Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, which completely redefined what K-dramas could be when it comes to addressing mental health and emotional healing.
Released in 2020, this South Korean romantic comedy drama series aired for 16 episodes with approximately 70-minute episodes on Netflix. Created by Jo Yong and directed by Park Shin-woo, this isn’t your typical rom-com. It’s a beautifully crafted exploration of trauma, family bonds, and the messy process of healing that happens when broken people find each other.
The series stands out for its bold visual storytelling, incorporating fairytale elements and gothic aesthetics that mirror the characters’ internal struggles. What makes it truly special is how it treats mental health not as a plot device, but as a genuine journey that requires patience, understanding, and professional help.
A Caregiver’s Journey: When Love Means Learning to Receive
Moon Gang-tae (Kim Soo-hyun) is a psychiatric ward caretaker who has dedicated his entire life to caring for his autistic older brother, Sang-tae. Gang-tae embodies the ultimate caregiver, someone who has forgotten how to prioritize his own needs and dreams. His character arc is about learning that it’s okay to want things for yourself, even when you love someone who depends on you.
What’s brilliant about Gang-tae’s portrayal is how it shows the hidden exhaustion of caregivers. He’s not a saint, he’s human. Sometimes he’s frustrated, sometimes he dreams of escape, and the drama doesn’t judge him for these very real emotions. His journey toward accepting help and love is just as important as any romantic storyline.
The Antisocial Writer: Ko Moon-young’s Path to Vulnerability
Ko Moon-young (Seo Yea-ji) is an antisocial children’s book writer who initially appears as a femme fatale with no empathy for others. But beneath her designer outfits and cutting remarks lies someone who was never taught how to love or be loved properly. Her character development is one of the most satisfying transformations in K-drama history.
Moon-young’s books serve as metaphors for the episodes, each fairytale reflecting the characters’ emotional states. Her evolution from someone who takes what she wants to someone who learns to give and compromise is beautifully executed. Seo Yea-ji’s performance brings depth to what could have been a one-dimensional “ice queen” character.
The Heart of the Story: Sang-tae’s Unconditional Love
Oh Jung-se’s portrayal of Moon Sang-tae deserves special recognition. As Gang-tae’s older brother with autism spectrum disorder, Sang-tae isn’t treated as a burden or inspiration porn. He’s a fully realized character with his own dreams, fears, and agency. His passion for illustration and his eventual friendship with Moon-young creates some of the series’ most heartwarming moments.
The relationship between the three main characters forms an unconventional family unit that challenges traditional notions of romance and dependency. It’s not about “fixing” anyone, it’s about learning to coexist and support each other’s growth.
When Trauma Collides: The Butterfly Connection
The series’ climax revolves around a shared childhood trauma involving butterflies and a horrific incident that connects all three main characters. This revelation could have felt contrived, but the groundwork laid throughout the series makes it feel inevitable rather than coincidental. The way the show handles the unveiling of this trauma respects both the characters and the audience’s intelligence.
The butterfly symbolism throughout the series takes on deeper meaning as we understand how this shared experience shaped each character’s coping mechanisms and fears.
Success on Netflix: A Global Mental Health Conversation
With an impressive 8.6 IMDb rating, “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” became a global phenomenon on Netflix, sparking conversations about mental health representation in media. The series’ unique visual style, combining gothic elements with whimsical fairytale aesthetics, set it apart from typical K-drama offerings. International audiences praised its mature handling of complex psychological themes while maintaining the romantic elements that make K-dramas so beloved worldwide.
Perfect for Mental Health Drama Lovers
If you love stories that tackle mental health with nuance and respect, “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. It doesn’t offer easy solutions or magical cures, instead showing that healing is an ongoing process that requires professional help, personal growth, and the support of people who truly understand you.
Why You Should Watch This Masterpiece
“It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” proves that K-dramas can be both entertaining and deeply meaningful, offering viewers a story that validates their struggles while providing hope for healing and connection.
Series Details
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)