Hey, everyone! Hope you’re doing well. Today, I’m diving into a review of the drama It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, which has gained immense popularity as one of Netflix’s most cherished Korean series globally.
This intriguing psychological romance drama made its debut in June 2020, consisting of 16 episodes, each running for about 70 minutes on Netflix. The series skillfully merges mental health themes with elements of gothic fairy tales, crafting a unique narrative that delves into trauma, healing, and the strength found in human connections. Set within the confines of a psychiatric hospital, the plot follows the intertwined lives of three individuals who aid one another in confronting their deepest fears and emotional scars.
When Wounded Souls Meet
The narrative focuses on Moon Gang-tae, a caregiver in a psychiatric ward who has dedicated his life to caring for his autistic elder brother Sang-tae, all while suppressing his own aspirations and feelings. Their well-ordered existence is upended when they meet Ko Moon-young, a successful yet profoundly troubled children’s book author dealing with antisocial personality disorder. Moon-young becomes intrigued by Gang-tae, persistently pursuing him as he attempts to maintain distance to protect both himself and his brother.
As the trio’s lives become more intertwined, dark secrets from their shared history begin to emerge. The series examines how childhood trauma has molded each character, unveiling connections deeper than mere chance. Through Moon-young’s haunting fairy tales and the brothers’ path of self-discovery, the drama weaves a complex narrative about facing inner demons and learning to heal.
Moon Gang-tae: The Journey of a Selfless Caregiver
Gang-tae exemplifies the archetype of the selfless caregiver who has lost sight of his own identity. His character arc brilliantly depicts someone who has been so focused on the needs of others that he has neglected his own dreams and desires. Throughout the series, we witness him gradually learning to recognize his own value and right to happiness.
His relationship with his brother Sang-tae forms the emotional core of his character’s development. The series handles their dynamic with remarkable sensitivity, showing both the beautiful bond between them and the realistic challenges of caregiving. Gang-tae’s journey toward setting healthy boundaries while maintaining love and support creates some of the drama’s most poignant moments.
Ko Moon-young: The Redemption of a Beautiful Monster
Moon-young is arguably one of the most complex female characters in K-drama history. Diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder, she initially appears as a selfish, manipulative person who takes what she wants without regard for others. However, the series gradually reveals the deep trauma behind her behavior and her genuine capacity for growth and love.
Her character development is masterfully crafted, illustrating how someone who seems incapable of empathy can learn to connect with others genuinely. Moon-young’s relationship with both brothers becomes the catalyst for her transformation, as she learns to see beyond her own needs and understand the impact of her actions on others. Her journey from emotional isolation to genuine connection forms one of the drama’s most satisfying character arcs.
Facing the Butterfly’s Shadow
The series reaches its emotional peak when the truth about the characters’ shared traumatic past is revealed. The mystery surrounding Moon-young’s mother and her connection to the brothers creates a climactic confrontation that forces all three protagonists to face their deepest fears. This revelation not only explains their psychological wounds but also provides the key to their healing.
The climax skillfully weaves together fairy tale elements with psychological realism, creating a resolution that feels both fantastical and emotionally authentic. The characters must literally and figuratively face their monsters to break free from the cycles of trauma that have defined their lives.
A Healing Community
The psychiatric hospital setting allows the series to introduce a rich cast of supporting characters, each dealing with their own mental health challenges. From the patients to the medical staff, these characters add depth and authenticity to the story while reinforcing the drama’s central themes about the universality of emotional struggles.
Sang-tae’s character deserves special mention for its respectful and nuanced portrayal of autism. Rather than using his condition for comedic relief or inspiration, the series presents him as a fully realized person with his own dreams, fears, and agency in the story.
Netflix Success
It’s Okay to Not Be Okay achieved remarkable success on Netflix, becoming a global phenomenon that introduced many international viewers to Korean drama. The series was praised for its bold approach to mental health topics, stunning visual aesthetics, and exceptional performances. Its unique blend of psychological thriller elements with romantic drama set it apart from traditional K-dramas, while its gothic fairy tale atmosphere created a distinctive viewing experience that resonated with audiences worldwide.
If you love psychological dramas with complex characters and meaningful themes, It’s Okay to Not Be Okay is the perfect series to binge on Netflix.
A beautifully crafted series that proves healing is possible when we find the courage to confront our demons and the right people to help us through the journey.
Series Details:
Number of Episodes: 16 episodes Platform: Netflix Rating: 9.0/10 IMDb Genre: Psychological Romance, Drama, Thriller Main Cast: Kim Soo-hyun (Moon Gang-tae), Seo Ye-ji (Ko Moon-young), Oh Jung-se (Moon Sang-tae) Antagonist: Ko Moon-young’s mother (past trauma/psychological wounds)