking it so frequently with people who speak it fluently. I count that as a win too.

How are you processing the negative reactions to the film from some viewers online?

Honestly, any promotion is good promotion. If people are talking, it means they’re watching. I even engage with the comments and encourage them to watch the whole movie before judging. Their views count, and I’m happy to have sparked conversation.

While I didn’t anticipate the negative reactions, I’m not discouraged. I have this childlike stubbornness to keep pushing and believing in what I do. I believe in butterflies. I believe in love and pushback isn’t going to stop me from telling the stories that I want to tell.

In what ways do you think ‘My Sunshine’ will resonate with both Nigerian and Korean audiences?

I think Nigerians appreciate Korean movies, but when it comes to love stories, we’re used to something different. We’ve seen it all, and we’re not as moved by ‘slow-motion’ love scenes or overly sentimental moments, which is a big part of K-drama. Still, this film gives audiences something fresh — uniting Korean elements with our own experiences — and I believe it’ll inspire others to try new things.

Given the success of ‘My Sunshine,’ how do you see yourself continuing to explore cross-cultural projects?

I believe in infusing cultures rather than appropriating them, and that’s something I’d love to continue exploring. I’m open to future cross-cultural films, but it has to come from genuine interest. I need to immerse myself in a culture, do the research and feel a personal connection before I can bring it to the screen. The Korean language is firstly a hobby for me. While I love K-dramas and My Sunshine is just one example of that, I have other interests, and I’ll continue exploring different themes and cultures in my future projects.