Hello, everyone! Hope you’re all doing well. Today, I’m diving into a review of the series It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, which has set a new standard for K-dramas by tackling themes of mental health and emotional recovery.
Premiering in 2020, this South Korean romantic comedy-drama features 16 episodes, each running about 70 minutes on Netflix. Created by Jo Yong and directed by Park Shin-woo, it’s far from your typical rom-com. Instead, it’s a masterful exploration of trauma, familial ties, and the complex healing journey when individuals with scars find solace in one another.
The drama is distinguished by its daring visual storytelling, blending fairytale motifs and gothic visuals that reflect the characters’ inner battles. What sets it apart is its genuine approach to mental health, treating it not as just a plot element but as an authentic journey requiring patience, empathy, and professional care.
A Caregiver’s Path: Finding Balance in Love
Moon Gang-tae (Kim Soo-hyun) works as a caregiver in a psychiatric ward, dedicating his life to his autistic older brother, Sang-tae. Gang-tae is the epitome of a caregiver who has lost sight of his own desires and needs. His journey is about realizing that it’s okay to pursue personal aspirations even when caring for a loved one.
Gang-tae’s portrayal is exceptional in showing the often-hidden fatigue of caregivers. He is not portrayed as infallible but human, experiencing frustration and the desire to escape, without being judged for these natural feelings. His path to accepting love and support is as significant as any romantic subplot.
The Introverted Author: Ko Moon-young’s Road to Openness
Ko Moon-young (Seo Yea-ji) is an antisocial author of children’s books, initially coming off as a cold figure lacking empathy. However, beneath her stylish exterior and sharp words is someone who never learned how to love or be loved. Her character’s evolution is one of the most fulfilling in K-drama history.
Moon-young’s stories are metaphors for the episodes, each tale mirroring the characters’ emotions. Her progression from a person who takes without regard to one who learns to give and share is depicted beautifully. Seo Yea-ji’s portrayal brings depth to what could have been a flat “ice queen” persona.
The Heart of the Narrative: Sang-tae’s Unwavering Affection
Oh Jung-se’s depiction of Moon Sang-tae is noteworthy. As Gang-tae’s elder brother with autism, Sang-tae is neither a burden nor an inspirational trope. He is a complex character with dreams, fears, and his own agency. His love for illustration and his budding friendship with Moon-young create some of the most touching moments in the series.
The trio’s relationship forms a unique family dynamic challenging traditional views of romance and reliance. It’s about coexisting and fostering mutual growth rather than “fixing” anyone.
When Trauma Intertwines: The Butterfly Link
The climax of the series centers on a shared childhood trauma involving butterflies, linking the main characters through a distressing incident. This revelation, instead of being forced, feels natural due to the careful narrative build-up. The series respects both the characters’ experiences and the audience’s intelligence in its handling of this trauma.
The butterfly motif throughout the series gains a richer significance as the audience learns how this shared trauma influenced each character’s fears and coping strategies.
Success on Netflix: A Global Dialogue on Mental Health
Boasting an impressive 8.6 IMDb rating, “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” became a global hit on Netflix, initiating discussions on mental health portrayal in media. The series’ unique visual style, merging gothic elements with whimsical fairytale aesthetics, distinguishes it from standard K-drama fare. Global viewers lauded its mature treatment of intricate psychological themes while retaining the romantic essence beloved in K-dramas.
Ideal for Fans of Mental Health Dramas
For those who appreciate stories addressing mental health with depth and respect, “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” is an ideal series to binge on Netflix. It avoids offering simple solutions or miraculous cures, instead depicting healing as a continuing process requiring professional support, personal growth, and understanding from those who truly care.
Reasons to Watch This Masterwork
“It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” demonstrates that K-dramas can be both entertaining and profoundly impactful, presenting viewers with a narrative that acknowledges their struggles while offering hope for recovery and connection.
Series Information
Number of Episodes: 16
Platform: Netflix
Release Year: 2020
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Genre: Romantic Drama, Psychological Drama, Comedy-Drama
Status: Completed series
Main Cast: Kim Soo-hyun (Moon Gang-tae), Seo Yea-ji (Ko Moon-young), Oh Jung-se (Moon Sang-tae)
Main Antagonist: Ko Moon-young’s mother (past trauma/psychological influence)