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 tackling mental health and emotional healing.
It’s Okay to Not Be Okay premiered on June 20, 2020, with 16 episodes running approximately 60 minutes each, airing weekly on Saturdays and Sundays for eight weeks. Available on Netflix globally, this isn’t your typical romantic comedy-drama. The series follows Ko Moon-young, an antisocial children’s book writer who moves to her hometown to pursue her love interest Moon Gang-tae, a psych ward caretaker, who has dedicated his life to taking care of his autistic older brother Moon Sang-tae.
What sets this drama apart is its bold approach to mental health representation and neurodiversity. Rather than glossing over difficult topics, it dives deep into trauma, healing, and the complex dynamics of unconventional relationships. The show combines fairy tale elements with psychological depth, creating a unique viewing experience that’s both visually stunning and emotionally profound.
A Children’s Book Writer with Dark Secrets
Ko Moon-young (Seo Ye-ji) is an antisocial children’s book writer whose character goes far beyond the typical “cold female lead” trope. Her journey throughout the series reveals layers of trauma and emotional walls built from childhood experiences. Moon-young’s evolution from someone who seemingly lacks empathy to discovering her capacity for genuine love and care forms the emotional backbone of the series.
Her character represents those who’ve been labeled as “difficult” or “antisocial” by society, yet the show carefully peels back these labels to reveal the wounded person underneath. The way she learns to navigate relationships and express vulnerability makes her one of the most compelling female protagonists in K-drama history.
Moon Gang-tae: The Caretaker Who Forgot Himself
Moon Gang-tae (Kim Soo-hyun) works as a psych ward caretaker who has dedicated his life to taking care of his autistic older brother Moon Sang-tae. His character arc centers on learning that caring for others shouldn’t come at the expense of neglecting his own emotional needs and dreams.
Gang-tae’s journey is about breaking free from the self-imposed prison of being solely defined by his role as a caretaker. His relationship with Moon-young forces him to confront his own trauma and recognize that healing isn’t selfish. The chemistry between Kim Soo-hyun and Seo Ye-ji creates an electric dynamic that drives the entire narrative forward.
Moon Sang-tae: More Than Just a Supporting Character
Oh Jung-se delivers an incredible performance portraying an autistic character, bringing depth and authenticity to Moon Sang-tae that goes beyond stereotypes. His character development from someone who needs constant protection to asserting independence and wanting to be the “big brother” provides some of the series’ most touching moments.
Sang-tae’s artistic talents and his unique perspective on the world add layers to the storytelling. His relationship with both his brother and Moon-young creates a beautiful found family dynamic that challenges traditional notions of what relationships should look like.
When Past Traumas Collide with Present Healing
The series reaches its emotional peak when the interconnected past traumas of all three main characters come to light. Without spoiling the revelations, the show masterfully weaves together childhood experiences that shaped each character’s psychological state. This convergence forces everyone to confront their demons and choose between remaining trapped by the past or embracing the possibility of healing.
The climactic episodes don’t rely on typical dramatic devices but instead focus on the internal battles each character faces. It’s a testament to the writing that the most powerful moments come from quiet conversations and emotional breakthroughs rather than external conflicts.
Success on Netflix
The series recorded impressive viewership ratings and became the most popular show of 2020 in South Korea. The show’s success on Netflix introduced international audiences to a different kind of K-drama storytelling. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay became a cultural phenomenon, sparking important conversations about mental health representation in media. The series’ fairy tale-inspired visual aesthetics, combined with its mature themes, created a unique viewing experience that resonated with audiences worldwide.
A Masterpiece of Emotional Storytelling
If you love stories about healing, found family, and unconventional romance, It’s Okay to Not Be Okay is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. It’s a show that doesn’t just entertain but genuinely impacts how viewers think about mental health, relationships, and personal growth.
Why This Drama Will Stay With You Forever
Throughout the series, viewers witness how the three characters heal each other’s emotional wounds caused by their traumatic past, depicting a beautiful story of friendship and love. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay proves that the best love stories aren’t just about romance, but about people who help each other become the best versions of themselves, scars and all.
Series Details
Number of Episodes: 16 (Completed)
Platform: Netflix
Release Year: 2020
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Genre: Romantic Comedy-Drama, Psychological
Status: Completed series
Main Characters: Kim Soo-hyun (Moon Gang-tae), Seo Ye-ji (Ko Moon-young), Oh Jung-se (Moon Sang-tae)
Antagonist: Past trauma and societal expectations (conceptual antagonists rather than traditional villains)