It’s Okay to Not Be Okay Drama Review, Cast, Story, Trailer, Timing, and Release Date

“It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” is a South Korean TV drama. The drama is about Moon Gang-tae, who has a job in the psychiatric ward and cares for his autistic brother, and Ko Moon-young, an author of children’s books who doesn’t often get out. They encounter each other and ease their past pain together. This show is about love, secrets, and healing. It’s a hit and is on Netflix in some places.

It’s  Okay to Not Be Okay Drama Cast

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay Supporting Characters

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay Hospital Patients

Other Show’s Cast

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay Episodes List

Average TV Viewership Ratings

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay Overview

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay is a 2020 South Korean drama. Moon Gang-tae a man who works at a psychiatric ward and looks after his autistic brother, Moon Sang- They meet Ko Moon-young, a children’s book author with an antisocial personality. The two begin a romantic relationship as they face their traumatic pasts. This story delves into themes of recovery and psychological growth. It ran on TVN from June 20 to August 9, 2020; Netflix has the stock in some regions. The unusual story and outstanding performances earned many favorable reviews and several award nominations.

Original Soundtrack

The music album for It’s Okay to Not Be Okay was released online on August 9, 2021. Nam Hye-seung, the music director, made the album. It has 16 songs and 20 parts of music from the show. Singers like Janet Suhh, Heize, and others sing on it. People could order the CD starting on August 5, which came out on August 13. The CD became popular, reaching number 14 and 10 on the Gaon Album Chart in August.

Tie-in literature

Five children’s books appeared in the stage drama It’s Okay to Not be Okay. These were written by Jo Yong and drawn by Jamsan. Korean editions were published in July and August 2020. These books were very popular and ranked among the country’s top 20 best-selling. Therefore, the bookstore Kyobo Book Centre did much better with drama and film books. These books were published in Brazilian Portuguese by Kuntrantu magazine, with two editions appearing respectively in March and May of 2021.

The series’ script, also illustrated by Jamsan, was published in two books; each covers eight episodes.

Tracklist

Disc 1

Disc 2

Singles

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay StoryLine

In the heart of Seoul, the lives of two individuals, Ko Moon-young and Moon Gang-tae, intertwine in a tale of emotional healing and love. Moon-young, a successful children’s book author, carries a facade of confidence and independence, but beneath her exterior lies a tumultuous past and unresolved emotional scars. Her life changes when she encounters Moon Gang-tae, a compassionate caregiver at a psychiatric hospital, who devotes his life to helping others while neglecting his own emotional needs. Moon Gang-tae, burdened by the responsibility of caring for his younger brother Moon Sang-tae with autism, has always placed others’ needs above his own, leaving little room for personal growth or happiness.

As their paths cross, Moon Young and Moon Gang-tae embark on an unexpected journey of self-discovery and healing. Ko Moon-young’s cold demeanor initially clashes with Moon Gang-tae’s warm and selfless nature, but as they navigate the complexities of their respective pasts, they begin to understand and empathize with each other. The story beautifully unfolds, exploring themes of mental health, the importance of self-care, and the power of empathy. Through their connection, they confront their deepest fears and learn that it’s okay not to be okay, finding solace and strength in each other’s company. The drama elegantly weaves a narrative that not only delves into the struggles of the characters but also offers a message of hope and resilience, resonating with anyone who has ever felt lost in the chaos of life.

Trailer and Teaser

Plot Summary

The drama It’s Okay to Not Be Okay is about Moon Gang-tae, who works in a psychiatric ward and lives with his autistic older brother, Moon Sang-tae. It is because of Moon Sang Tae’s painful past that they move so frequently. Gang-tae meets a children’s book writer with antisocial personality disorder, Ko Moon-young. Only when Moon-young falls madly in love with Gang-tae do their lives become entwined. They move forward together with Sang-tae, where they help each other to open up about their emotional wounds, discover secrets, and find a way beyond. The story unfolds in the pretend city of Sejong City, where they all grew up as kids.

Parents Guide

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay is for adult audiences. It includes some scenes featuring romance, violence, and gore. There is strong profanity, as well as alcohol, drugs, and smoking. There are also scenes of intense and potentially frightening horror in the show. Parents, please be advised: this series focuses on mature themes (due to violent scenes) and may not suit younger viewers.

User Reviews

The drama “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” has garnered many positive reviews from viewers. Here are some key points from five user reviews:

• One viewer highlighted the deep emotional impact of the series, praising its exploration of themes like love, fear, worthiness, and self-acceptance. They praised Oh Jung-se’s performance as being exceptional and expressed their deep emotion over the finale, which they found to be both joyful and tear-inducing.
• Another review focused on the drama’s unique treatment of mental health issues. The chemistry between the actors and the incorporation of animation into the plot captivated the viewer. They recommended the drama for its distinct approach and powerful message​.
• A different viewer expressed how the series gave them closure and personal healing. They appreciated the life lessons woven into the plot, such as the importance of family, confronting trauma, and the power of speaking up for oneself. They found watching the show to be a highly rewarding and transformative experience​.
• In another review, the emotional depth of the series was emphasized. The story’s intensity and portrayal of mental illness moved the viewer to tears, and they shared their experience. They appreciated the show’s balance of heartbreaking and uplifting moments and the strong performances of the lead actors​.
• A final review celebrated the series for its originality and heartwarming premise. The reviewer admired the portrayal of mental health issues and the main character’s journey as they confront their past traumas. They noted the beautiful animation and scenery and the excellent character development throughout the series​.

For more intriguing Korean drama content, check out our review of My Demon and The Glory. These dramas, much like “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay,” weave captivating tales of emotion and resilience.

FAQ’s

Is it's okay to not be okay worth watching?

It's a scary fairy tale. I suggest it to anyone who likes the idea of old friends meeting up again and dark, deep conversations. More is needed to say that the music is good. I'm already in love with it after just two shows.

Does it's okay not to be okay to have a happy ending?

As a result, the characters grow in a way that is well-rounded and vital to the happy finish. It's not wishy-washy; there are real reasons why everyone is happy. Sang-tae is then picked up by Lee Sang-in. Moon Ga-young and Gang-tae keep going on their trip.

Is it's okay to not be okay based on a true story?

Studio Dragon made It's Okay to Not Be Okay. Jo Yong wrote the script, and Park Shin-woo directed it. Story TV and Gold Medalist produced it. It was based on Jo Yong's friendship with a girl who had a personality disorder.

What is the moral of the story of it's okay not to be okay?

It's fine to remember the bad times more than the good ones. Even though he has done a great job over many years, facing his pain is the only thing that helps him remember the little things that his mind sneakily forgets.