«The story touches a sensitive side for everyone and it is how certain events from our past have marked our lives.»
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First things first
This review has no spoilers.
As usual, I was going to wait for the series to be over in order to post my opinion, but I couldn’t wait to write about this drama that to me, so far, is the best Korean drama of 2020.
It’s okay to not be okay, also known as Psycho but it’s ok, is a Netflix original and South Korean series of 16 episodes, released on June 20th 2020.
I will divert from the topic just a little bit
There is something about Korean dramas… I am a huge fan of Hollywood TV series and cinema, I have my favorites, which I love, but Korean dramas get to your heart in a different way. Each drama has a dominant genre, but all of them have funny moments, sad moments, and unexpected turns. The characters are written in such way, that sometimes you even end up sympathizing with the antagonist; you want to place your hand on his/her back and say “I get you, but…”
As in everything, some dramas you will like, some you will not. There have been dramas that I’ve stopped watching after episode 1 because I just didn’t like them. That’s perfectly normal, it happens.
If you haven’t seen a Korean drama yet, I highly recommend it, and it’s not a bad idea to start with this one. I’d love to know your opinion.
Synopsis
It’s okay to not be okay tells the story of two people filled with internal conflicts. On one hand, there’s Moon Gang-tae, a health caregiver working at a psychiatric hospital; he doesn’t believe in love and his reason to keep going is his older autistic brother. On the other hand, there’s Ko Mun-yeong, a successful children’s book author who suffers from antisocial personality disorder and has never experienced love.
Both of them have a traumatic past that torment their present, but together, and despite how different they are, they start healing each other.
In general terms
This series got me from the intro, it’s a beautiful animated intro accompanied with the perfect song for it. The style of the drama is like a book story and I love that. The genre is romance/drama but the way it’s presented makes it unique.
I must warn you that it is very emotional and it covers real issues, issues that might hit you. That is another reason to appreciate this drama more, because it covers those issues from a visually magic point of view.
On the first episode, after the intro, Ko Moon-yeong’s story is presented as a tale, Tim Burton-style; that animation is beautiful, you will love it and you will be shocked by the tale.
Why do I recommend It’s ok to not be ok?
The plot
The story touches a sensitive side for everyone and it is how certain events from our past have marked our lives. We’ve all been there; in our childhood there were certain experiences and words, positive and negative, that we will always remember whether we want to or not.
That’s what happens to both characters. Their lives are marked by traumatic events they went through as kids and never got over, but together they help each other get those ghosts out and face them, despite their differences of character.
The story develops in a psychiatric hospital and we can witness many complicated stories, with problems we go through as a society.
Fantasy mixed with reality
The complex plot of this series is mixed with tales and fantasy. This is something I found fascinating, beautiful and touching.
Ko Mun-yeong is a children books’ writer, but those tales are not about princesses or fairies. The characters are a bit dark and so are the illustrations, as well as the stories. The tales are shocking and have deep messages. That part is brilliant, every detail is made impeccably.
The locations
The drama takes place in a coastal town, a bit far from the capital city. It is a normal town, we don’t see much of it, but I should point out that the psychiatric hospital has a beautiful sight of the ocean.
The most beautiful location to me is Ko Mun-yeong’s house. The house is located in the middle of the woods and it’s amazing inside out, I just love it. Every time I saw it, I used to think “Where did they find such spectacular house in the middle of the woods in South Korea?” Later on, I found out that it wasn’t a real house, it’s CGI and that shocked me in a good way because I never thought of that! I even thought that it was a façade built for the drama. What a great job!
The characters
The main characters, Moon Gang-tae and Ko Mun-yeong are very well developed. Both personalities are enigmatic and they hide their feelings very well, they grew up doing it so it’s very hard for them to open their heart. The way their personal growth develops throughout the series is amazing, very emotional.
Other character I like a lot is Moon Sang-tae, Gang-tae’s older brother. They both have a beautiful relationship; despite everything they’ve been through, they adore each other and are inseparable.
I also like Dr. Oh Ji-wang; his way to reach the patients and help them is genius. He worries a lot about them.
Moon Gang-tae’s best friend, Jo Jae-soo: If this is not unconditional friendship, I don’t know what is.
Cinematography
With everything I’ve already written, I think is implied that the cinematography of this drama is spectacular. The creators spared no expense concerning special effects, locations, clothing, Ko Mun-yeong books… Wow to the last detail.
Ko Mun-yeong’s clothing
Her outfits are spectacular. Seo Ye-ji is a beautiful woman and the clothing of this drama enhances her beauty. All the outfits she wears (even the nightgowns) are divine.
The OST
I love the soundtrack of this series. All the songs are beautiful and perfect for the storyline and ambiance. The official soundtrack is not out yet so I can’t find the score anywhere. About the soundtrack… It’s very hard to choose a favorite so I will name two. I love In Silence, I don’t know who sings it, but you can listen to it on this YouTube link. It has the characters’ dialogs and I couldn’t find the official video, but it’s a beautiful song and I’d love you to listen to it. The other song I love is You’re Cold, by Heize and you can listen to it here.
A little ending note
To me, up until now, It’s okay to not be okay is the best South Korean drama of 2020, and I have seen some excellent dramas lately! However, this one is special. I’d love you to give it a chance and tell me what you think.
Xoxo,
MJ
*All pics taken from Pinterest
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Mi terapia es escribir. Me desahogo escribiendo sobre la vida, mis aficiones, aprendizajes, bienestar, historias, libros y recetas. También me hace feliz conectarme contigo.