It's Okay to Not Be Okay (2020)

Hotel Del Luna type vibe

Likes: Kim Soo Hyun. When you see someone that cute, that broken, it brings out your inner noona. Seo Yeji as the unabashed FL and her amazingly low seductive voice. Their chemi. Those kisses. The dark storybook element. Oh Jung Se's terrific performance as KSH's autistic brother. THE DEER. I don't know how they thought of putting that Deer into the story, but I can tell you, it cracked me up EVERY. TIME.

Dislikes: Have you seen SYJ's waist in that pink dress? You have? Good. Please tell me what happened in that scene because I was too busy wondering if SYJ was human.

What I loved about this drama was the FL's brazen personality and unabashed pursuit of the ML. It was refreshing to see that. It was so much fun watching KSH's reactions to SYJs unfiltered flirtiness. Their chemistry was great. They also had a great chemistry with OJS who did a great job acting as the autistic brother. The relationship between the brothers is a complicated one and had many layers that I found touching and heartbreaking, The dynamic between SYJ and OJS added the comedic moments that I enjoyed. I also liked how the drama dealt with mental health, specifically KSH's emotional struggle to balance his guilt, reality, and his own feelings.

I don't know if it's because both dramas were created by Studio Dragon, but the vibe of this drama is very similar to Hotel Del Luna. There's this sort of haunting darkness and I really loved how they weaved the dark children's books through out the story. I wished though there was some more skinship between the leads. Darn Deer! eeeeeeOWWoo

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Lovely from beginning to end!

Incredible script and great cast and good production. Solid performance by all the actors.
There were times I really felt the chills run over my spine and times when the tears ran over my face. Besides the great build up, the comedy written in the dialogues had me laughing out loud many times. Really one of the best dramas of 2020. You will not be disappointed. I really liked it. Now I'm curious what other projects the writer has done and what she might do in the future.

P.S. The actor playing Ssang-tae, Oh Jung Se has done an phenomenal job. The way he portrayed the mannerisms is absolutely spot on! A complete change from his role in 'When the Camelia blooms'. It completely changed the view I had of him as an actor.

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This Drama is not Okay it's AMAZING

I literally just finished this drama and right away I must say it went beyond my expectations and has become a new favourite!

I had this sitting on my to watch list for a bit only really being aware of it due to the children's books being merch for the series. However I did not expect myself to become attached and enthralled it's actors, the music, plot, animation, etc. It's truly the whole package with this one!

The opening of the first episode in itself captivated me with the story like opening and the 3D looking stop animation. It gave a strong impression and made me want to see where this story would go! There was a hint of darkness to the cute animation was like a premonition to what would later unfold in this drama.

One thing I'd love to highlight is the comedy in this one and the funny edits. You'll know what I mean when you watch it! The funny edits were more prominent in the earlier episodes, but I think it fit when things were more relaxed compared to the later half of the series.

The story covered many of my favourite themes and tropes in a fascinating and refreshing way. The main leads knowing each other from childhood but not realizing it (or acknowledging it right away); the characters having their own traumas and helping each other/facing them; an ongoing mystery/ issue that gets resolved; found family, etc. I could honestly go on and on.

The characters themselves were entertaining and loveable (or slowly grew on me). Ko Moon-young was especially refreshing! Maybe I haven't watched enough kdramas yet, but I feel like I haven't seen a female lead as blunt and direct as her. The book signing scene will forever be a favourite for me!
The fact that she has a kind of low voice that can get kind of monotone util she unleashes some rage/ curses felt unique. Plus she's very forward, asking Gang-tae if he wanted to sleep with her and announcing that she's horny.
LIKE YESSSS! GIVE ME MOREEEE!
The kiss scenes are worth it and felt satisfying especially after I watched other dramas with little pecks lol

The Moon brothers were brilliant in themselves and it was great seeing them grow and interact with Moon-young.
I'd love to add that I found myself adoring the patients at OK Psychiatric Hospital and their stories.

Another element I did not realize would be so special was the fairy tale stories/ children's . The style of the books themselves were nice to look at and I enjoyed when the characters would read them/ show them to the viewer. The messages in the female lead's books really felt healing in their own way and kind of make you contemplate stuff, which is something I love in kdramas (like Just between lovers, go watch it lol). The final story book she creates with her really tied their experiences together and gave a happy little bow to the ending (which was satisfying so do not fear).

The only reason I took some points off from rewatchability is because of the identity of the female lead's mother. Once you know it, it kinds of ruins the fluffy feelings in some of the earlier episodes, but I guess you can just observe them again with that new found knowledge in mind. Seriously did anyone else see Mrs. Park as Ko Moo-young's mother???? I was caught off guard and fell for the patient possibly being her.

Anyway I just like the good feels, healing, comedy, and life advice this drama gave me over the course of 16 episodes.
It's one I have to show my mother for sure!

Now I'm not sure what I'll watch after this, it feels like too good of a series to watch another from. Know that I enjoyed this as someone who's watched Chocolate and Just Between Lovers, if you liked the themes of trauma in those, I think you'll enjoy this one too!

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Really good healing drama

This drama was just awesome from start till the end! Loved how the main characters grew with each other and learned to really love themselves and the people around them.

Even the side characters were very interesting and were all thoroughly developed.

The drama had funny elements to it and really, really touching moments as well where you literally can't help but have tears roll down your cheeks.

The main characters matched so well and you know they have good chemistry when you wish they are an actual couple in real life.

I have nothing bad to say about this drama as it had it all!

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this drama will get you hooked

everything about this drama was fantastic but it will not be everyone's taste as it's not your typical kdrama. I personally like this drama because the female lead was strong and I'm tired of the continuous naive and foolish female role but despite her being strong, she was a bit toxic/ crazy but that made me enjoy the story even more. The casting was picked by God's hand, I especially like the male lead's brother acting the most. This series is a rom-com but it also a bit dark which makes it more realistic, even the side characters were perfect in acting their role and you will never got bored of this drama. I 100 percent recommend this

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A beautiful and refreshing story on trauma, mental health, and the healing journey.

As someone who enjoys intense, action-packed dramas, I would say It's Okay to Not Be Okay (IOTNBO) conveyed a completely different message and feel - in a good way. However, it's definitely not for everyone and I wouldn't recommend it to a K-drama newbie as there are many nuances that can make the drama seem "too slow" or "boring." There are also common K-drama themes embedded throughout the drama, so it's not something completely new - but the genre and storyline are what separate this piece from the others.

This drama shows what trauma (and healing) is like through the perspective of three characters - Moon Gang Tae, Moon Sang Tae, and Ko Mun Yeong. All three characters struggled with their own inner demons throughout the show and eventually conquered it through their relationships with each other. It's a raw and emotional perspective of trauma, and displays the truths of how difficult it can be to really overcome your past pains and struggles. I truly enjoyed watching every character develop and grow into who they were meant to be, alongside one another. I did have questions I wanted answers to - specifically about Ko Mun Yeong's mother - but they ultimately didn't affect the closing of the drama. The story came to a good end, with no strings left untied.

The acting was superb, especially Oh Jung-Se who played as Moon Sang-Tae. There were many scenes he played that made me emotional beyond belief - it was so hard to detach from his character, even after the drama ended. Seo Ye-Ji and Kim Soo Hyun are obviously masters at their art as well; their chemistry was off the charts and they definitely lived up to the hype!

Music was a 10/10. But I AM a Heize fan, so I might be biased there. ;^)

All in all, I'd say this drama was a refreshing piece. It's heavy, but not TOO heavy - so you can definitely enjoy it and even rewatch it if you wish. There were definitely great takeaways, and it has a soft spot in my heart.

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Wow just wow

Now usually I don’t usually like watching these kind of dramas, which is why I was a little hesitant to watch this at first because I usually get bored easily, but after seeing how much hype this got I decided to give it a go. Gotta say it was definitely worth the hype. Once I watched the first episode I was absolutely in love with this show. If a show is done right then even if it was a non interesting subject it could be very interesting. I loved this show from beginning to end and would recommend it to everyone. The acting was amazing, the soundtrack was amazing and the show is just aesthetically pleasing.

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Quality narration, quality story and quality acting.

First of all, the subject of the series is very beautiful and different. The theme of love in classic Korean dramas is not the main issue here. So the drama doesn't just make you a regular love story. It blends this narrative with love while slowly showing behind the scenes of two beautiful brother relationship and past events. The way the story is set up, the quality of the production and the great performance of the actors are worth watching this series. The general mood of the drama and Seo Yea-Ji's beauty and acting were one of the things that got me most tied to the drama. We're used to seeing female characters a bit more passive and monotonous than male characters in Korean dramas. But the main female character in this series is a dominant, very different and interesting character. I can say that my favorite series is this series for now.

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How is the mother alive?

I loved this drama but my one complaint is that the writer never tied up the storyline about the mother. Did MY’s father kill her mother or was that just a hallucination the father had because of his brain cancer? For me that was the only loose end. The acting was stellar and I would like to see the leads paired again. They had great chemistry!

The actor who portrayed Sang Tae really deserves an award for his acting. This was a really difficult role to portray and he did it beautifully. I loved his Declaration of Independence at the end. It was heartwarming and beautiful. I laughed out loud during this drama and cried more than I would like to admit.

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It's Okay To Be An Emotional Mess After Watching This

It’s Okay To Not Be Okay has everything I love and seek out in dramas and in stories generally: Deeply flawed characters, a cold, fashionable female character, who pretends to have no feelings, a slow-burn enemies to lovers storyline, complex, lovable side-characters, a beautiful, emotional OST, a magnificent, mysterious cursed house, gorgeous costumes, emotional slo-mo scenes and deep meaning.
And it gave me something else I didn’t expect: A main character that I could relate to and that made me think about the way I’m living my own life.

My older sister is not autistic. But she has a lot of issues. She doesn’t work, is plagued with depression and panic attacks and when she’s upset, she acts like a child, throwing a fit, locking herself in, screaming and crying. It’s very hard to calm her down.

My parents never told me that the reason they had me, was so I could take care of her. But sometimes I think that is kind of what it has turned into. I live with my sister now and have to deal with her fits. Sometimes, I feel like I will have to live with her for the rest of my life because she will be lost without me. And it’s burdening. But she is also safe for me because as long as I have to live with her, I don’t have to go out into the scary world. In a way, we are both holding each other back, just like Sang Tae and Gang Tae.
It’s Okay To Not Be Okay left me feeling ready to spread my wings and find my own happiness.

I loved the way this drama deals with mental illness, trauma and disability. It was very tasteful and hopeful. At first, I thought the residents of the hospital would only have very minor roles. I was pleasantly surprised when we learned about each of their stories. Despite touching upon some dark subjects and being at parts gloomy, the drama never drags you down. I never felt bad by the end of an episode, because it somehow manages to always maintain a positive atmosphere - even when there's a sad or tense cliffhanger.
The way different fairytales are woven into the story is a wonderful idea and very well executed. I also really enjoyed the non-linear storytelling. Of course the fairytale theme is also reflected in the production design - which is nothing short of marvelous, the cursed castle being my favorite set. Ko Moon Young standing on her balcony in her white nightgown, walking down the big staircase or writing in the huge gloomy study... every scene in the Cursed Castle is so aesthetically pleasing, underlined by the hauntingly beautiful OST.

The acting of the whole cast is outstanding. Especially Kim Soo Hyun ‘s and Seo Ye Ji’s portrayal of their characters deeply touched me. I watched this after Seo Ye Ji’s scandals came to light but it didn’t influence my enjoyment of the drama and her role at all. I absolutely adore her in this role. Whether or not the scandals are true, she is a brilliant actress and the perfect fit for the role of Ko Moon Young.

I think one of the things that touched me most – and I imagine will touch most people, is that Gang Tae loves Moon Young for who she really is – with all her flaws, cruel sides and unreasonable outbursts. I think we all have some darker sides and mean streaks, and we feel like we cannot show these if we want to be loved. Seeing this incredibly flawed character being accepted and loved the way she is, made me very emotional.

Up to episode 13, I would’ve given this a perfect 10/10 score. But then I found the plot twist with the true identity of Ko Moon Young’s mother a bit much. To be honest, I would’ve preferred it if her mother had been dead and truly haunting them. The scenes where Ko Moon Young has sleep paralysis and sees her mother’s corpse, are absolutely genius in a “The Haunting of Hill House” kind of way and I would've loved to see the drama go a bit further down that lane. Her mother was also written as too evil, in my opinion. She is the only character that is completely black and white with no humanity to her, which was a bit of a disappointment after 12 episodes full of very three-dimensional and complex characters. I'm not a big fan of pure evil villains - I find them way more interesting when we see some reasons why they became like this.
Nevertheless, this will go on the list of my all-time favorite dramas. And I knew it would be so by the end of the first episode.

It was absolutely brilliant and touched me deeply. I enjoyed every moment of these wounded, lost characters finding their way to each other and finding their happiness. During the montage of their trip with the camping van I cried like a baby.

PS: Moon Gang Tae showing up for the photoshoot with his hair gelled back had me literally scream out-loud. What a gorgeous man.

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An absolutely phenomenal viewing experience.

Personally, I love shows that explore mental health and human psychology, so that on its own was already a good enough hook for me. However, I think what completely sold me was the aesthetic value of IOTNBO. In terms of cinematography, I thought that the shot transitions were incredibly well done; in particular, the ones that stuck with me were 1) the manic episode of a patient in either episode 3/4, 2) the scenes where we had young Moon Young, Kang Tae and Sang Tae film with the adult versions of the three main characters. Accompanied by an overall amazing OST, the entire production of IOTNBO is an artful masterpiece.

Script was super well-written - there were a lot of thought provoking statements scattered across the entire show, and I felt that each scene was so thought out and significant to the plot. I want to give kudos to the author for having been able to keep me on my toes every weekend. I was always excited for the next episode to come out, so I think it's safe to say that my weekends will never be the same again after watching this show. One more thing that I guess falls under the script category would be the lessons that can be derived especially from the stories written by our female lead, Go Moon Young. Although the fairy tales were really short, I thought that they were relatable and carried such deep meanings.

Another beautiful thing about IOTNBO was the costumes and sets. I greatly admire the costume director's attention to detail when it came to dressing the characters. When you have a chance, you should check out the online articles talking about what how she came up with the concepts behind each character's costumes. I harbor the same feeling for the set designers - my two favorite sets of IOTNBO were the dining room and kitchen in the Cursed Castle, and Director Oh's office in OK Hospital. I thought they were both very charming and I loved the color palettes for and the knick-knacks that they had in each room.

Now for the actors and the characters they play. In general, I thought that all the characters had depth and that they were very lovable. Some of the supporting cast also made things a lot more lighthearted knowing the fact that IOTNBO was a show with some pretty heavy themes (honorable mentions to Ahjumma, Director Oh, Head Nurse Park, Joo Ri, Sang In, Seung Jae and Jae Su). However, I think for this essay of a review, I will focus on the character development of the three main characters of IOTNBO.

Seo Ye Ji as Go Moon Young was out of this world. Cold and unable to overcome the demons of her past, Moon Young grew up having feared her mother her entire life. Despite that, Moon Young was incredibly perceptive and was able to see through people, almost always doing the right things for those around her. I'm glad that as the episodes progressed and Moon Young learned to be more empathetic, she gradually began to understand what it means to love and be loved. I couldn't imagine another actress who would've done Go Moon Young justice.

Kim Soo Hyun also did a really good job with Kang Tae, and I liked how after being so lonely for so long, and having to fend for himself and his brother, he learned to open up and lean on others as the series goes on. I think throughout this whole show, Kang Tae was the character who had to take on the most emotional burden. But since his default is to protect those around him, he ends up neglecting himself. Towards the end of the show, he learned to face his problems head on, and also started putting himself first.

Our final main lead was Oh Jung Se as Moon Sang Tae, and man did he nail the role. There are so many nuances to Sang Tae's character, and the fact that Oh Jung Se was able to capture all of it was amazing. Sang Tae's character development was the most prominent and heartwarming. and the way I like to see it is that while Moon Young and Kang Tae's development was like an upward curving arc, Sang Tae's development was more step-wise. He sort of takes in everything and processes the information, and then applying whatever he has learned to his life. Sang Tae learning that blood does not equal family, and understanding that overcoming his trauma will help him protect his loved ones, moved me beyond comprehension.

All in all, I think that IOTNBO was a cinematic genius. With many scenes that sort of made me sit back and think about what was going on, I was granted the opportunity to make open-ended assumptions and references to other scenes. I really enjoyed talking to my friends about the drama while watching it, having discussions about the mental health themes and applying the lessons I learned from the drama in my own life. A very important takeaway that I got from the drama was also that most problems in life aren't as big as we think they are. We just have to gain the courage to look them in the eye, and take the steps necessary to overcome them.

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