The Netflix series It’s Okay to Not Be Okay is a Korean drama written by Jo Yong and directed by Park Shin-woo. This series centres around a trio of characters, each dealing with their own distinct mental health challenges. There is Ko Mun-yeong, an author of children’s books who has antisocial personality disorder; Moon Sang-tae, a big fan of Ko Mun-yeong who is on the autism spectrum; and Moon Gang-tae, the younger brother of Sang-tae whose life has revolved around the care of his older brother since childhood. As the trio meet and interact, they are forced to reckon with past traumatic events that have kept them trapped in a perpetual cycle of avoidance and denial. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay is an honest portrayal of the hardship individuals facing a wide range of mental health challenges endure. Above all, this series attempts to underline the importance of facing one’s trauma in order to overcome it.

“Hurtful, painful memories. Memories of deep regrets. Memories of hurting others and being hurt. Memories of being abandoned. Only those with such memories buried in their hearts can be stronger, more passionate, and emotionally flexible. And only those can attain happiness. So don’t forget any of it. Remember it all and overcome it. If you don’t overcome it, you’ll always be a kid whose soul never grows.”

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Feature Image: Tama66, On Pixabay, On Creative Commons