It's Okay to Not Be Okay

Moon Gang-tae works at a psychiatric ward carrying a heavy load of past grief and responsibility. He keeps others at bay with routines and a calm professional front. A chance encounter with Ko Moon-young, a children's book author who distrusts fairy tales, shifts his world into unfamiliar colors. The two form a surprising bond as she helps him look at his past differently and he offers her a fragility she refuses to admit she has. The show blends humor with raw emotion, using fairy tale imagery to map inner wounds and the slow process of healing through care, trust, and unconventional friendship. The tone shifts between light banter and quiet sorrow, pushing back the shadows of loneliness.

Directed by Park Shin-woo and written with Jo Yong, the 2020 series is an original story produced by Studio Dragon for tvN and Netflix, premiering on cable and streaming services worldwide. It brings polished production design and intimate performances to a fairy tale mood.

Awards: The show drew attention from critics and award bodies, earning nominations at notable Korean ceremonies and international platforms for acting and storytelling, reflecting its strong performances and distinctive blend of drama and whimsy. Its bold visuals and character work earned praise from critics and festival circuits.

Cultural Impact: Its Netflix release turned it into a global talking point, attracting diverse audiences and sparking conversations about childhood trauma and mental health in romance and fairy tale aesthetics, reshaping expectations for serious themes in Korean popular culture. Fans embraced its stylized fairy tale vibe and discussions spread on social media.

Reception & Themes: Critics praised the pairing of Moon Gang-tae and Moon-young for its humane look at healing and resilience, mixing humor with emotional honesty. The series centers on trauma, friendship, and the ways care can reshape a troubled life, earning praise for its performances and thoughtful storytelling.