How Am I
How Am I is a deeply emotional short-form Korean drama that explores themes of healing, self-worth, and inner peace. Starring the iconic Song Hye Kyo as Ye Rin, the story follows a woman grappling with self-doubt and emotional exhaustion as she confronts her own identity and life choices. This introspective drama resonates with anyone who has ever asked themselves, “Am I okay?” As Ye Rin navigates her daily routine, the weight of societal expectations and emotional wounds begins to show. But rather than offering quick fixes, the story emphasizes the slow, often painful journey of self-discovery. Her interactions with others become mirrors of her own feelings, pushing her to confront hidden grief, loneliness, and buried dreams. With Jung Sang Hoon as Choi Hyun Min, and Cho Yeo Jung and Song Eun Yi in equally heartfelt roles, the drama offers a rich portrayal of mental health awareness and emotional resilience in modern-day Korea. Each character adds layers of perspective, reminding viewers that asking for help is a sign of strength—not weakness. Unlike typical K-dramas focused on grand romance or plot twists, How Am I stands out as a slice-of-life healing drama with minimal dialogue and maximum impact. Beautifully shot and powerfully acted, it’s a must-watch for fans of Song Hye Kyo and those seeking a quiet but powerful story about learning to care for yourself.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 나는 어떨까
🌎 Also Known As: What Do You Think About Me?, How Do I Look?, Naneun Eotteolkka
🎭 Genres: Life, Drama, Psychological
🏷 Tags: Mental Health, Self-Reflection, Healing, Short Drama, Monologue-Based
✍ Screenwriters: Not officially listed
🎬 Directors: Not officially listed
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 1
🗓️ Aired: March 4, 2020
📅 Airing Days: Wednesday
📺 Original Network: SBS
⏰ Duration: 3 minutes
🔞 Content Rating: G – All Ages
Best Scenes
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Ye Rin looking into the mirror silently—a powerful metaphor for self-examination and hidden pain.
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The tear slowly falling from her eye captures unspoken emotional exhaustion and loneliness.
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Ye Rin sitting alone in a bright room, surrounded by silence, speaks volumes about mental isolation.
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The brief exchange of glances with Choi Hyun Min, which shows quiet empathy without any words.
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Closing scene of Ye Rin softly smiling, suggesting a moment of inner peace or self-acceptance.
Filming Locations
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Filmed entirely in an indoor set resembling a therapy room or introspective space—minimalist but symbolic.
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The setting’s use of white walls and soft lighting reflects emotional emptiness and openness to healing.
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Neutral-toned furniture and uncluttered décor emphasize the focus on emotion rather than setting.
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A single desk and mirror become metaphorical props symbolizing self-reflection and internal dialogue.
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The silence of the space allows the acting and facial expressions to take center stage, not the backdrop.
Visual Design and Costumes
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Song Hye Kyo wears a simple cream blouse, mirroring purity and emotional vulnerability.
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Lighting design uses soft focus and natural tones, enhancing the realistic and raw emotional expression.
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Close-up cinematography emphasizes micro-emotions, like subtle eye movement or breath shifts.
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Costume choices avoid glamor, grounding the character in relatability and emotional realism.
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The minimal visual palette supports the drama’s purpose: spotlighting the inner world rather than outer action.
Themes and Messages
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How Am I explores the theme of mental health and emotional burnout, particularly in women’s lives.
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The central question, “How am I?” reflects the common but often unspoken struggle with self-awareness.
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It encourages empathy and non-judgment, both towards others and ourselves.
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The drama delivers a powerful message that sometimes, being “not okay” is okay.
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Through stillness and silence, it teaches that healing begins with asking honest questions internally.
Interesting Facts
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How Am I was created as part of SBS’s campaign for mental health awareness in South Korea.
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The drama is only 3 minutes long yet features Song Hye Kyo, one of Korea’s biggest Hallyu stars.
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The minimalist production was praised for its emotional depth despite its short runtime.
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Released in 2020, it resonated with many viewers experiencing emotional fatigue during the COVID-19 era.
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It has since been used in mental wellness workshops and discussions across Korean media platforms.
Awards
The Korean short-form drama How Am I (2020) received any major awards during its original broadcast period. While the series featured a notable performance by Song Hye Kyo and addressed important themes such as mental health and self-reflection, it did not garner significant accolades at prominent award ceremonies like the SBS Drama Awards or Baeksang Arts Awards.
It’s worth noting that How Am I aired during a time when short-form dramas were gaining popularity, yet they often remained underrepresented in major award categories. Consequently, some productions from that era, despite their quality, may not have received widespread recognition or awards.
Real-Life Loves on Set
There are no confirmed reports of a real-life romance developing between the cast members of the Korean short-form drama How Am I (2020). Although Song Hye Kyo delivered a deeply emotional and introspective performance as the lead character Ye Rin, the project was a brief, monologue-style campaign piece focused on mental health and self-reflection rather than romance.
The drama featured minimal interaction with other characters and did not include a romantic storyline. Its short runtime (3 minutes) and introspective format limited the scope for any behind-the-scenes relationships to develop or be publicly noted.
In summary, while How Am I portrayed emotional depth and vulnerability, it did not result in any real-life love stories. The focus remained on personal healing and self-awareness, not romance—on screen or off.
