It’s Okay to Not Be Okay (2020)

A REALISTIC FAIRYTALE

Yes, my review title might seem like an oxymoron, but it is the best way in which I can describe this drama. I didn’t know what to expect, since I quite literally stumbled across it after watching a slew of subpar ‘drama classics’. The title intrigued me and I thought: “Alright, this may just be a complete waste of my time or one of the best decisions I have ever made.” And I’m so glad that it’s the latter.

First of all, I adore the format in which this drama is presented to us. Each episode is named after a fairytale of some sort and more often than not it mirrors what the episode is about. It’s stunningly shot to boot. The first meeting of Gang Tae and Mun Yeong, under those cherry blossoms straight up reminds me of a Disney movie. But don’t be fooled.

This drama is teetering on that beautiful line between realism and surrealism, by tastefully presenting and discussing themes surrounding mental health in a surrounding and with characters who still make you feel like you’re a part of their world. Our troublesome trio Gang Tae, Mun Yeong and Sang Tae form a bond that is seldom seen in dramas. A familial bond made through similar pain, understanding and experiences, since they are all outcasts in their own way.

I don’t have enough praise for the acting. Genuinely, these actors deserve global popularity and recognition for their work here. The way they work off of each other is beautiful to see. Oh Jun-se really blew me away with this role. He’s a really talented actor and I hope to see him in awesome projects like this one! Seo Ye-ji and Kim Soo-hyun don’t fall behind either. They are a bomb together, in the best possible way. I’ve seen that Ye-ji is quite self conscious about her voice but I love it, and her. It takes a lot of talent to play a role so different from your personality so convincingly.

This drama is a really dark, twisted delight and I could relate to Mun Yeong more than I’d like to admit. In fact, there was one scene with her father that seemed like it was outright pulled from my life.

The soundtrack is also beautifully haunting and appropriate. Now for the cons, of which I only really have two. A big one would be the character of Mun Yeong’s mother and the way she was handled. I would’ve preferred if she wasn’t even shown fully or if they wanted to show her then it would seem highly appropriate to have Mun Yeong deal with her primarily, instead of having Gang Tae be that resolving link. It was a nonsensical decision in writing which has, so far shown to be exceptional. It is a clunky blip in an otherwise tight storybook. I would’ve also liked to see character development for other characters.

Alas, it is still an amazing body of work and has my GLOWING recommendation. We absolutely need more dramas like this.

Lire davantage

very good for episode 1-5 and painful boring for the rest.

Episode 1-5 is very good.
Then suddenly I felt like everything change except the cast.
Its like they change the director, script writer and I almost thought they change the person who subbed!

Its okay to went downhill for a few episodes, but this is totaly extreme downhil.
As Indonesian I will say, keren banget awalnya dan abis itu boring abiss!!!

why? where's the consistency?
what happened?
too many unnecessary draggy scene.

let's not talk about almost not once person other than the cast seen. Hemat budget?
mungkin Kim So hyun budgetnya sudah mahal.

Anyway, of course all the actors acts are excellent.
Too bad thats almost the only thing good.

quite dissapointed.

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I was expecting more

I like the drama but it left me wanting.

In terms of acting, the believable one for me is Oh Jung Se as Sang Tae. I expected more from Soo Hyun acting. Ye Ji is a good actor, might look up more of her dramas. The supporting characters are good too, I enjoy the side stories. There's good comedic timing too. The actors just did not make me feel invested on their characters, I really did not feel the sincerity of it, I don't know how to explain it, that's just how I feel when I watched it.

The story is okay, I don't think the script really delve in the mental side of what I thought this drama is all about. The plot holes, the mother plot. It did not grab my attention as I hoped, the last episode is really nice though. What I did not like too much about it is like I feel there's confusion on what they want to show, if they want to show the realism or the fantasy of it, so I guess it's better to view this as a fairy tale story.

The OST is okay, there's one song that they play that really reminded me of the Jonas Brothers song.

Overall, the drama is good to watch, beautiful production and transitions. The drama is ok and many will like this kind of show, I guess it's not my taste.

Lire davantage

A must watch!!

I don't usually watch dramas while they're airing because it's agonising having to wait a whole week for the next episode. However, I couldn't hold myself back from checking out this drama. The plot and casting really caught my attention and I wasn't disappointed when i started watching it.

Although the series mainly focusses on Kang Tae and Moonyoung, the supporting cast receives attention too with their own stories and scenes that makes the plot even more likeable. The story is unique but easy to get the gist of and perfect for people who are looking for a slow burn romance! You'll fall in love with each character as the drama progresses. I personally love when main characters develop in dramas because it keeps me wanting to watch more and 'It's Okay to Not Be Okay' has just that and more. Not only does this drama have a unique storyline but it also shares real life issues dealing with mental health and healing. It's a series viewers can both enjoy and learn from!

Each and every scene delivers stunning cinematography and smooth directory. I love the fact that the drama has small references from fairytales since Moonyoung is a story writer and it's probably part of the whole theme. Kim Soohyun and Seo Yeji deserve multiple acting awards because their emotional acting is on point! I have to also mention that the fashion of Seo Yeji's character is beautiful because she manages to pull off literally every outfit she wears. I also really love the OST, my personal faves are In Silence and Wake Up!

I just can't help but love this series!!

Lire davantage

A healing drama

Pros:
A healing drama for sure, it'll definitely be missed. Every single detail had so much dedication. I knew I'd like this drama but I didn't know it would be one of the best ones I've watched so far. Everyone who was involved made this one a masterpiece. This drama isn't for everyone but if you need some warmth in your heart you'll enjoy watching it. Kim Soo Hyun, Seo Ye Ji and Oh Jung Se had an amazing chemistry as the main trio. I've lost the count of how many times I smiled, laughed and cried during the episodes. Oh Jung Se deserves awards for his breathtaking acting, he was so perfect. OST, acting, cinematography, fashion, production: all on point so I fell in love instantly. They used a lot of transitions for the first half of the show, it was really cool. I also liked the way they showed the audience how was the world through the patient's own eyes. There were times I'd feel their pain and got emotional because it was too heartbreaking. The character development was superb. The haunted castle matched Mun Yeong's mood and they also incorporated the fairy tales well. I appreciate all those great pieces of advice: they gave us many motivational, warm, inspirational and realistic quotes. So many life lessons to think about. I had so much fun reading and making theories week after week, it was very entertaining. (SPOILER) I liked that they gave new perspectives to almost everyone. They could follow their path allowing themselves to be happy somehow. All those patients had new beginnings as well, they deserved it a lot. The long dreamed trip happened and it was amazing!

Cons (SPOILER):
I'd like to point out some things. Episodes 14-15 seemed like a roller coaster of things all happening at the same time. They didn't explain how her mom survived, so what really happened? All of it was her father's disturbed vision? If not how did she escape from the haunted castle?

Aside from this it was a special drama worth watching so I'd definitely recommend it! I will miss the trio and the drama itself, really. Cast, crew, writer, director they need to be praised for the beautiful and memorable work they have done ♡

Lire davantage

This is the best serial ever

Normally i dont write reviews but this serial it made me fall in love with everything there is in this world . The year when this serial was broadcasted was 2020 the worst year ever in a century but this serial kept me going .It made me laugh want like litterally want crave for more more more which is happening after a long time .i was going through a kdrama slump i got this serial and trust me this is a very beautiful serial i loved every aspect of the story line one episode will make u hate on character but in the next u will love them this proves everyone is a human we will do some things that will make others angry but we are humans sarams we do stuff there will be someone or something that will help us love us .i dont know what i am writing but i am just in soo much emotions maybe ill come back and edit this but lets just say i am a bit psycho but its okay .
This serial made me crazy for kissing scenes ( bates motel family ). The story ,the acting the directing everything was just spot on i was thinkimg the mothers plot was not necessary but i was wrong it was needed to show how ppl who had past troubles in life can move on and live togther when they love each other....beautiful messages i fell in love witg fairytales . I wish everyone enjoys the serial like us

Lire davantage

Mixture of K-Dramas that we have watched before!!

It feels like it was a mixture of K-dramas that we have watched before The love triangle or square we already watched in Crash landing on you. Also the rigid and blunt lead character of Ms ko was same like we watched as jang man wol in hotel de luna. The chemistry between the couple was same as it was in hotel de Luna. There the guy was trying to stop her from turning into a vengeful ghost and in its okay not to be okay Gang tae was trying to do the same ,trying to control Ms Ko moon.Also the connection from the childhood and tragic incident somehow reminds me of what’s wrong with secretary kim. So whole time the show kept reminding me of something that I already had watched before. I couldn’t find anything new besides the autistic brother twist. Also I believe the way they fell in love doesn’t make you go like they should be together,at many times I didn’t liked the chemistry or maybe it was written this way . It’s was just okay story .Also it was soo predictable. Doesn’t make you wanna got crazy for the next episode. Ending was also predictable.

Lire davantage

CRY LIKE A RIVER

i don't know how many times a cried in this drama. Different emotions of crying.... happy tears, sad tears, empathy tears and all kinds of emotions.

and now i'm crying because the show is really over.

My Weekends will never be the same again without It's Okay to Not Be okay.

there are some parts of the story which did not have a clear answer but the ending and the final episode made me forget my questions and just enjoyed the ride with Gang Tae, Sang Tae and moon young.

i love this show so much and i can't believe that it is really over.

Lire davantage

Nothing can ever fill the void this show has left me with, in the most beautiful way possible.

Out of all the shows I’ve watched, this has left me with the worst post-drama depression ever. I can’t describe or understand why exactly I am so invested in the characters, ESPECIALLY GANG TAE AND MUN YEONG. Ever since I finished it, my heart aches every time I think about the show. It's like a void that will never be filled. I love it so much and I really hope they somehow renew this for another season, although unlikely. The chemistry between the actors kills me, each scene they’re together hurts me even if it’s a happy one. I loved the magical realism and the little details they put into the plot, which just further enhanced the great acting of all the actors. If you’re planning to watch this, I recommend preparing yourself ’cause you’re gonna feel empty for a while after finishing it. Try to not miss anything and dedicate your full attention when watching it – that’s how you’ll enjoy it the most. I don’t think I have ever shipped a couple so much, the dynamics and their backstories and the way they healed through each other are just perfect. The tension and the stares during those sweet and intimate scenes are what really pushed me off the edge. And of course, the funniest faces and lines at the most unexpected moments. I am 100% sure that this will probably be my favorite k-drama forever, I got so lost in their world and I find myself going back to it every now and then. I find comfort in them and I’ve gotten so used to it all. The familiarity you’ll develop with the show is the best part of everything. I don’t think I’d ever be the same again, I love the way I feel whenever I watch/think about it, it makes me smile and cry at the same time. My greatest wish is for these two to work together on the same project again, even if it’s not for a season 2 of IOTNBO.

Lire davantage

best drama<3333

so this is my first time writing a review because i really wanted to write one for my fave drama

all i can say is that this is the best drama of 2020 and possibly of all time idk but it's my fave drama since you really can't see these types of storylines in other shows. i thought it would be cliche because i see a lot of dramas with similar plots/synopsis like the ones where the leads heal each other's emotional scars and stuff like that. the thing about iotnbo that sets it apart from other shows is the way they delivered it idk but ye ji's character was really new. the trio's relationship is really wholesome aaaaaaaa they're so cute. i do have to say though that it should've been longer to explain some stuff. anyway seo ye ji kim soo hyun oh jung se best actors<33333

the reason why i'm giving it a perfect score is because it's better than most dramas but plot-wise, i think they missed out on some stuff.

Lire davantage

Why is Korea Sleeping On This Show? (Updated)

This show explores and fleshes out themes in ways different from what I’ve seen in usual kdramas. It has many original concepts but still has that korean trademark chemistry between the leads that will give you the heart fuzzies.

In short, come for the romance but stay for the story. Also, Kim Soo Hyun is definitely not human... how can he still look so good after all this time?!!

Side note: this is my first time seeing Seo Ye Ji and I am blown away. She is so appealing and extremely good at portraying her character. Currently checking her other works just to see more of her and her acting prowess!!!

Why I love this show:
1. The character development of the leads and main supporting cast across the episodes is nothing short of amazing - each main and supporting character has depths that shine in different moments throughout the series.

2. The sets are beautifully made and the crew’s attention to detail is astounding.

3. The laughs and humor in this dramedy are well placed, feel natural, and let’s you laugh along. The serious moments are heavy enough to make you cry. The heartwarming moments are genuine and can make you both laugh and cry.

4. THE CHEMISTRY AMONG THE LEADS IS NEXT LEVEL!!! The filial chemistry among OJS, SYJ, and KSH is so good you’ll be rooting for each of them until the end. The romantic chemistry between KSH and SYJ is explosive!!! Can they please just be happy together ?

5. After finishing the show, I read an op-ed explaining the nature of this show as a character driven story as opposed to a plot driven story. This helped me understand the POV of the writer and director's vision better and now I see that they, along with the cast and crew, executed it perfectly! There will be lots of room for theorizing how some events happened, but what I've come to learn is that it doesn't matter because it's not important to the characters on whom the the show revolves.

The show wraps up nicely and neatly, please watch and enjoy!

Lire davantage

A masterpiece with a magical character

Wow! Get ready! This drama is something else! It hooked me right from the start, and then I was glued to my seat all the way through. This is one of those special shows that captures your heart and takes you on an emotional journey that leaves you changed when you are through. Special indeed!

The drama is like a dark, modern fairy tale. It has a magical quality to it in the way the story is told. The script was so incredibly well-written with every line of dialogue having meaning.

A lot of thought also went into the production with so much attention to detail in constructing the sets as well as how the scenes were shot. The OST also greatly enhanced this magical feel. All of these elements blended together beautifully to carry us away into this slightly disturbing yet very healing fairy tale.

Kim Soo Hyun and Seo Ye Ji delivered powerhouse performances, and any time they were on screen together was completely captivating in so many different ways. Their chemistry was palpable. They run very hot and cold with each other which resulted in some incredibly intense moments as well as some deeply emotional ones.

This relationship is a bit disturbing in the beginning as these two clash. Their actions towards each other aren’t always that great. These are two very broken people. But they are drawn to each other, and those walls slowly start coming down between them.



It’s not a linear journey though, and the road is filled many bumps along the way. As they learn and grow in their relationship, healing begins to emerge. We experience a lot of joy and sadness with this couple, but it’s all worth it to watch these two hurting people face their demons and find comfort in each other. I was completely swept up in this amazing romance!



Seo Ye Ji was absolutely phenomenal as Moon Young. She owned this complex character and breathed so much life into her. Moon Young is a unique character in the drama landscape, particularly for a female lead.

Many times she feels quite dangerous as she doesn’t hold back and will take her anger out on those who wrong her. She’s impulsive and says what’s on her mind. Plus, when she sets her mind on something, she won’t back down. That includes her feelings for Gang Tae.



Her actions towards him are quite aggressive as she relentlessly pursues him. Definitely not the recommended way to initiate a relationship. Just reading that, Moon Young may sound like terrible person. But there is far more to her than that.

Underneath that powerful persona is a very hurt and damaged woman that has an incredibly traumatic past. Learning more about her, how her mind works, and watching her journey of growth was such a treat.



Gang Tae has his own deep-seated issues stemming from his past. He loves his brother dearly and has dedicated his life to taking care of him, but that comes with a cost. His brother has always came first since they were children, and he’s had to bury much of his pain in order to do what is best for Sang Tae.

That has taken an emotional toll on him over the years, and he has to unlearn some of his bad habits. His pain is quite raw to see, and it was evident that he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.

When Moon Young comes into his life, he becomes incredibly conflicted as he is forced to fight his feelings for her. It was heartbreaking to watch as he struggled with wanting to do what was best for his brother as well as just take some small enjoyment out of life for himself for a change. He had a lot of growing to do too.



There’s also Sang Tae who faces his own challenges stemming from his Autism as he struggles to understand people and their emotions. A trauma from his past has also made his and Gang Tae’s lives very difficult.

I was thrilled with how this character was handled. Many times in shows, characters with disorders like his are sort of relegated to being a token side character that just impacts the main character. Not so here! Sang Tae is written as a completely fleshed out character that has his own journey to go, is an integral part of the story, and is just as important in every way. Wonderful to see!

Oh Jung Se also really put in a terrific performance as Sang Tae. I was very impressed with him and just how much he brought this character to life and opened a window into his soul.



It’s Okay to Not Be Okay has so many relationships to explore too. I already mentioned the one involving Gang Tae and Moon Young. One that is just as important though is that of the brothers.

Gang Tae and Sang Tae have a complex relationship that is in many ways frozen in time from when they were kids. The dynamic they have between them has remained the same since then.

They love each other dearly but have stayed in their respective roles without growth. This ultimately had a negative effect on their relationship and their lives which resulted in neither of them being able to live their best lives.

Growing as individuals and in the relationship becomes very important for them. I loved seeing how they cared for each other despite some severe challenges to the relationship. And watching them grow closer, understand each other more, and finally progress into a healthier relationship was wonderful.



I could go on and on about all of the amazing relationships featured in this drama. Sang Tae and Moon Young definitely have quite the interesting relationship with each other and is quite fun to watch.

Then we have a wide array of wonderful supporting characters that are explored. There are friendships, romance, parent/child relationships, and more. Suffice to say, everyone in this drama is important, has a story, and is connected to the overall narrative. It was beautifully done.





There’s even some mystery in this series as Moon Young’s past is slowly peeled back as well as the traumatic events from Gang Tae and Sang Tae’s childhood revealed. It added yet another nice layer to this multi-faceted story.



As you can see, It’s Okay to Not Be Okay explores a host of mental health issues and complicated themes. I experienced so many different emotions watching this drama. So much raw pain is dealt with in this story.

Our characters are all very different from each other and have their own issues to deal with, but they all ultimately need the same thing…love and acceptance. Loneliness can be crippling, and that is shown very clearly here. Seeing this unlikely group come together and heal was such a treat. The concept of what a family is was explored in such a touching way.



It’s Okay to Not Be Okay is one of those unique and special thought-provoking dramas that truly is a masterpiece. It tells a heart-wrenching yet beautiful story of growth and healing. The characters are flawed, but we come to understand them and root for their personal growth and happiness. They don’t have to be perfect to achieve that either. Love and acceptance can be found in imperfection. The message is clear and simple…It’s Okay to Not Be Okay.♡

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