It's Okay to Not Be Okay
DramaCreated by Park Shin-woo, Jo Yong
Number of seasons 1
Number of episodes 16
First air date 2020-06-20
Last air date 2020-08-09
Vote average 8.57
Desperate to escape from his emotional baggage and the heavy responsibilities he has carried throughout his life, a psychiatric ward worker finds himself at a crossroads. The weight of his past experiences and the burdens of his daily duties have taken a toll on his mental and emotional well-being. Despite his efforts to maintain a professional exterior, he struggles with feelings of loneliness and despair. His internal turmoil begins to impact his ability to connect with patients and colleagues alike, prompting a desire for change and healing.
In his quest for relief, he encounters an unusual woman working within the same mental health facility. She is an author who writes fairy tales, aiming to bring comfort and solace through her stories. However, despite her talent for storytelling, she harbors skepticism about the magic and hope that her tales often depict. She doubts the power of her words to bring about real change, much like the characters she creates who overcome adversity through belief in the impossible.
The relationship between the two characters begins to develop as they bond over their struggles. The worker finds himself intrigued by her unconventional outlook and her ability to see beauty in the chaos of life. As they spend more time together, she encourages him to confront his fears and vulnerabilities. Her stories, though seemingly fantastical, serve as a metaphor for the healing process and help him to begin accepting his emotional scars rather than hiding from them.
Throughout their interactions, the woman’s perspective starts to influence the worker’s outlook on life and himself. She emphasizes that it is okay not to have everything figured out and that healing often involves embracing one's imperfections. Her insistence that hope and strength can emerge from even the darkest circumstances inspires him to open up more and to confront the aspects of himself he has long avoided. Their connection becomes a catalyst for mutual growth and understanding.
In the end, this narrative underscores an essential truth: it is okay not to be okay. Healing is not a linear journey, and often, acceptance of vulnerability is the first step toward wholeness. The story highlights how unexpected relationships and gentle stories of hope can provide the support needed to face life’s challenges. Through their shared experiences, both characters learn that sometimes, believing in the possibility of change—despite skepticism—is the key to moving forward and healing from emotional wounds.