There are some K-dramas that are so impressive that they almost stay with you forever after you have watched them. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay is definitely one among them. This 2020 hit even got a nomination for TV Movie/Mini Series at the International Emmy Awards last September. Watch it as this Kim Soo-hyun-starrer turns a brilliant two years.
Plot pot
The story begins with brothers Sang-tae (Oh Jung-se) and Gang-tae (Kim Soo-hyun). Gang-tae is the primary caregiver to his brother who is on the autism spectrum and terrified of butterflies. So the brothers have to frequently keep moving before summer, when butterflies are most out and about. Sang-tae’s favourite author is Ko Mun-yeong (Seo Yea-ji) who pens unconventional stories for children and has a dark past of her own. Her grim and borderline disturbing fairy tales are bestsellers, however, and as one realises, carry pertinent messages.
In a turn of events, the three meet and although Gang-tae is initially annoyed by the persistent Ko Mun-yeong, there is mutual attraction. Even as the plot thickens and the bond between the three develop, there are gruesome mysteries lurking in the background that connect all of them in more ways than any of them could have imagined.
The show highlights a number of mental health problems and how different people deal with it in different ways, even though they might seem fine on the outside. Whether it is the confident Ko Mun-yeong or the resilient Gang-tae, each character has their own problems, but they overcome it by working on them together.
Even the side characters, especially those from the mental hospital where Gang-tae works, are shown in detail and portrayed with thought and care that make them relatable and memorable.
The dynamics between the three characters, from finding love with strained pasts to the obligations and exhaustion that can come from familial bonds, the nuance present in the plot along with haunting melodies and occasional animations from Mun-yeong’s books, make the show a must-watch. There are some scary moments, not paranormal but nevertheless chilling, so be warned!
More about the show
Genre: Romance, thriller
Where to Watch: Netflix
You Will Love It If You Love:
• Lovers who knew each other as children
• Sensitive and relatable portrayal of mental health problems
• Stylish and spunky female leads
• Family bonds
Rating: 4.5/5
The Telegraph picks
Sketch Book by Janet Suhh: The gorgeous opening theme forms the signature melody to the K-drama. It might only be a few seconds long but safe to say, it will stay with you long after you have finished watching the series.
You’re Cold by Heize: Perfectly encapsulating Gang-tae and Mun-yeong’s attraction towards each other, this beautiful song coloured by Heize’s signature raspy voice speaks of a love that can seem both like a push and a pull.
I’m Your Psycho by Janet Suhh: Another one by Janet Suhh, this song is also one of the most prominent tracks from the drama and makes for a charming background theme for Mun-yeong and her encounters with Gang-tae.
Characters We Treasured
Kim Soo-hyun
Kim Soo-hyun as Moon Gang-tae: Resilient and laconic, Gang-tae has been taking care of his autistic brother from a young age and although he is nothing but patient most of the time, the series follows him as he comes to terms with his own resentments and pauses to deal with his own emotions instead of being only a caregiver for others, which ironically, is also his profession.
We also loved him in: My Love from the Star, The Moon Embracing the Sun
Oh Jung-se
Oh Jung-se as Moon Sang-tae: Although he might not always be successful in expressing it, Sang-tae cares deeply for those around him, especially his brother. He loves to paint, is determined in completing his tasks and by the end of the series, it is he who emerges as the “hero” of the story.
We also loved him in: Jirisan, Uncle
Seo Yea-ji
Seo Yea-ji as Ko Mun-yeong: Bold, spunky, stylish and low-key rude, Ko Mun-yeong is undoubtedly one of the most iconic K-drama characters to ever grace the screen. Her tough external personality is only a shield, however, as the audience will realise with the progression of the story.
We also loved her in: Lawless Lawyer, Save Me
Ko Mun-yeong’s fairy-tale books — The Boy Who Fed On Nightmares, Zombie Kid, The Cheerful Dog, The Hand and The Monkfish, and Finding the Real Face — which are originally by author Jo Yong and illustrated by Jamsan, are available in print format as well.