Está bien no estar bien (2020)

This is the best serial ever

Normally i dont write reviews but this serial it made me fall in love with everything there is in this world . The year when this serial was broadcasted was 2020 the worst year ever in a century but this serial kept me going .It made me laugh want like litterally want crave for more more more which is happening after a long time .i was going through a kdrama slump i got this serial and trust me this is a very beautiful serial i loved every aspect of the story line one episode will make u hate on character but in the next u will love them this proves everyone is a human we will do some things that will make others angry but we are humans sarams we do stuff there will be someone or something that will help us love us .i dont know what i am writing but i am just in soo much emotions maybe ill come back and edit this but lets just say i am a bit psycho but its okay .
This serial made me crazy for kissing scenes ( bates motel family ). The story ,the acting the directing everything was just spot on i was thinkimg the mothers plot was not necessary but i was wrong it was needed to show how ppl who had past troubles in life can move on and live togther when they love each other....beautiful messages i fell in love witg fairytales . I wish everyone enjoys the serial like us

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Mixture of K-Dramas that we have watched before!!

It feels like it was a mixture of K-dramas that we have watched before The love triangle or square we already watched in Crash landing on you. Also the rigid and blunt lead character of Ms ko was same like we watched as jang man wol in hotel de luna. The chemistry between the couple was same as it was in hotel de Luna. There the guy was trying to stop her from turning into a vengeful ghost and in its okay not to be okay Gang tae was trying to do the same ,trying to control Ms Ko moon.Also the connection from the childhood and tragic incident somehow reminds me of what’s wrong with secretary kim. So whole time the show kept reminding me of something that I already had watched before. I couldn’t find anything new besides the autistic brother twist. Also I believe the way they fell in love doesn’t make you go like they should be together,at many times I didn’t liked the chemistry or maybe it was written this way . It’s was just okay story .Also it was soo predictable. Doesn’t make you wanna got crazy for the next episode. Ending was also predictable.

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CRY LIKE A RIVER

i don't know how many times a cried in this drama. Different emotions of crying.... happy tears, sad tears, empathy tears and all kinds of emotions.

and now i'm crying because the show is really over.

My Weekends will never be the same again without It's Okay to Not Be okay.

there are some parts of the story which did not have a clear answer but the ending and the final episode made me forget my questions and just enjoyed the ride with Gang Tae, Sang Tae and moon young.

i love this show so much and i can't believe that it is really over.

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Nothing can ever fill the void this show has left me with, in the most beautiful way possible.

Out of all the shows I’ve watched, this has left me with the worst post-drama depression ever. I can’t describe or understand why exactly I am so invested in the characters, ESPECIALLY GANG TAE AND MUN YEONG. Ever since I finished it, my heart aches every time I think about the show. It's like a void that will never be filled. I love it so much and I really hope they somehow renew this for another season, although unlikely. The chemistry between the actors kills me, each scene they’re together hurts me even if it’s a happy one. I loved the magical realism and the little details they put into the plot, which just further enhanced the great acting of all the actors. If you’re planning to watch this, I recommend preparing yourself ’cause you’re gonna feel empty for a while after finishing it. Try to not miss anything and dedicate your full attention when watching it – that’s how you’ll enjoy it the most. I don’t think I have ever shipped a couple so much, the dynamics and their backstories and the way they healed through each other are just perfect. The tension and the stares during those sweet and intimate scenes are what really pushed me off the edge. And of course, the funniest faces and lines at the most unexpected moments. I am 100% sure that this will probably be my favorite k-drama forever, I got so lost in their world and I find myself going back to it every now and then. I find comfort in them and I’ve gotten so used to it all. The familiarity you’ll develop with the show is the best part of everything. I don’t think I’d ever be the same again, I love the way I feel whenever I watch/think about it, it makes me smile and cry at the same time. My greatest wish is for these two to work together on the same project again, even if it’s not for a season 2 of IOTNBO.

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best drama<3333

so this is my first time writing a review because i really wanted to write one for my fave drama

all i can say is that this is the best drama of 2020 and possibly of all time idk but it's my fave drama since you really can't see these types of storylines in other shows. i thought it would be cliche because i see a lot of dramas with similar plots/synopsis like the ones where the leads heal each other's emotional scars and stuff like that. the thing about iotnbo that sets it apart from other shows is the way they delivered it idk but ye ji's character was really new. the trio's relationship is really wholesome aaaaaaaa they're so cute. i do have to say though that it should've been longer to explain some stuff. anyway seo ye ji kim soo hyun oh jung se best actors<33333

the reason why i'm giving it a perfect score is because it's better than most dramas but plot-wise, i think they missed out on some stuff.

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Why is Korea Sleeping On This Show? (Updated)

This show explores and fleshes out themes in ways different from what I’ve seen in usual kdramas. It has many original concepts but still has that korean trademark chemistry between the leads that will give you the heart fuzzies.

In short, come for the romance but stay for the story. Also, Kim Soo Hyun is definitely not human... how can he still look so good after all this time?!!

Side note: this is my first time seeing Seo Ye Ji and I am blown away. She is so appealing and extremely good at portraying her character. Currently checking her other works just to see more of her and her acting prowess!!!

Why I love this show:
1. The character development of the leads and main supporting cast across the episodes is nothing short of amazing - each main and supporting character has depths that shine in different moments throughout the series.

2. The sets are beautifully made and the crew’s attention to detail is astounding.

3. The laughs and humor in this dramedy are well placed, feel natural, and let’s you laugh along. The serious moments are heavy enough to make you cry. The heartwarming moments are genuine and can make you both laugh and cry.

4. THE CHEMISTRY AMONG THE LEADS IS NEXT LEVEL!!! The filial chemistry among OJS, SYJ, and KSH is so good you’ll be rooting for each of them until the end. The romantic chemistry between KSH and SYJ is explosive!!! Can they please just be happy together ?

5. After finishing the show, I read an op-ed explaining the nature of this show as a character driven story as opposed to a plot driven story. This helped me understand the POV of the writer and director's vision better and now I see that they, along with the cast and crew, executed it perfectly! There will be lots of room for theorizing how some events happened, but what I've come to learn is that it doesn't matter because it's not important to the characters on whom the the show revolves.

The show wraps up nicely and neatly, please watch and enjoy!

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A masterpiece with a magical character

Wow! Get ready! This drama is something else! It hooked me right from the start, and then I was glued to my seat all the way through. This is one of those special shows that captures your heart and takes you on an emotional journey that leaves you changed when you are through. Special indeed!

The drama is like a dark, modern fairy tale. It has a magical quality to it in the way the story is told. The script was so incredibly well-written with every line of dialogue having meaning.

A lot of thought also went into the production with so much attention to detail in constructing the sets as well as how the scenes were shot. The OST also greatly enhanced this magical feel. All of these elements blended together beautifully to carry us away into this slightly disturbing yet very healing fairy tale.

Kim Soo Hyun and Seo Ye Ji delivered powerhouse performances, and any time they were on screen together was completely captivating in so many different ways. Their chemistry was palpable. They run very hot and cold with each other which resulted in some incredibly intense moments as well as some deeply emotional ones.

This relationship is a bit disturbing in the beginning as these two clash. Their actions towards each other aren’t always that great. These are two very broken people. But they are drawn to each other, and those walls slowly start coming down between them.



It’s not a linear journey though, and the road is filled many bumps along the way. As they learn and grow in their relationship, healing begins to emerge. We experience a lot of joy and sadness with this couple, but it’s all worth it to watch these two hurting people face their demons and find comfort in each other. I was completely swept up in this amazing romance!



Seo Ye Ji was absolutely phenomenal as Moon Young. She owned this complex character and breathed so much life into her. Moon Young is a unique character in the drama landscape, particularly for a female lead.

Many times she feels quite dangerous as she doesn’t hold back and will take her anger out on those who wrong her. She’s impulsive and says what’s on her mind. Plus, when she sets her mind on something, she won’t back down. That includes her feelings for Gang Tae.



Her actions towards him are quite aggressive as she relentlessly pursues him. Definitely not the recommended way to initiate a relationship. Just reading that, Moon Young may sound like terrible person. But there is far more to her than that.

Underneath that powerful persona is a very hurt and damaged woman that has an incredibly traumatic past. Learning more about her, how her mind works, and watching her journey of growth was such a treat.



Gang Tae has his own deep-seated issues stemming from his past. He loves his brother dearly and has dedicated his life to taking care of him, but that comes with a cost. His brother has always came first since they were children, and he’s had to bury much of his pain in order to do what is best for Sang Tae.

That has taken an emotional toll on him over the years, and he has to unlearn some of his bad habits. His pain is quite raw to see, and it was evident that he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.

When Moon Young comes into his life, he becomes incredibly conflicted as he is forced to fight his feelings for her. It was heartbreaking to watch as he struggled with wanting to do what was best for his brother as well as just take some small enjoyment out of life for himself for a change. He had a lot of growing to do too.



There’s also Sang Tae who faces his own challenges stemming from his Autism as he struggles to understand people and their emotions. A trauma from his past has also made his and Gang Tae’s lives very difficult.

I was thrilled with how this character was handled. Many times in shows, characters with disorders like his are sort of relegated to being a token side character that just impacts the main character. Not so here! Sang Tae is written as a completely fleshed out character that has his own journey to go, is an integral part of the story, and is just as important in every way. Wonderful to see!

Oh Jung Se also really put in a terrific performance as Sang Tae. I was very impressed with him and just how much he brought this character to life and opened a window into his soul.



It’s Okay to Not Be Okay has so many relationships to explore too. I already mentioned the one involving Gang Tae and Moon Young. One that is just as important though is that of the brothers.

Gang Tae and Sang Tae have a complex relationship that is in many ways frozen in time from when they were kids. The dynamic they have between them has remained the same since then.

They love each other dearly but have stayed in their respective roles without growth. This ultimately had a negative effect on their relationship and their lives which resulted in neither of them being able to live their best lives.

Growing as individuals and in the relationship becomes very important for them. I loved seeing how they cared for each other despite some severe challenges to the relationship. And watching them grow closer, understand each other more, and finally progress into a healthier relationship was wonderful.



I could go on and on about all of the amazing relationships featured in this drama. Sang Tae and Moon Young definitely have quite the interesting relationship with each other and is quite fun to watch.

Then we have a wide array of wonderful supporting characters that are explored. There are friendships, romance, parent/child relationships, and more. Suffice to say, everyone in this drama is important, has a story, and is connected to the overall narrative. It was beautifully done.





There’s even some mystery in this series as Moon Young’s past is slowly peeled back as well as the traumatic events from Gang Tae and Sang Tae’s childhood revealed. It added yet another nice layer to this multi-faceted story.



As you can see, It’s Okay to Not Be Okay explores a host of mental health issues and complicated themes. I experienced so many different emotions watching this drama. So much raw pain is dealt with in this story.

Our characters are all very different from each other and have their own issues to deal with, but they all ultimately need the same thing…love and acceptance. Loneliness can be crippling, and that is shown very clearly here. Seeing this unlikely group come together and heal was such a treat. The concept of what a family is was explored in such a touching way.



It’s Okay to Not Be Okay is one of those unique and special thought-provoking dramas that truly is a masterpiece. It tells a heart-wrenching yet beautiful story of growth and healing. The characters are flawed, but we come to understand them and root for their personal growth and happiness. They don’t have to be perfect to achieve that either. Love and acceptance can be found in imperfection. The message is clear and simple…It’s Okay to Not Be Okay.♡

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A walk through life...

This is the first time I was watching an on-air kdrama, so perhaps I won't be able to recall details, but what I do remember is how I felt while watching it. Yes, it was an emotional roller coaster, re-experiencing life you may say!



I got frustrated by some's actions, while the same people made me so proud later on.
I cried tears of pain along with some characters, while later shedding tears of joy for them too.
I got disappointed at some at times, while ending up rooting for them eventually.
I laughed with them and at them, pitied them and regretted on their behalf too...

Meaning that this drama portrayed raw, vulnerable and flawed characters at their 'worst' who are in a journey towards their 'best' selves throughout the drama, while 'healing' the audience along with them in the process. Having said that, watching these episodes, it did't feel like someone was asking you to not cry, nor did it feel like they were crying with you, but simply being there next to you while you cried, patiently waiting. In fact, each episode felt like a therapy almost, with its life lessons, moral of the stories and the general atmosphere that it's being created.

This is when I have to mention the OSTs! They were so much more than just some random background music, that it felt like they are part of the story themselves, and belonged along those wonderful cinematography. Their soothing and peaceful characteristic further intensified simple emotions, while simply conveying complicated once.

Here comes the ACTING! The more I say the less it will be, truly! Though everyone was commendable, still allow me to focus on Moon Gang Tae aka Kim Soo Hyun specifically. What a performance! The way he embraced each and every detail of his character so meticulously, that his very gradual character development couldn't be any more convincing. The arc of those changes was so clear that you can recognise what stage the drama is in just by looking how sincere his smile is!

There's just so much meaning to each frame, so many stories and inspiration that can be gathered,
if not, you can just enjoy a beautiful story of a 'wounded' trio, chasing their happiness. Also as we walk through their life, we seem to re-familiarise with aspects of our own!


Ps. the 'fairy tales' narrated in the drama, are real gems!!!

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A Good Drama…But Unfortunately Just Not My Cup of Tea ><

I was eager to watch this with thrill and excitement especially since it was dealing with psychological aspects and mental health!! Finally seeing Kim Soo Hyun back in action, I was overjoyed only to be underwhelmed by the end >< I really loved the first 6 episodes and was intrigued with how the story would unfold. But as the episodes went on…I felt less and less invested in this show and ending up getting bored. Honestly I wish I knew before hand how slow paced this drama was…slow burning shows are definitely not for me…you have to go into this with a lot of patience and focus especially if you are not one who likes these type of dramas!! A lot scenes felt way too excessive for my liking, and just dragged throughout the episodes where I was tempted to just watch it in fast forward mode. I personally dont think the episodes even needed to be this long and couldve made it more concise…

I think Ye Ji did a fantastic job in playing an antisocial personality disorder, however idk if I could find her character personally likable?? Not sure if she was suppose to be likable from the start or if we were suppose to empathize with her and grow to like her as she started to show character development. She was definitely amusing and I enjoyed her in the first few episodes…however the fact that she had manipulative and possessive traits really rubbed me the wrong way…like the stuff that came out of her mouth towards Gang Tae with no hesitation & how he just shrugged or laughed at it half of the time…im perplexed…those are not things that you should take lightly or in a joking matter?? And her having no problem just screaming what could be deemed as inappropriate in public situations is really unsettling…But I am glad that we got to see her grow by the end of the series; having emotions and caring for others besides herself and putting their needs before her own.

Their “love story” still has me not fully convinced because I cant figure out how or why it started?? It just seemed pretty rushed without any motives of why they fell for each other as kids and somehow that infatuation stayed with them all these years…Its easy to understand why their love grew for each other when their paths crossed again because they were each others safe haven, someone to understand them and give them support. They undoubtedly have amazing chemistry but I had just hoped for a more tangible idea and reasoning behind their attraction??

Gang Tae’s irrational behaviors half the time whenever it dealt with Moon Young became frustrating….especially when he stayed to protect her…while checking up with Sang Tae via phone calls….like what?? all three should've been together in order to make sure they are all safe especially when a dangerous person is out for them…The whole situation was a mess, the communication was nonexistent when there should've been more awareness and caution towards that situation. And I wish there was more detail about Moon Young's mother…I felt like theres still missing pieces to it that Im still pretty curious about but was never touched upon…

All and all, setting aside some of the cons for me, I do want to applaud some pros that I saw throughout the show that I really loved and appreciated!! The OST and overall aesthetics of the show were really beautiful and one of my favorite aspects to the drama, it really embodied the mood of the drama. The way the director/writer integrated the fairy tale story illustrations with thought provoking messages to further emphasize these serious topics but also keep it somewhat lighthearted I think created a nice balance. And like many others have said…but just to re-emphasize…Oh Jung Se’s portrayal of Sang Tae was ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!! To really understand and delve into his character and its accuracy was so natural and believable, he ended up being one of my favorite characters by the end of the show and really became the sole reason that kept me interested throughout these episodes! His maturity and growth as an individual and his mindset during the last half of the show was sooo heartwarming and beautiful. Im so proud of him and to see his journey of overcoming his trauma; he literally deserves the world and all the happiness. I also loved the Head Doctor of Ok Psychiatric Hospital, he was soo funny and just a great person!! He really cared about his patients and treated them like a family! Honestly everyone did a great job in their portrayals especially the actors/actresses that suffered through trauma or other mental illnesses and to see them tackle their traumas/issues. You can really empathize with each and every one of them and understand where they are coming from. And the ending was very sweet and beautiful, I LOVED IT!! The dialogue at the end wrapped up the story very nicely! Overall the story was good but its not something that gave me a lasting impression…

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Overhyped. Overrated

I don’t understand all the ravings it got from people here. I found the plot twists, character behavior and acting terrible and yes ridiculous. The “I love you” yelling at each other is ridiculously executed, no feelings, an ill attempt to sound romantic and comical and just contrived like watching a high school drama play. The male lead is supposedly the highest paid actor - oh wow! What a joke. For him to earn so much for such shallow, robotic acting? The female lead portrayal of an anti social is exaggerated, unrealistic and Overdone. This is an over hyped and overrated kdrama and probably rated bec the leads are celebrities. Don’t waste you time.

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Could not stop whining!

I watched this drama as soon as it was out ... and what a disappointment.
I understand, due to its uniqueness, why lot of people liked it, though. And its approach on mental illness that is a trendy subject nowadays. But the story is lacking a lot, using FL's ASPD (Anti-Social Personality Disorder) and Moon Sang-tae (Gang-Tae’s older brother), Autism Spectrum Disorder as main sources for the plot. I absolutely loved Oh Jung-Se in his role, what a fabulous actor. He succeeded to portrait his character with Autism brilliantly. On the contrary, i did not like Seo Yae-Ji in her role. I found that the ASPD was not well conveyed, and her character ended up being a spoiled brat rather who acts recklessly and do not care about anyone but her, rather than a complex character with sociopath tendencies who would have had therapy and gone under medication for her personality disorder.
Finally, ML's character is this understanding and patient young man who raised his brother, feeling guilty about their past .... who ends up loving the FL as a freedom from the trap that his life is. Yet, it looks like more a Stockholm syndrome.

We understand that the FL and ML are safety pins for each other ... but are they, really ? The morale of the story is that 2 people who love each other can save each other ..... and in this specific story i did not like this fairy tale ending while the main plot was about realistic mental illness. Love can't treat ASPD ... and i felt that if you have to imagine the rest of their lives together ... it will be 2 lives completely ruined. Or was it the morale of the story ? That love can be this stupid sometimes, that people will ruin each other in name of Love ?
But again, i loved Sang Tae character and ending. While people with autism have a hard time to distinguish nuances, yet he succeeded to understand what his brother was lacking and wanted. As a big brother, he only wants to protect his young brother. His character is full of charms and emotions.

Now the fairy tale components and the outfits of Yae-Ji are both beautiful, but it was not enough to make me fall for the Main characters or the story overall. At the end, this drama just did not deliver for me !

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A beautiful but fast-paced exploration of trauma and the struggle towards everyday joy . . .

*My thoughts on the portrayals of trauma/abuse and 'red-flags' in a postnote at the end of this review*

The plot builds in layers. There is something for everyone:
1) murder mystery with serial killer/sociopathic type elements
2) romantic suspense, ‘ill-fated’ love, childhood love, lots of protectiveness and rescuing from both genders
3) gothic fairytale/stylistic elements each ‘chapter’ or ‘episode’ features a fairytale moral or theme
4) Patient of the week storylines

A minor complaint is that there were some 'excess' storylines with little impact/point, but I did not feel for one minute that there was any true wasted time.

What keeps you on the edge of your seat, is the excellent fast, pacing. This is not a ‘quiet’ drama with lots of pauses, and long lingering glances. For those who find character development and inner self progression boring, the second half of the drama may feel less exciting – but for me it was actually the opposite. I got more excited/addicted as the episodes went on.

Many of the actors appear regularly in other popular dramas, but I was able to 'buy in' to their roles instantly from the three main leads to the patients in the hospital. I will also add the main couple had amazing romantic chemistry, naturalistic acting and physical ease with each other. I think this drama had some of the best romantic scenes I’ve seen.

The music sets a great tone, though half point off for the opening credits being a bit bland. I've already re-watched certain scenes numerous times.

I grade on other criteria as well:

Complex Themes - 10
Finally! A drama that acknowledges nightmarish side of human nature and that the road to a good life does not necessarily lie with reconciliation but recognising you deserve and are capable of joy. Expressing emotions, especially vulnerable ones from traumatic life experiences, is the key to finding joy and meaning to live in a world that can be cruel.

Character Growth - 10
While all three main leads are very different on the outside, they all start the drama lost on the inside. Watching the journey, and struggle for something different was meaningful. These are not at all the same characters at the beginning as the end.

Complex roles for women and relationships - 8
Ko Moon-Young is a beautifully complex character: brash and loud and vulnerable all at once, and I liked the very complex feelings she had for her mother. Beyond that complicated relationship, however, the women do not have much overlapping plots or interactions, The rest of the women are caricatures from the loving, always cooking mother figure, to the quiet/shy but jealous friend.

Production design/cinematography - 10
The show deserves a 10 just for the creative way it portrays mental states and trauma. But on top of that, the cinematography is beautiful and the sets have high production values. You can hit pause at almost any point and each frame looks like a painting. Ko Moon-Young has a wonderful makeup/clothing/style concept as well which is just an added bonus.

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Some thoughts on trauma and abuse portrayed in the show:

One big warning label with this show is that it normalises a lot of 'red flags' for romantic relationships. The truth is that if you were starting to date someone who displays the behaviours of any of the three main leads (aggressive anger, not taking no for an answer, inability to express emotion, inability to cope with day to day reality etc.) it would be best to just walk away. In real life, most people do not come to the realizations the 3 main leads do so late in life. It's what makes a good drama, but it's important to not live your own life by this.

In terms of realism, this drama uses a more stage play/stylized format to get to a deeper truth than many more 'gritty' realistic tv and movies. While the pace is not ‘realistic’, the pacing allows for many traumatic stories and many ways to overcome trauma in a way that sitting working through trauma quietly for hours of screen-time just can’t capture.

Many fictional portrayals of trauma and abuse function as exploitative, trauma porn - just endless hours of suffering and grief and no way out. Often those who inflict trauma/abuse are portrayed as either sociopathic serial killers or abusers who are actually good at heart and that you should forgive/reconcile.

This show does an excellent job of showing a huge spectrum of abuse and trauma situations from unintentional inflicted trauma to deliberate, vindictive harm. It does an excellent job of explaining that many of the worst traits in humans stem from the refusal to feel 'warmth' or simple, everyday joys. It shows how life experiences can lead a person to believe that they are undeserving of joy, incapable of feeling joy, or perhaps worst of all that you are too superior, too special to care about such silly things as joy.

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