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It’s Okay to Not Be Okay (2020) K-Drama posterIO

South Korea · Drama · 2020

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

사이코지만 괜찮아

tvN · 16 episodes · TV-MA Completed

Melodrama Romance
20 Jun 2020
Premiere
9 Aug 2020
Finale
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Binge Brief

  • It's Okay to Not Be Okay stars Kim Soo Hyun as psychiatric hospital nurse Moon Kang Tae and Seo Ye Ji as children's book author Ko Moon Young.
  • Oh Jung Se plays Kang Tae's autistic older brother, Sang Tae, in a performance widely praised for its authenticity.
  • The drama marked Kim Soo Hyun's return to television after completing his military service.
  • Filming took place at locations including the Gocheok Sky Dome, Jangheung Village, and Mangsang Beach, plus the specially built Cursed Castle and Moonlit Beach sets.
  • The series won multiple honors, including Best Director for Park Shin Woo and Best Supporting Actor for Oh Jung Se at the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards.
  • Rumors of an off-screen romance between Kim Soo Hyun and Seo Ye Ji circulated during and after filming but were never officially confirmed.

Synopsis

"It's Okay to Not Be Okay" is a highly acclaimed Korean drama that has captured global audiences' attention. Starring Kim Soo Hyun as Moon Kang Tae and Seo Yeji as Ko Moon Young, the series unfolds within the intriguing backdrop of a psychiatric hospital. Moon Kang Tae, portrayed by Kim Soo Hyun, is a nurse with a troubled past who works at the psychiatric hospital. Seo Yeji takes on the role of Ko Moon Young, a famous children's book author with her own complexities. When their paths cross, they are forced to confront the secrets of their pasts and their mental health challenges.

One remarkable aspect of the series is the outstanding performance of Oh Jungse, who plays Moon Kang Tae's autistic brother, Sang Tae. Oh Jung-se's portrayal of this character with autism is both heartwarming and authentic. "It's Okay to Not Be Okay" also features a talented ensemble cast, including Park Kyu Young, Kim Joo Hun, and many others.

Beyond its central romance, the series traces how childhood trauma shapes adult behavior, using caregiving, autism, and mental illness as the frame rather than background detail. Writer Jo Yong developed Sang-tae's character by listening to people who have autistic siblings, and each episode's title is drawn from a well-known fairy tale, fable, or literary work — including "Rapunzel and the Cursed Castle" and "Beauty and the Beast" — that mirrors that episode's theme. The drama won Best Director for Park Shin-woo and Best Supporting Actor for Oh Jung-se at the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards, among other honors.

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It’s Okay to Not Be Okay cast

Main cast
Also in the cast

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Best scenes

  • The emotionally charged reunion between Moon Kang Tae and his brother, Sang Tae, is a standout moment.
  • Ko Moon Young's heartwarming interaction with a young fan during a book signing event is a fan-favorite scene.
  • Moon Young's unexpected yet adorable encounter with butterflies in the library is both symbolic and visually captivating.
  • The intense and passionate kiss scene between the lead characters, Moon Kang Tae and Ko Moon Young, left viewers swooning.
  • Moon Young's touching bedtime stories for her patients brought both tears and smiles to the audience.

Filming locations

  • The Gocheok Sky Dome served as a unique and grand setting for some crucial scenes.
  • Jangheung Village's picturesque streets and traditional architecture added authenticity to the show's backdrop.
  • The breathtaking Mangsang Beach, with its serene atmosphere, provided a beautiful coastal setting.
  • The Cursed Castle, an essential location in the story, was meticulously designed to convey mystery and enchantment.
  • The Moonlit Beach, featured in Moon Young's storybook, became an iconic and dreamlike spot.

Visual design and costumes

  • The Cursed Castle's intricate and Gothic-inspired design created a dark and mysterious ambiance.
  • Ko Moon Young's fashion-forward wardrobe featured eccentric, eye-catching outfits that reflected her character's unique personality.
  • The use of vibrant colors and surreal visuals in the dream sequences added depth to the storytelling.
  • The contrasting aesthetics between the psychiatric hospital and Moon Young's world showcased the visual diversity of the series.
  • Moon Young's striking book covers and illustrations contributed to the overall visual appeal of the show.

Themes and messages

  • The series emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health challenges and seeking professional help.
  • It delivers a powerful message that healing and personal growth are attainable, even in the face of past traumas.
  • The theme of empathy and understanding highlights the significance of compassion in our lives.
  • The portrayal of complex family dynamics and sibling bonds resonated with viewers on a deep emotional level.
  • The exploration of unconventional love and relationships challenges societal norms, promoting acceptance.

Interesting facts

  • "It's Okay to Not Be Okay" marked Kim Soo Hyun's highly anticipated return to television after his military service, generating immense excitement among fans.
  • The drama was noted for its unique storytelling approach, incorporating elements of classic literature and fairytales to create a distinct narrative style.
  • The series received widespread acclaim for raising awareness about mental health issues and encouraging open discussions.
  • It achieved high viewership ratings both domestically in South Korea and internationally, solidifying its popularity.
  • The cast and crew shared a strong bond off-screen, leading to a supportive and collaborative working environment, which translated into remarkable on-screen chemistry.

Real-life loves on set

There were rumors of a romantic relationship between Seo Ye Ji and Kim Soo Hyun on the set of the Korean drama "It's Okay to Not Be Okay." Their close relationship on set, coupled with the success of the series and their on-screen chemistry, led to speculation among the media and fans. However, there has been no official confirmation or statement, and the actors have chosen to remain silent on the matter.

Episodes

Ep Title Air date Status Rating
1 The Boy Who Fed On Nightmares 2020-06-20 Aired
2 The Lady In Red Shoes 2020-06-21 Aired
3 Sleeping Witch 2020-06-27 Aired
4 Zombie Kid 2020-06-28 Aired
5 Rapunzel and the Cursed Castle 2020-07-04 Aired
6 Bluebeard's Secret 2020-07-05 Aired
7 The Cheerful Dog 2020-07-11 Aired
8 Beauty and the Beast 2020-07-12 Aired
9 The King Has Donkey Ears 2020-07-18 Aired
10 The Girl Who Cried Wolf 2020-07-19 Aired
11 The Ugly Duckling 2020-07-25 Aired
12 Romeo and Juliet 2020-07-26 Aired
13 The Father of the Two Sisters 2020-08-01 Aired
14 The Hand, The Monkfish 2020-08-02 Aired
15 The Tale of Two Brothers 2020-08-08 Aired
16 Finding The Real Face 2020-08-09 Aired

Frequently asked questions

Who are the lead actors in It's Okay to Not Be Okay?

Kim Soo Hyun stars as psychiatric hospital nurse Moon Kang Tae, and Seo Ye Ji stars as children's book author Ko Moon Young. Oh Jung Se plays Kang Tae's autistic brother, Sang Tae.

What is It's Okay to Not Be Okay about?

The series follows nurse Moon Kang Tae and author Ko Moon Young as their paths cross at a psychiatric hospital, forcing them to confront the secrets of their pasts and their own mental health challenges.

Where was It's Okay to Not Be Okay filmed?

Filming locations included the Gocheok Sky Dome, Jangheung Village, and Mangsang Beach, along with specially designed sets such as the Cursed Castle and the Moonlit Beach.

What awards has It's Okay to Not Be Okay won?

The drama won numerous honors, including Best Director for Park Shin Woo and Best Supporting Actor for Oh Jung Se at the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards, plus acting awards for Kim Soo Hyun and Seo Ye Ji at the APAN Star Awards, Soompi Awards, and other ceremonies.

Were Kim Soo Hyun and Seo Ye Ji really dating?

There were rumors of a romance between them based on their closeness on set and on-screen chemistry, but neither actor has ever officially confirmed a relationship.

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