Some K-dramas are so outstanding that they almost stay with you always after you see them. One of them is undoubtedly It’s Okay to Not Be Okay. Even the International Emmy Awards last September nominated this 2020 smash for TV Movie/Mini Series. Watch as this film, which stars Kim Soo-hyun, celebrates its second anniversary.
The narrative starts out with the brothers Sang-tae (Oh Jung-se) and Gang-tae (Kim Soo-hyun). Gang-tae is the main caretaker for his autistic sibling, who also has a severe fear of butterflies. Before summer, when butterflies are most active, the brothers must regularly be on the move. Ko Mun-yeong (Seo Yea-ji), a writer of unorthodox children’s novels with a sordid history, is Sang-favorite tae’s author. However, her gloomy and often horrifying fairy stories are bestsellers and, as one realizes, have important meanings.
In an unexpected turn of circumstances, the three encounter each other, and while Gang-tae is first irritated by the relentless Ko Mun-yeong, there is affection between them. There are grisly secrets lurking in the background that connect all of them in more ways than any of them could have anticipated, even as the narrative deepens and the friendship between the three grows.
The program explores a variety of mental health issues and the many ways that individuals—even those who appear to be in good condition on the outside—handle them. Whether it’s the self-assured Ko Mun-yeong or the tenacious Gang-tae, each character has their own issues that they work through by cooperating.
Even the supporting cast members, particularly those from the mental hospital where Gang-tae works, are shown in detail and given thoughtful portrayals that help to make them distinctive.
The dynamics between the three characters—from falling in love with people who have troubled pasts to the responsibilities and exhaustion that can result from close family ties—along with the eerie music and sporadic animations from Mun-books yeong’s add depth to the story and make the show essential viewing. Be warned—there are some spooky moments that aren’t supernatural but are still terrifying!
