Korean dramas have long had a presence in Nigeria, but who would have thought that their influence would one day inspire a Nollywood filmmaker to create a Nollywood K-drama movie? Remember those times after long school holidays when we would excitedly talk about the K-drama series we had watched?
If you’re a Nigerian girl, chances are you once had a crush on Gu Jun Pyo from Boys Before Flowers or admired him in City Hunter. And if not, can you really call yourself a K-drama fan? As for me, I joke that I’m a lettuce from the Caribbean – not entirely sure if lettuce grows there, but you get my drift.
Nigerians are quite familiar with strong emotional characters, as seen in our movies that often evoke deep feelings, especially with the classic grass-to-grace narratives. It’s no surprise that many have gravitated toward Korean dramas, which are filled with similar underdog stories and CEO-bully dynamics.
Korean cinema and television have provided a window for Nigerian audiences into Korea’s values, traditions, and societal structures. However, as the “K-drama wave” spread globally, it seems to have taken root in Nigeria in unexpected ways. Who would have imagined that Nigerians would eventually create a Nollywood K-drama series?
It certainly wasn’t on my radar. While it made sense that young people would form fan groups, review K-dramas, and even pick up the Korean language, producing a Nollywood version of these dramas? Now that’s on another level. On reflection, though, Korean dramas aren’t that different from Nollywood epics—they just come with bigger budgets, lighter complexions, and Korean dialogue. I always believed a K-drama-Nollywood crossover would be a hit, but seeing it happen has left me surprised.
Recently, social media was buzzing with videos of schoolgirls in uniforms speaking a language that was unfamiliar to most. Curious, many leaned in closer to understand, but it didn’t help. Upon closer inspection, it became clear that these Nigerian schoolgirls were speaking Korean. Initially, I thought it was just a comedy skit, but it turns out it was a movie.
The film, My Sunshine, comes from Kemz Mama (Kemi Ikuseedun), also known as Mummy Wa from the popular Mr. Macaroni comedy duo. The storyline centers around the high school experience, focusing on love and friendship—key themes that K-drama fans would recognize, but with a distinctly Nigerian twist.
You might wonder how they managed the casting, but the movie features big names like Mr. Macaroni, Chinedu Ikedieze, and Olayode Juliana. Directed by the experienced JJC Skills, it’s currently available on YouTube.
While I think this film brings something fresh and enjoyable to the table—especially as a light watch after a long day—I’m not convinced that this trend will catch on or become sustainable. It still feels somewhat foreign to Nigerian audiences.
However, who knows? Maybe an investor will see potential and finance Nigerian K-dramas on a grander scale. Only time will tell whether that will happen soon or in the distant future.
Don’t miss out, check out other Nollywood movie extensive reviews on NollyReports.