so fun to read this review and re-remember this drama. i remember being a puddle when the memories of Kang Tae's mother was shown in a new way. KSH also has the most nuanced face as it melts into tears and crumbles to sorrow. interesting how this drama and a similarly titled "it's ok, that's love" both deal with impacts of childhood trauma and mental illness and both made a rather significant splash in Korea. hopeful!
Thanks, Joy! I loved revisiting this series. I also loved "It's Okay, That's Love" - such an important series about mental health and told in a very unique way. Hopeful, indeed!
Jan 19·edited Jan 19Liked by K-Culture with Jae-Ha Kim
I have watched about 15 k-dramas in the last few years (starting with Start Up a few years ago) and "It's Okay to Not Be Okay" is my favorite. Your wonderful writeup reminded me of the powerful story of the main characters but the stories of the other patients. When people ask me where to start with dramas and want something more than a romcom, i always point them to this. Thank you so much for writing this. I wish i could experience this drama for the first time again.
I watched this drama when it came out and loved the cast and the characters they played. I also love how the writer wove children's stories into the episodes. This is what makes me love and appreciate Korean dramas (more than the series they show in my own country or western shows). It's the intricacy of the writing, the creativity of stories, and the plot twists.
Spot on, Alyssa! After spending the majority of my life watching western shows (some of them very good!) and almost all of my adult life covering them for work, it's such a treat to watch Korean dramas, which tackle topics in a refreshing way that truly resonates with me.
so fun to read this review and re-remember this drama. i remember being a puddle when the memories of Kang Tae's mother was shown in a new way. KSH also has the most nuanced face as it melts into tears and crumbles to sorrow. interesting how this drama and a similarly titled "it's ok, that's love" both deal with impacts of childhood trauma and mental illness and both made a rather significant splash in Korea. hopeful!
Thanks, Joy! I loved revisiting this series. I also loved "It's Okay, That's Love" - such an important series about mental health and told in a very unique way. Hopeful, indeed!
I have watched about 15 k-dramas in the last few years (starting with Start Up a few years ago) and "It's Okay to Not Be Okay" is my favorite. Your wonderful writeup reminded me of the powerful story of the main characters but the stories of the other patients. When people ask me where to start with dramas and want something more than a romcom, i always point them to this. Thank you so much for writing this. I wish i could experience this drama for the first time again.
Thank you so much, Philip! I also wish I could experience this show for the first time. It's so special.
I watched this drama when it came out and loved the cast and the characters they played. I also love how the writer wove children's stories into the episodes. This is what makes me love and appreciate Korean dramas (more than the series they show in my own country or western shows). It's the intricacy of the writing, the creativity of stories, and the plot twists.
Spot on, Alyssa! After spending the majority of my life watching western shows (some of them very good!) and almost all of my adult life covering them for work, it's such a treat to watch Korean dramas, which tackle topics in a refreshing way that truly resonates with me.