The South Korean period comedy A Tale of Legendary Libido (2008), originally titled Garoojigi, offers audiences a bold and unusual cinematic experience. Set in a small Joseon-era village plagued by a strange curse that renders the men weak and impotent, the story follows Byun Kang-soi (played by Lee Beom-soo), a poor and unattractive young man who has long been mocked by others. His life takes a sudden turn when he unexpectedly gains a “special gift” — an extraordinary sexual power.
What makes the film engaging is its clever mix of humor, satire, and erotic elements, using comedy to highlight deeper themes such as prejudice based on appearance, class discrimination, and the universal human desire for love and respect. While much of the narrative leans into sex comedy, it also carries an underlying message: true worth lies beyond surface appearances.
Performances by Lee Beom-soo and Kim Su-mi deliver sharp comedic timing, while the traditional village setting is vividly portrayed. However, the movie stirred controversy due to its provocative humor and explicit scenes, which some audiences found excessive. Nevertheless, for fans of historical erotic comedies, A Tale of Legendary Libido remains a unique viewing experience — both hilarious and thought-provoking.