WELL WRITTEN AND ACTED
story- I would've made it a 10/10 however I recently read another review that pointed out a loophole w/ regards to the mother of the lead character and although I forgot about it, the review is actually right. Other than that, I can say this drama is well written. The writing is grounded in reality that it prevents the story from becoming over the top. Which is great for a kdrama that talks about different mental health issues, since certain creative choices might tarnish the pereception of the audience towards the actual topic and the people who experiences it in real life. The writing also made the characters fleshed out, not like any typical dimensional character that's prominetnt in a lot ofther kdramas. Lastly what I love about the writing is that it was able to make a long enough resolution that felt real after all the hardship that the characters experienced. Unlike other kdramas that had a conflict / conflict again at the last episode and try to resolve it at the same episode as well *coughs: My ID is Gangnam Beauty, Fight For My Way, The Tale of Nokdu, etc.*acting/cast- Everybody acted really well especially the three leads. Although personally I think the two leads (the romantic couple) could've had more chemistry on screen.
Music- It's good. I'm not korean so i don't really understand the lyrics but I can It's bad that I remember it for being awful. The music did it's job properly.
Rewatch Value- The whole series is rewatchable since the story is well written. Personally though I will not rewatch as a whole becuase it's too serious.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A MUST-SEE DRAMA
"What the Shadow Witch has stolen from them was not their true faces but their courage to find happiness."사이코지만 괜찮아, or better known with its English title, It's Okay to Not be Okay, is one of the dramas that I have been waiting to air because it is the small screen comeback of Kim Soo Hyun after serving in the military. That's why this is a very special one. Just in case you didn't know, I have been a fan of Kim Soo Hyun since Dream High era. Anyway, in this blog post, I'll be sharing to you the things I like, hate (if there's some) and lessons I learned in this drama. I may have some spoilers here so read at your own discretion.
Things I liked about this drama
The animation and VFX
As a multimedia artist, I am definitely impressed with the animation and the vfx of this series. I like how they used stop-motion animation to give this creepy vibe. Stop-motion animation is a meticulous type of animation. It requires a lot of patience that's why I really appreciate it. Also, I also like how they presented the main characters. They give me some kind of Addams Family vibe.Regarding the vfx, since they showed us at the end that they are using the blue screen for the scenes in the balcony of the castle, I must say that I am truly impressed on how they made those effects. Hands up to the vfx team.
The cast line-up
This drama has a solid line-up. The actors and actresses in this drama are so amazing. Well, amazing can be an understatement. Every actors and actresses fit with their roles and well, they also fit well for each other. I mean, I can't imagine other actors playing those roles. I also like how the main characters' past selves really look like their younger version. The casting team did well. And speaking of casts, Oh Jung Se is really a versatile actor! I first watched him in When the Camellia Blooms. His character here is really different from that character and he pulled it off very well. I hope he wins an award for his role here.
It tackles about Mental Health
Mental health is something a lot of people are afraid to talk about. Maybe because they are not that informed about it or they just don't want people think that they're crazy. Admit it or not, a lot of people will label us crazy when we tell them that we visited a psychiatrist or psychologist. As a person who is suffering from depression and anxiety, this drama gave me hope that those people who are not that aware with mental health and mental illnesses will have an idea about it and how they can deal with it. And also they gave me an assurance that I can recover from my mental illness.
The stories within the story
The fairy tale story books that Ko Munyeong wrote were really an eye-opener. My personal favorites are The Boy who Fed on Nightmares, The Cheerful Dog, and the Finding the Real Faces. The main reason why I loved this is because I can relate to the stories. I keep on thinking, is it really made for kids or is it made for adults? I love how adults can relate in these children books.
Aside from that, it gave me another perspective on how to look at the fairy tales. We always think that this is the moral lesson of the story because our parents or teachers told us so, but in fact, there are more lessons that can be found there. And I love how Ko Munyeong pointed it out.
The emotions it gives me
This drama will give you a roller coaster kind of emotions. One minute you'll see yourself crying and suddenly you will burst out laughing. A single episode can make you experience a lot of emotions. I think that this drama wants us to release those emotions because there are times that we also try to hide these.
The story twists
There are a lot of twists in this drama and that is what makes me want more of it. There were just so many mind-blowing happenings. Spoiler alert, yes it's a happy ending. I actually expected it already but I never thought that this happy ending can affect me equally with a sad ending. Maybe because I saw the development of the characters. It's probably one of the most satisfying ending. I personally love it. It was not the ending I was expecting but it was the ending the drama deserves, a happy one for each one of them.
Things I somehow hate in this drama
Questions that were not answered
SPOILER ALERT. The main question is how did Ko Munyeong's mom suddenly live again? Was she resurrected or something? I don't remember watching a scene telling how she survived from falling from the stairs knowing that a lot of blood spilled that time. Because somehow, it doesn't make any sense to me. I just need this question to be answered and we're all good.
Lessons I learned from this drama
I'll be writing a separate blog for the lessons I learned from each character because I think this review will be long once I added those. Anyway, these are the general lessons that I got while watching this drama.
Taking care of our mental health is as important as taking care of our physical health
Most of the time we tend to neglect our mental health because we consider it as a "not important" part in our lives. But in this drama, it shows us that mental illness is an illness. It is not something to be pushed away. It needs to be treated so that we can fully live our lives.
Blood-related or not, it is the bond and love that matters
We can see how the friendship of everyone grew. They may not be blood-related but you can feel the love that they have for each other. One example is Jaesu. He is definitely the best example of a best friend. He is just there for Gang Tae every time he needs him. And he is just so happy that at the end, Gang Tae called him "Hyung (older brother)". You can also see Nam Juri's mom. Look at how she takes care of everyone! She was just a landlady but she ended up being everyone's mom. The way she takes care of everyone is really heart-warming.
For parents, your children are not your artworks
Yes, you brought them to this world but that doesn't mean you can control everything in their lives. They are a separate human being. They belong to themselves. The thing you can only do for your children is to give them support and love they need and guide them while walking on their paths. Note, guiding is different from dictating what to do.
For children, your parents can make mistakes but that doesn't mean they don't love you
Like in Gang Tae's part, he grew up thinking that he was never loved by his mom, that he was born just to take care of his brother. But when he is sleeping, we can see how his mother loves him. It's just that his brother needed more attention. Our nation's eomma once said, cut your mom some slack.
And of course, it's okay to not be okay
Just like what the title says, it's okay to not be okay. It's okay to feel sad, angry, or just feel nothing. It's okay to show the world what our real emotion is. Because we're human beings. We're not robots who don't feel any emotion. Release your emotions instead of bottling it all up. Cry if you must. But after all these heartbreaks, let's all stand up together and move forward.
Conclusion
It's Okay to Not be Okay is a drama that I will cherish forever. It's now listed as one of my favorite dramas along with W Two Worlds, Angel's Last Mission: Love, and Scarlet Heart Ryeo. This drama will give you a roller coaster emotion. It will make you cry, laugh, angry, kilig, and everything you can think of while giving you a lot of life lessons. Each episode may be longer than the usual, but you won't feel like you're watching a long one because everything is well-packed. I'm very thankful for those people who created this drama. It was worth it. Watch out for my blog about the lessons I learned from each character of this drama.
Was this review helpful to you?
Drama of the year
Saying goodbye to It's Okay To Not Be Okay was the hardest I've ever felt. It has everything I want in a drama. Love line is so subtle, no unnecessary kisses or bed scene. Character development is on point! The casts is good at portraying their character. I might say Moon Sangtae is my favourite. I have an autistic brother so i know how autistic people behave and Oh Jungse nailed it. I teared up mostly at his scene. Thank you Moon Sangtae for proving to us that having an autistic family wasn't a thorn all along but every silver lining has a cloud. I couldn't possibly thank the writer for being brave enough to write this kind of plot amidst many cliche drama nowadays. I truly believe she has open many eyes for what mental illness is and what autistic is. They are also human so they have feelings. It may not be everyone cup of tea but it definitely mine. I'm going to miss them so much ??Was this review helpful to you?
beautiful, creepy, meaningful and lustful
Despite being a skilled worker, Moon Gang Tae (Kim Soo Hyun) struggles to settle in one psychiatric ward for longer than a year; which seems to be due to his and his brother's Sang Tae (Oh Jung Se) trauma and current situation. One day, he met a successful author Ko Moon Young (Seo Yea Ji), who writes dark-toned children's fairytales and who is obsessed with him at the first sight. There are reasons of why these people are the way like they are, and those reasons seems to be darker than as it seems as first…I really enjoyed this drama for the cinematography, vibes and unique animated visuals of the fairy tales. They’re beautiful, creepy, and perfectly represent our female lead, Ko Moon Young. It’s fun how she was introduced as a dark fantasy writer aimed at children, who has a kleptomania for knives. Seo Ye Ji was phenomenal portraying her every movement and talk, showing Moon Young’s psycho and powerful aura. At times I got bored with the plot, but she’s the reason for me to keep watching. Her chemistry with Gang Tae, can only be said as seductive. The tension between them was intoxicating, especially the firsts times when they were enemies. Another thing, the Moon brotherhood were so genuine and emotional. Sang Tae’s appreciation towards art was so endearing and self-soothing. When he sees a mural, the world is more energetic and warm for him and I love the emphasize on that aspect.
This drama also has perfectly engaging OSTs. The OSTs blurred the lines among the various genres in this show; romance, comedy, suspense, and a bit of horror. The only thing that was not as engaging to me is the mystery subplot, it was predictable, too long and anticlimactic. Other than that, as mentioned, everything was beautiful and worth-watching!
Find me on Instagram: @kdramajudge
edited Mar, 2024
Was this review helpful to you?
Wow, just wow
I feel like I have to write a review on this piece of art. This series allowed me to once again fall in love with k-dramas.STORY -
I loved this unique concept where they didn’t shy away from topics such as mental health and diagnoses and since these topics are, still, somewhat taboo in Korea - it was even more unique. I watched one episode and I was hooked, this is one of the few k-dramas where I didn’t feel the need to skip even a second. There wasn’t one scene where I felt as though it was boring or I felt the need to skip.
ACTING/CAST -
I cannot praise this casting enough!
Seo Yeaji and Kim Soohyun were the perfect leads for this k-drama, their chemistry was out of this world and I found myself giggling and peeking through my fingers every time some minor thing happened, even their eye contact made me all bubbly. I have yet to find another k-drama that has this sort of impact on me. And man oh man do I love the clothing choices for Seo Yeaji’s character, the whole image just fit her perfectly.
I have to take another moment to really praise Oh Jungse for his outstanding performance. As someone who has been diagnosed with Aspergers (a form of autism) and who has a brother with bigger problems related to autism, I felt as though I could relate to some of the things that were being represented in the series as someone who both has a “light version” of it but also as someone who has a brother who is very similar to the character in the series. For the first time I didn’t feel offended by how a movies/series portrayed the diagnosis. Although autism is very individualistic, I could identify some of the similarities and just uuuugh great acting really!
REWATCH VALUE -
I would really watch this over and over again, and although I’ve rewatched some scenes - I still feel that same magic as the first time I watched it.
Honestly I don’t even need to wish that I could unsee it only to watch it for the first time again, I can just watch it again and it feels the same as the first time.
I would really recommend.
Was this review helpful to you?
What you need to know before starting this 16 hour journey.
This was one of the top notch drama I've seen this year and I've seen a lot through my life times which is not that many. First off I really like the plot development that happened in each episodes. At first I was kinda hesitant to start because of the drama title also because the writer was someone who I have not heard of, but I would suggest don't let that stop you from starting this amazing done drama.The drama not only talked about mental illness, and different disorders, but it talks about the relationship about different personality individual that have things that they are dealing with, and are more similar than they may think.
What i really liked about this drama is everything ties with each other and how the representation was done. There wasn't anything that I disliked about that show, but other than that it ended too quickly. The main lead had a lot of chemistry with each other and I like how they heal each other and different ways. There was only one antagonist that tried to make it hard for the main characters lives, but you have to watch to find out more.
The OST was really good and I would highly suggest giving this a try whether or not your a fan of Kim Soo Hyun, Oh JUNG SE or Seo Yi JI. I appreciated the message that they were trying to give out to the viewers. However, I wouldn't rewatch it not because I didn't enjoy the drama, but I think one is enough to remain in my memory for a long time.
Was this review helpful to you?
Must watch
I’m so upset this drama has ended I want to follow the three of them around forever! For the first 2 episodes I was majorly confused and not sure if I would like it and continue watching it because it seemed too dark but I cannot be more overjoyed that I stuck with it. Not only does it have great storyline and screenplay- there’s not a single character or scene that is unnecessary but the characters are so deep and intricate performed by the most phenomenal actors that there’s is no option but to feel each of their pain and anguish. Also just cannot fan girl over gang rae and MY more I love the two of them so much I want to watch them everywhere! Such perfect actors for such perfect roles! This is litterally one of the best kdramas I’ve watched!Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A healing journey that you didn't know you needed even with the "plot holes"
This may be a long review, but I wanted to point out a few things how I felt about this drama compared to what some others have written.I love this show, in a way, I'm like GT, but I'm slowly working on healing. Exactly how this show does with the characters, they heal over time. Some people think that the beginning of the show was the best and then it slowly deteriorates from after the first 5 episodes. This show starts as a dark/gothic/mystery. But the only reason that is, is to set the stage for when the healing begins. Healing is a slow process it takes time. Like the way this show does with the characters.
The comments that I've read that kinda peeves me a little. Is that some think that it's the 'my mom killed your mom' cliché. It's not a cliché for how they did this. They did it with style and a way that makes sense and moves along with the story.
Now the biggest problem ALOT of people seem to have is the mother arc. Why is her mom still alive and why is it the Head Nurse. The Head Nurse was least likely person (at least to me). It also didn't need to be a random person we've never met. That would be harder explanation to buy. But the mother needed to be alive for our main characters to heal. There wouldn't have been any closure if she wasn't alive. Also with the mother arc comes with, how did she survive. And this part I may get some backlash for but: I'm okay with how they didn't explain how she survived. Not gonna lie, at first I was a little disappointed that we didn't find out how she survived, but then I got to thinking about it afterwards. The first couple of episodes, MY said she registered her moms death years ago. Maybe part of her knew there was a possiblity of her mother still being alive. Also MY mentioned that her mother dissappeared in the basement (we assumed her father collected the body, maybe thats not the case).
Also, what really made me okay with not knowing how the mother died is this: this show has tied up most if not all the loose ends. It came around in full circle, even bringing back patients that have now healed. You think the creators didn't think about this "plot hole"? I think they made it intentional because to really make our main characters heal is to have the mother alive. To confront the past of how GT and ST mother died. And also have MY face her biggest fear, her mother. Also, it doesn't matter how she survived. It doesn't go along with the story. Also, MY didn't care how she survived only now that she was back in her life. She could have easily asked what happened when she visited her mom in jail. But she didn't ask, because she didn't care. It's the same as how it was with her dad. To her both of her parents died years ago. All she wants to do is forget. And thats what she even told her mother, that she wants to forget her.
So to be honest I'm okay with not knowing how the mother survived, because it doesn't matter how, it's that she did.
The reason why I love this show is because it takes you on a journey. A journey you don't expect, but a journey you would miss if you didn't take it.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Confused.
huh!? keep in mind ive dropped this drama after 8 episodes and may be lacking some major twists that magically make up for this drama's faults, so let me know if thats the case.im VERY confused by the fact that this drama appears to be romance driven and that many of its glowing 10/10 reviews are commenting on how "amazing" the romance aspect is. what aspect of it is beautiful to you guys? the FL using and manipulating the ML's autistic brother into living with her so the ML is then forced into joining them? the whole "i want him and i always get what i want" attitude that drives all of her horrible, shitty decisions and behaviour towards everyone that comes in her way? her blatant disregard for others and their feelings, despite how she expects others to accommodate hers? the way she stalks the ML at the beginning and harasses him until he gives in and cracks a smile? the second i saw him having a lovely little flashback to the time she tried to stab him, then skipping joyfully towards her and asking her to go on a trip together (only to then have her almost drive into a wall and kick him out the car because he mentioned having to look after his autistic brother) i knew i couldnt wait to see if there was some kind of reason for these behaviours.
mental health may be an explanation (although ive read from other reviews that the drama doesnt really end up addressing any diagnosis) but it certainly isnt an excuse for romanticising the relationship between the leads. whether she magically changes into a good person or not further down the road, id probably assume it was only because she'd finally gotten what she wanted and not because she'd faced any major consequences and had to reevaluate how she approaches similar situations in life... or god forbid, gotten some professional help. as someone who suffers from MH issues, seeing the FL distance herself from the ML and attempt to work on herself and her issues before them coming back together or even her learning how to live by herself, would have been wonderful and i would've enjoyed a story like that much more.
points up for the acting, visuals and the smooth transitions and editing. especially throughout the first few episodes. i also enjoyed the supporting characters, and would've loved to see their endings if not for the fact that the main story ruined it for me. the soundtrack was also great. i want to point out that im not criticising any of the actors here, as i think they all did a pretty wonderful job, but only the plot and decisions of their characters.
Was this review helpful to you?
Best drama of 2020
KSH, SYJ and OJS really deserve to be praise for their phenomenal performance on this drama. This isn’t a drama that everyone will watch since its topic is more on mental health issues, but i would say that while watching it, i learned a lot from it. It’s not just about the romance of the 2 leads that brought me here but the fact that every episode, you will learned all the different mental health issues and how to deal with them and help them. This is indeed a Human Healing drama. I hope hat this drama will bag a lot of awards in upcoming awards shows. And i hope that people will start to appreciate SYJ’s acting skills. Of course KSH and OJS is already indeed great actors but i hope korean people will start to acknowledge SYJ too.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Definition of a Toxic Relationship
I felt compelled to write a review because it is a travesty that this drama is so highly rated. I have a lot of hate for this drama which I watched weekly as it was released. The only thing good I can remember about this drama is the cinematography and set design.The first couple of episodes caught my attention but as each week went by I found myself less impressed. To me, the main couple was not root worthy. There was one exchange outside the hospital where I thought to myself, “this is toxic.” In general I don’t like labeling things or people as toxic but their relationship was so glaringly toxic I can’t help it.
I was not satisfied with the lack of explanation surrounding Moonyoung’s mother’s “resurrection.” A hyper fan tried to explain it like how it is in fairy tales - they don’t explain where or why the villain does something. No no no. What a nice way to explain lazy storytelling.
I will give credit to the show for concocting a creepy antagonist and some disturbing imagery and plot points. In some ways it is haunting, but I don’t think it was in a good way. And I didn’t root for the “good” guys.
Was this review helpful to you?
People dont know much on this topic, tend to underestimate the amount of work that goes into looking after mental health patients.
Lots of empathy,love and understanding. The lead actor one of my favourites, he plays this role so well with all the emotions that comes with it.. brilliant!!!
The lead actress the same... infact all the actors plays their roles so well. I hope this will be considered for AWARDS.....
Was this review helpful to you?
