It’s Okay to Not Be Okay – Full Season 1 Review

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Season 1

Episode Guide

Episode 1 -| Review Score – 4/5
Episode 2 -| Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 3 -| Review Score – 4/5
Episode 4 -| Review Score – 4/5
Episode 5 -| Review Score – 4/5
Episode 6 -| Review Score – 4/5
Episode 7 -| Review Score – 4/5
Episode 8 -| Review Score – 4/5
Episode 9 -| Review Score – 4/5
Episode 10 -| Review Score – 4/5
Episode 11 -| Review Score – 4.5/5
Episode 12 -| Review Score – 4/5
Episode 13 -| Review Score – 4/5
Episode 14 -| Review Score – 4/5
Episode 15 -| Review Score – 4.5/5
Episode 16 -| Review Score – 5/5

 

There are a lot of Korean Dramas out there and I’ve had the pleasure of watching quite a few over the years. While some are entertaining and easy to watch, others can feel very average and forgettable. Every once in a while, one comes along that stands out from the pack. Bringing some quality characters and a consistently evolving narrative, It’s Okay To Not Be Okay is better than okay – it’s a wonderful drama.

The series has an original and heartwarming premise with excellent character progression and interesting themes. It’s not easy to portray mental health issues but this drama does a great job depicting this in its rawest form, helped along by some impressive acting from the entire cast.

The story revolves around brothers Moon Kang-Tae and Moon Sang-Tae. They have lived alone since they were very young. After their mother passed away, Kang-Tae has been doing the best he can, protecting and looking after his older brother.

While working in a psychiatric hospital, he meets famous and antisocial Ko Moon-Young who is a famous children’s book writer. The series follows the trio as they face their dark past, slowly peeling away the surface layers to reveal deep traumas they have been living with since childhood.

It’s Okay To Not Be Okay certainly doesn’t shy away from portraying important mental health issues and it does so in a very natural way. From emotional and physical abuse to learning difficulties, the drama tackles these perfectly with one message in mind. Just like the title itself, it is okay to not be okay and to seek help, whether professionally or from the support of friends and family.

Aesthetically, the series uses a range of impressive animation through its 16 episodes, mainly during the narration of fairy tales. From hand-drawn to stop motion, these are a clever addition to the series which makes it even more special.

It’s also worth mentioning the beautiful imagery too, with some great scenery of the country and an impressive set depicting the cursed mansion. Let’s also not forget Moon-Young’s extravagant outfits which are impressive and compliment so well with her personality. She reminded me a little of Jang Man-Wol (IU) from Hotel Del Luna, whom she shares similar characteristics with.

There is a strong sense of family and friendship which plays a major part in the show as the trio help each other become better people and finally face the demons of their past. It is not an easy journey for any of them, but how they get there is heartwarming and touching, thanks to some great writing for this premise.

They also have excellent chemistry on-screen which is helped by some skillful performances from the actors. I really hope they will collect awards later this year as this would certainly be well deserved.

Netflix is bringing more and more K-Dramas to their platform and they really have made a great choice with It’s Okay To Not Be Okay. It has plenty of drama, humour, romance and important themes to make this series one of the best available on the platform this year. This should please anyone looking for an intriguing and heartwarming story of love and friendship.

The development of its story and characters is impressive and it’s been a pleasure following the adventure of this unlikely trio. I think it’s fair to say they’ve now become some of my favourite characters out of all the different Korean Dramas I have watched so far!

 

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  • Episode Rating - 8.5/10
    8.5/10
8.5/10

4 thoughts on “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay – Full Season 1 Review”

  1. This series portrays how much it doesn’t matter if you are totally messed up, hurt people and treat them like toys to be played with, if you are rich and pretty you can get away with everything (even kidnapping a disabled person to force their sibling into being a puppet).

  2. I am from Australia but love Korean series, l am addicted.
    Love the tone of the language and the way Koreans bow in respect to their seniors. I love the 16 predictable episodes for each series. I love the fact that they enjoy sharing and eating their favourite food especially if it is meat. The series is real and authentic and the compassion shown to each other l respect and value.The autistic brother and how he has portrayed his plight is real. Very well acted.
    Love the woman who is the cook her role in the series makes it real.
    Love love the series congratulations to all the actors and support team.
    Brilliant

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