It’s Okay to Not Be Okay (2020)

Impossible not to love this show

If this doesn’t touch your heart, I don’t know what will, because this is just one of the most beautiful dramas out there. Every second of it is amazing.
But truly, it’s impossible not to like every single character. Ko Moon Young is a difficult character to understand. She’s a well-known children’s book author who holds a very cold exterior. Everyone admires her, but she doesn’t genuinely have anyone in her life. And then there’s Moon Gang Tae, who is someone you think you understand, but the man can’t even figure himself out. He has worked in several hospitals, always moving to different places with his brother, Sang tae, both finding their own ways in escaping the past.
So we have two lonely people that are faking their way through life in order to keep the happiness of other people. Wait, isn’t that like every other k-drama?
Yes. BUT, everything about this drama is so different. There’s something about this one that just makes you so ridiculously happy. Everything was played out so perfectly. Every moment the main leads are together, you think something extremely bad will happen. Nothing was too predictable; this made the character development worth so much more. Every character is so special and beautiful in their own way. And put Moon young, Gang tae, and Sang tae together, they are the most beautiful trio.
But not just the main leads, every character makes this the picture-perfect drama. Whether they’re blood related, friends, old enemies, everyone is family in the end, and it’s just so heartwarming.
Not to mention how well the main leads go together. They complement each other very well, and there are countless unbearably cute moments.
Also, the scenery and the color in this show is a lovely bonus. If you like beautiful people in beautiful locations, absolutely gives this a watch!

Lire davantage

A whole healing experience. Extremely artistic.

It's okay to not be okay is a whole new world. There's nothing like it. The concept, the characters,the script and the storyline everything is perfect. Even if I try I can't find one fault in anything.
It is ahead of it's time. A whole drama that shows mental disorders in such depth, has never been done so perfectly before.
This show made me realise how people who are specially abled bring such light into the world. It made me change so much. This show changed my perspectives on many things, even though I'm a psychology major it showed me many things which made me appreciate my subject alot more. I dont think any drama has moved me in this way.
The dialogues and the use of fairytales in every episode made me appreciate this drama alot. I enjoyed every episode, its like an art piece honestly.
The music in this show is definitely one of the best aspects, some osts are a little dissapointing but the English osts are too good! The intro music is hauntingly beautiful. Seriously the drama is on another level.
The acting of every single character, amazing. Especially moon sang tae, oh jung se played his character so well. I get goosebumps. Everytime.
I loved how strong ko moon yeong is, she is a female lead we will remember forever. Her wardrobe, her lines and her expressions, perfect.
In conclusion, this drama is a must watch. It will forever remain iconic and will surely change your life.

Lire davantage

A Story About Healing

This is my first review on this site, but this show has been so great that I felt it was right to write a review.

PLOT:
This is not a story-driven show, so the plot is just enough to keep everything moving forward, but really it is not what this show is about, so if you like and need a complex plot, this won't be the show for you.

CHARACTERS/ACTING
The heart of the show is the three main characters, Moon Gang-Tae, Moon Sang-Tae, and Ko Mun-Yeong, and their experiences. Each character is vividly written and they all have incredible development during the show. Each is also played beautifully by Kim Soo Hyun, Oh Jung Se, and Seo Ye Ji. The acting and the characters are why this show is so captivating and so emotional (yes, get ready to cry, you will, its guaranteed). Every secondary character is also both well written and well acted.

MUSIC:
The OST is perfectly calibrated to the show, and many of the individual songs are quite lovely.

REWATCH VALUE:
Because this show is character driven, there is really no end to the times you can return to replay your favorite character moments.

Lire davantage

Human Healing Drama

I am sure many has a lot of praises for the show, so I shall keep my review simple (or maybe not). Here are the reasons why I absolutely adore the show:

- Fantastic acting and chemistry. Nothing can beat the casting in this show.

- Beautiful character development for EVERY character. Despite the show being heavily character-driven, it never cease to capture my attention every single second.

- Attention to details. So many foreshadowings, parallels and easter eggs to make the whole watching experience more engaging.

- OSTs that are heartbreaking and haunting.

- Life lessons to take away. Many lines are quote-worthy.

- Magical mix of genres. It is impossible to classify this show in any genre because it incorporates ALL genres in its 16 episode run, from romance to psychological to comedy to family to thriller to fantasy. You name it they have it. Some may not like the spectrum but it was a refreshing and satisfying watch for myself.

Overall, it was an amzing ride with capable actors and well-thought out script and plot, leaving me super satisfied after the watch. Just be ready to ride the waves with the characters as I am sure you will be sucked right into the characters' stories and feel so much for them. I am so glad for finding this gem and it will take a special place in my heart for a long long time.

Lire davantage

This drama is so beautiful and perfect!

I actually never planned to watch this drama as I'm not really a fan of Korean dramas (I prefer Chinese dramas). I thought it would be those cliché dramas where I can probably predict what will happen next, but it isn't! There are so many plot twist that makes you shock every episode. I also fell in love with the characters, the story and the songs played throughout the drama. I even cried as I was watching this :( The actors were so amazing, everything felt real and you can see in their eyes how great they are at portraying their character. I love that this drama is not just your typically romantic drama, but it tackles the character's mental health/issues that most people also have in reality. I think what makes this drama so good is that a lot of people can relate to each of the characters. The main leads, Kim Soo Hyun and Seo Ye Ji, have an amazing chemistry!!! When I watched the behind the scenes, they were so comfortable with each other and I was happy to find out that they were actually in the same agency!!!

Lire davantage

Should get 20 stars

There needs to be more stars so I can give this 20. Been watching Korean dramas since 2012 and this is the best drama I've ever watched. It realistically and sensitively deals with a person with unique abilities and those who care for him, as well as showing the humanity of various people with mental illness. Oh Jung Se was beyond fantastic as a man with higher-functioning autism. He rocked every physical and verbal quirk without making the character cartoonish or ridiculous. The story also touched on almost every facet of such a person (resistant to change, overly honest, excels in one area, and many more). I sincerely hope Oh Jung Se gets an award for this role.

There is much more to be said but that might spoil the show for those who have not seen it.
Excellent and NOT your grandma's typical K-drama.

Lire davantage

BEST DRAMA EVER!!! PERIODT!!!!

OH MY GOSH. I cannot gush enough about this drama. I cried, I laughed, I loved, every single second of it. A must watch if you haven't already and a rewatch if you have. The whole cast is extremely gorgeous, the storyline is exciting and mysterious, the aesthetics on point, music: fabulous, productions: out of this world, but most importantly, the messages it sends are so wholesome, heartwarming, and healing. It's been such a joy to watch and I'm so glad this has become part of my life. This is the first drama I've watched that hasn't left me feeling empty after it's over but instead happy and whole.

Lire davantage

A foundational story about self love and the importance of leaning on others

This was a roller-coaster ride of emotions, and one I will likely jump back into again. I came for the story, but stayed for the message and wonderful acting. Top notch kudos to everyone involved in this.

Okie dokie, lets get to it. This drama is likely not for everyone, and I struggled to get past the first couple episodes with a love/hate relationship for Ko Mun-yeong. There were certain elements that came off as highly manipulative and downright unhealthy between the two main leads, but it gets better later on. If you're looking for a healing message, character development, chemistry, and spot on acting then this is a one stop shop. It is also so aesthetically shot that it is a pleasure to watch. They were very meticulous about the appearance of the set, clothes, and angles/lighting. I got some Hotel Del Luna/IU vibes from Ko Mun-yoeng for sure.

The story, while I found it a little vague, was really propelled forward by the growing relationships between the characters. There are definitely some common tropes in here, but I easily overlooked them in favor of the messages sprinkled generously throughout. I would have liked some better explanations of a few happenings, but I was so focused on the emotions portrayed, I barely noticed the inconsistencies. I was thoroughly pulled in by everybody's acting and backstories. They really did a wonderful job at approaching parental abuse, denial, alcohol abuse, and ptsd. There were many other messages in here, and I honestly can't write about all of them, but I have such an appreciation for the healing part of this drama. It truly teaches it's okay to not be okay.

While there were many tropes throughout this (I can't stand the leave for your own good cliché) they handled it so well, and portrayed the need to lean and help others in a heart touching way. It was beautiful. There are serious elements, but they do keep humor sprinkled in there with it to break up the monotony. I really could go on and on about the acting. It really shined in here and I have no complaints.

The OST is stunning. I will definitely listen to that on its own. There are some OST's that stand out, and this is one of them.

All in all, a drama with a beautiful message and damn good acting. I would recommend if you're looking for something character driven and emotionally provoking.

Lire davantage

Added To My Top Ten

Edit***
My first time watching this, I had a lot to rave about, after looking at it with a clear head... this killed me


Genuinely the first thing I watched when I woke up Saturday/Sunday. I'm going to bee so empty without having something of quality of watch, since I do think that recently the quality of recent dramas has decreased, no drama has piqued my interest like this in a long time. The cast was simply amazing and gave sm depth so their characters I felt like the story was given their due and more. The storyline has 0.5 of a star off because of the mother plotline but I think since she was not central it made all the difference. AND ONE MORE THING TO RAVE ABOUT is the MUSIC !!!!! each and every song pulled on my heartstring like no other and is one of the most unforgettable playlists I have ever heard, I will most definitely keep up with Elaine and Janet suh.

If anyone is looking for a recommendation please try Flower Of Evil it's already shaping up to be special

Lire davantage

One word - Incredible

This show isn’t for the faint hearted. It deals with mental health issues head on and if that’s not your cup of tea, then you should stay far away. In fact, some scenes were outright disturbing and scary but it somehow keeps you coming back for more.

Man what can I say about Kim Soo Hyun and Seo Ye Ji, they were stellar. BUT Oh Jung Se, good gracious that man acted circles around them. He was SO freaking amazing as Sangtae that I was in awe of his acting.

Plot wise I think they did a great job with surprising the heck out of you. You think you know where the story is headed and then WHAM a truck hits out of nowhere. That’s what the final twist felt like.

Also, kudos to whoever designed Moonyoung’s wardrobe! Wow, just wow. Although I believe the woman can wear a gunnysack and still look beautiful!

All in all, It’s really okay to not be okay. And I love that message of the show.

Lire davantage

Kim soo hyun and seo ye ji as hyunji couple

An amazing story, best chemistry, and also all of the great and amazing cast. Their act really good, u must to know the good look of kim soo hyun and seo ye ji they look so good together.
The story like a fairy tale but we can relate with that because this drama have a value in every episode, every part its very meaningfull. U can see another side of someone who have A different caracter, have a special character, have a traumatic, mental problem and antisocialism. Not only this the cinematigraphy of this drama was so good yeahh... You will amazed how different looks in the drama with the reality, because they make almost of the view of drama with cinematography. I love this drama so much as i love hyunji couple..😍😍😍

Lire davantage

Be prepared to laugh, cry and think for days....

This show is thought-provoking, funny, sad, real, light-hearted, intense, romantic, has great family values, is respectful of mental health issues and brings much needed perspective to an important topic.

Costumes - spectacular, Acting - Amazing - by entire cast , Script - soooo many good lines.... Enough well placed, well used comedic breaks to make sure you stay mentally safe - and adds to the rewatch value...

There are so many themes to follow and many have been addressed in the other reviews. I have found myself making up alternate names for this show, not that It's Okay not to Be Okay is bad, it is just that many themes resonate. Some that come to mind: "Love Yourself to love others", "Sang Tae defeat the butterflies", "Gang Tae's Hyung" , "The village that raised Gang-tae".. "Saving Min Yeung and Gang Tae". etc...

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