Chung-Choon Creator
"Chung-Choon" literally means "spring years" in Korean. In South Korea, it often refers to youth—a vibrant stage in the life course filled with growth, dreams, and creativity.
Motivation
My grandmother had lived alone in the countryside of South Korea for many years, even after my grandfather passed away. A few years before making this documentary, our family started discussing whether it was time for her to move in with her children, as she was aging and needed more care. Eventually, she moved in with us.
At first, it was heartwarming—we were reunited and enjoyed many good moments. But living together also brought unexpected tensions. After so many years of independent rural life, her lifestyle clashed with our urban routines.
One moment that really stood out was during the fall, when ginkgo fruits began to drop on the streets. In the countryside, people collect these pungent-smelling fruits to use for food or health remedies. When my grandmother saw them, she excitedly brought home bags full—larger than her own body—filled with ginkgo. But to us, living in a cramped apartment, it felt overwhelming. The smell, the lack of space, and even concerns about hygiene caused friction. Our home wasn't like her old house with a yard and storage—it was a small city apartment with no room for this kind of harvest.
This was just one example. My grandmother was full of energy and creativity—always doing something, always active. Our concerns weren't just about lifestyle differences; we also worried about her health. We wanted her to rest, stay safe, and slow down. But she didn't want to stop. She had her own rhythm, her own ways.
At first, I didn't understand. But as I watched these everyday conflicts unfold, I started to see things differently. I realized she wasn't just being stubborn—she was trying to hold on to a meaningful way of life. She had always been independent. She loved cooking, growing things, creating. And I saw something of myself in her. As a media creator at the time, I understood that her creativity wasn't so different from mine.
That realization sparked this project. I wanted to connect my own creative practice with the creative spirit of older adults. I wanted to explore and share the message that seniors, too, have the desire and drive to create, to make something, and to express themselves—and that this, too, is part of being human.
Project Synopsis
Originally, I planned to make a fictional film. But as the project evolved, I shifted toward an experimental documentary format—one where we create a framework, but let the real stories unfold within it.
Our concept was simple but powerful: help seniors become YouTube creators. We would assist them with the technical parts—like filming and editing—but let them decide what they wanted to create. Our role was to support and document their creative journey.
We began by contacting community centers and institutions that worked with older adults. After posting flyers and making outreach efforts, we found two wonderful participants: an 80-year-old man who loved learning new things (especially magic), and a stylish, energetic 70-year-old woman with a youthful spirit.
We filmed everything: from recruitment, brainstorming sessions, and planning meetings to the main filming days and final presentations.
The Creators
Joosung, the Magician
The 80-year-old grandfather, Joosung, decided to film a magic show for university students. He was skillful and used a wide range of props and techniques. We helped secure a venue (though we faced a last-minute emergency when our original hall wasn't available—we ended up turning a café into a stage) and invited a live audience. His performance went beautifully and was a highlight of the project.
Hanna, the Vlogger
The 70-year-old grandmother, Hanna, was bursting with ideas. She even rapped like a young YouTuber! Given her personality and creative energy, we decided to make a Vlog—a popular YouTube format where creators share their daily lives. She took us shopping and gave us a tour of her neighborhood. We simply followed her lead and captured her joy and flair.
Behind the Scenes
Our team worked tirelessly. Joongmoo and Hyung handled filming, with Joongmoo dedicating himself to the final edits. Eunsung designed the graphic transitions between scenes, and Hyung played a key role in coordinating with the seniors and supporting them throughout.
Thanks to everyone's dedication, "Spring Creator" was born.
The film won first prize in the Diversity Film category from the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
Closing Message (Film Narration)
This is the final message I wrote, narrated in Hyung's voice at the end of the film:
During this month of helping our grandmother and grandfather become YouTube creators, I thought I was supporting their creative journey—but in truth, I learned and grew even more.
Like the budding flowers of spring, their passion for creativity and challenge reminded me what youth really means. I had always believed youth was for the young—that it was only young people who could dream, create, and explore new things. But through Hanna in her 70s and Joosung in his 80s, I came to see that youth can bloom at any age.
Chung (靑) for blue, Chun (春) for spring—our youth is not limited to a time in life, but is a spirit that creates beauty like a blossoming spring.
Our one-month journey may be over, but each of us will continue to live our creative spring in our own way.
Even in our 30s, 40s—or like Hanna and Joosung in their 70s and 80s—may we forever enjoy our youth.
Spring Creators, fighting! We cheer for all silver creators.