In the realm where humor meets heartfelt storytelling, director Younggeun Kim finds his stride with Allergy. What began as a lighthearted quip about a friend’s love life evolved into a cinematic exploration of vulnerability, perseverance, and the courage to embrace imperfection. With a knack for turning the mundane into the extraordinary, he crafts a narrative that’s as relatable as it is poignant, blending subtle humor with emotional depth. Speaking to us about his creative process, the director shares how a moment of wit became a platform to inspire audiences to confront their own invisible struggles with courage and resilience.
What inspired you to create Allergy?
The idea came from a casual joke I made while listening to a friend’s relationship troubles. My friend was venting about how someone seemed to like her based on the other person’s behavior but wouldn’t make it official. To tease her, I joked, “What if he only dates through nudging, has a job related to judo, and is even named Kim Judo?” That little quip stuck with me, and I jotted it down in my notes. Eventually, it became the basis for this film.
How did you come up with the backstory for the protagonist’s confession allergy?
While developing the concept of “a man who can only date through nudging,” I wanted to add a layer of empathy to the character. I thought it would be compelling if his struggle was something unavoidable, like a force of nature, but not tied to some grand destiny—just something mundane yet relatable. That’s when I landed on the idea of an “allergy,” something many people deal with in real life.
What emotional aspects did you focus on during the directing process?
The protagonist, Judo, has a very straightforward emotional drive—he loves Miju and just wants to move forward with her. So, I decided to focus more on Miju’s emotional arc. Her feelings of exhaustion and frustration from not receiving affection despite her love for Judo became the emotional centerpiece.
What was most important when portraying the protagonist overcoming his allergy?
Judo knows the solution deep down but keeps hoping for a shortcut. He tries therapy and even resorts to a shamanic ritual, but ultimately, it’s about finding the courage to take action. I emphasized his journey of hesitation and bravery, especially in the scene on the bridge where he reveals his struggles. Even if it made the cut longer, it was crucial to show that moment of vulnerability.
What was the most challenging scene or moment during production?
The bridge scene in Jamsil was particularly tough. It was freezing that day, and the cold drained the equipment’s batteries quickly, causing the lights to shut off at one point. We had to schedule an additional shoot, which was also difficult due to the harsh weather. Timing the dialogue with the passing train added another layer of complexity.
What message do you hope to convey to the audience through this film?
If there’s something inside you, like the “allergy” in the film, that you’ve been unable to overcome, I hope this story inspires you to take a leap of courage. Even if you stumble and get hurt, I want to encourage that spirit of trying again.
What kinds of films do you hope to make in the future?
I’ve always loved genre films, and my first project was in that space. I’d love to return to creating suspenseful genre movies. Someday, I’d also like to produce a musical film.
Terafty 
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