It's Okay to Not Be Okay (2020)

Story

Synopsis

A concise overview of the premise, tone, and dramatic setup.

In "It's Okay to Not Be Okay," a psychiatric ward worker, Moon Kang-tae, grapples with the emotional burdens of his past while caring for his brother, who is on the autism spectrum. His life takes a transformative turn when he meets Go Moon-young, a popular fairy tale author who struggles to connect with the emotions in her own stories. As they navigate their intertwined fates, they begin to heal each other's wounds.

Set against the backdrop of a mental health facility, this healing romantic comedy explores themes of love, trauma, and acceptance. Kang-tae, who has long shunned love due to his responsibilities, finds himself drawn to Moon-young, whose own emotional barriers challenge him in unexpected ways. Together, they confront their painful histories and learn the importance of vulnerability and connection.

Filming locations

Places connected to scenes, checked against source links before they appear publicly.

01
Salt Mountain Suspension Bridge
소금산 출렁다리
116-1 Ganheun-ri, Jijeong-myeon, Wonju-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province강원특별자치도 원주시 지정면 간현리 산 116-1
The Salt Mountain Suspension Bridge is a thrilling 200m long mountain footbridge that offers breathtaking views.
The Wonju Suspension Bridge is said to be a filming location for "It's Okay to Not Be Okay."
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02
Woolong Bridge
울렁다리
1108-48 Ganheun-ri, Jijeong-myeon, Wonju-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province강원특별자치도 원주시 지정면 간현리 1108-48
The Woolong Bridge is another exciting attraction in the area, known for its length and scenic views.
Originally, I wanted to complete the 400m long suspension bridge, but suddenly the weather seemed like it was going to rain, so I decided to descend!
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03
Secret Blue Cafe
시크릿블루 카페
31-6 Ayajinbuk-gil, Toseong-myeon, Goseong-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province강원특별자치도 고성군 토성면 아야진북길 31-6
This cafe is a filming location for the drama 'It's Okay to Not Be Okay'. It offers a beautiful view of the beach and a cozy atmosphere.
The Secret Blue Cafe is said to be the filming location for the drama "It's Okay to Not Be Okay," starring Kim Soo-hyun and Seo Ye-ji, which aired in June 2020.
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04
Ayajin Beach
아야진해수욕장
Ayajin-ri, Toseong-myeon, Goseong-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province강원특별자치도 고성군 토성면 아야진리
Ayajin Beach is known for its beautiful rainbow-colored coastal road, making it a great spot for taking memorable photos. It is also a filming location for the drama 'It's Okay to Not Be Okay'.
Ayajin Beach is becoming well-known as a filming location for "It's Okay to Not Be Okay," attracting even more visitors.
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Food guide

Food & places

Restaurants, cafes, markets, and dishes tied to the drama or the reader's visit path.

01Cafe
Sanida Cafe
Jusan-ri San 120-9, Hojeo-myeon, Wonju-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province강원특별자치도 원주시 호저면 주산리 산 120-9
Sanida Cafe is a filming location for the drama 'It's Okay to Not Be Okay'. It is known for its beautiful mountain views and serene atmosphere. / This large mountain-view cafe is known for hosting various cultural events and is featured in the drama. / This nature-friendly cultural space is known for its beautiful mountain views and is also a filming location for the drama.
In Wonju, Gangwon-do, there is a café called 'Sanida Café' themed around the trees, water, forests, air, sky, and the breathtaking scenery of the four seasons. It has been a famous tourist spot for a long time as it was a filming location for the drama 'It's Okay to Not Be Okay.'
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02Cafe
Cafe Elang
30 Jeomgang-gil, Wonju-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province강원특별자치도 원주시 전망길 30
In the drama, characters enjoy visually stunning bingsu at this cafe, which is noted for its unique toppings.
Park Wan-kyu was amazed by the visual of the bingsu topped with various toppings, saying, "I've never seen bingsu like this before."
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Discovery

More to explore

Step beyond this drama — explore filming sites, food spots, and related titles across the catalog.

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Details

Production

Broadcast details, runtime, language, and key production credits.

Country

South Korea

Original language

Korean

Episode runtime

77 min

Spoken languages

Korean

Production companies

Studio Dragon

Creators: Park Shin-woo박신우
Jo Yong조용
Directors: Kim Yoon-jin

Source: TMDB

Characters

Cast & characters

Key roles, performers, and character context for quick scanning.

Moon Gang-tae
Kim Soo-hyun김수현
Moon Gang-tae is a psychiatric ward worker who struggles with emotional burdens and a heavy sense of responsibility. His journey toward healing begins when he encounters a woman who writes fairy tales but is skeptical of their magic.
Ko Moon-young
Seo Yea-ji서예지
Moon Sang-tae
Oh Jung-se오정세
Nam Joo-ri
Park Gyu-young박규영

Source: TMDB

Actors

Lead actors

Lead performer biographies and notable credits.

Kim Soo-hyunas Moon Gang-tae

김수현

1988-02-16 · Seoul, South Korea

Kim Soo-hyun is a prominent South Korean actor, born on February 16, 1988. He has established himself as one of the highest-paid actors in the country, with a career that has earned him numerous accolades, including five Baeksang Arts Awards, two Grand Bell Awards, and one Blue Dragon Film Award. His rise to fame began with his television debut in 2007, when he starred in the family sitcom "Kimchi Cheese Smile." Kim’s breakthrough roles came with the dramas "Dream High" (2011) and "Moon Embracing the Sun" (2012), the latter of which solidified his status as a leading actor, earning him critical acclaim and a Baeksang Arts Award for Best Actor. His popularity soared further with the hit series "My Love from the Star" (2013–14) and the variety show "The Producers" (2015), where he showcased his versatility. After completing his mandatory military service in 2019, Kim made a triumphant return with the romantic drama "It's Okay to Not Be Okay" (2020), followed by "One Ordinary Day" (2021). He continues to captivate audiences with his performances and is set to appear in the upcoming series "Queen of Tears" (2024). Recognized for his influence in the entertainment industry, he has been featured in Forbes Korea's Power Celebrity list multiple times.

Notable credits on this site

Seo Yea-jias Ko Moon-young

서예지

1990-04-06 · Seoul, South Korea

Seo Yea-ji, born on April 6, 1990, is a prominent South Korean actress known for her versatile performances across various genres. She launched her acting career with the sitcom "Potato Star 2013QR3," which aired from 2013 to 2014. This debut opened the door for her to take on significant roles in period dramas and thrillers, including the historical series "Diary of a Night Watchman" (2014), the psychological thriller "Last" (2015), and the fantasy series "Moorim School: Saga of the Brave" (2016). Her breakthrough role came in the 2017 thriller series "Save Me," where she earned the title of 'New Thriller Queen' for her compelling performance. Seo's continued success led her to join the newly established agency Gold Medalist in January 2020, alongside renowned actor Kim Soo-hyun. Her collaboration with this agency marked a pivotal moment in her career, particularly with the hit romantic comedy "It's Okay to Not Be Okay." The show received international acclaim, with The New York Times recognizing it as one of the best international series of 2020 and praising Seo's mesmerizing portrayal of the complex character Ko Moon-young. This role significantly elevated her profile, garnering attention both in Korea and globally.

Oh Jung-seas Moon Sang-tae

오정세

1977-02-26 · Uiryeong, South Gyeongsang, South Korea

Oh Jung-se is a prominent South Korean actor, born on February 26, 1977. He began his career in theater before transitioning to film and television, where he quickly gained recognition for his versatile performances. Oh has appeared in various supporting roles in notable projects such as "Petty Romance" (2010), "Couples" (2011), and "As One" (2012). His breakout performance came in the 2013 romantic comedy "How to Use Guys with Secret Tips," which garnered him critical acclaim and attention from audiences. Following this success, Oh landed his first leading role in the film "The Hero" in 2013, paving the way for a flourishing career in the industry. He is perhaps best known for his leading roles in popular television series including "It's Okay to Not Be Okay" (2020), "Uncle" (2021), and the upcoming "Good Boy" (2025). His talent has earned him accolades, including the Best Supporting Actor – Television award at the Baeksang Arts Awards in both 2020 and 2021. With a distinctive ability to portray a range of characters, Oh Jung-se continues to be a significant figure in contemporary Korean cinema and television.

Notable credits on this site

Queen of Tears
2024

Park Gyu-youngas Nam Joo-ri

박규영

1993-07-27 · Busan, South Korea

Park Gyu-young is a talented South Korean actress and model born on July 27, 1993. She first gained attention for her appearances in music videos, notably Jo Kwon's "Crosswalk" in 2016. Her acting career initially consisted of supporting roles in various dramas, but she quickly demonstrated her versatility and depth as an actress. Her breakthrough came with the Netflix series "Sweet Home" in 2020, where her performance earned her a nomination for Best New Actress. Following this success, she continued to build her reputation with notable roles in the critically acclaimed series "It's Okay to Not Be Okay." Park transitioned to leading roles in popular dramas such as "Dali & Cocky Prince," "Celebrity," and "A Good Day to Be a Dog," showcasing her range and ability to captivate audiences. In August 2019, Park Gyu-young left JYP Entertainment and signed with Saram Entertainment, marking a new chapter in her career. With exciting projects lined up, including her participation in the much-anticipated seasons 2 and 3 of "Squid Game," she continues to be a prominent figure in the South Korean entertainment industry.

Notable credits on this site

Squid Game
2021

Streaming

Where to watch

Availability is grouped by country and provider type.

JapanView on TMDB

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United StatesView on TMDB

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Streaming data via JustWatch through TMDB.

Episode guide

Episodes

Episode stills, air dates, runtimes, and summaries.

Ep 1The Boy Who Fed On Nightmares
2020-06-20 · 75 min
Moon Gang-tae has a striking run-in with his brother's favorite author, Ko Mun-yeong, when she comes to his hospital to read to the children.
Ep 2The Lady in Red Shoes
2020-06-21 · 74 min
Mun-yeong invites Moon Sang-tae to a book signing event that ends with a nasty commotion. Gang-tae hears about a job opening in his hometown.
Ep 3Sleeping Witch
2020-06-27 · 77 min
Having followed Gang-tae, Mun-yeong begins teaching literature classes at his new hospital. Chaos breaks out when a VIP patient runs away.
Ep 4Zombie Kid
2020-06-28 · 70 min
The VIP patient's incident triggers childhood memories for Gang-tae, who remains an emotional puzzle to Mun-yeong. Lee Sang-in arrives in town.
Ep 5Rapunzel and The Cursed Castle
2020-07-04 · 73 min
With nowhere else to take Mun-yeong, Gang-tae brings her back to his place. Discovering her there surprises everyone, most of all Nam Ju-ri.
Ep 6Bluebeard's Secret
2020-07-05 · 72 min
When Mun-yeong offers an opportunity to Sang-tae, Gang-tae is forced to bend to their will. A patient at the hospital rattles Mun-yeong.
Ep 7The Cheerful Dog
2020-07-11 · 72 min
Gang-tae takes a day off from work to spend time with Mun-yeong, who seems to need a distraction. While drinking alone, Ju-ri encounters Sang-in.
Ep 8Beauty and The Beast
2020-07-12 · 77 min
Seeing Mun-yeong with something that belongs to him upsets Sang-tae. When a belligerent visitor shows up at the hospital, Gang-tae snaps.
Ep 9King Donkey Ears
2020-07-18 · 75 min
Gang-tae and Mun-yeong decide to go on a day trip together. During their mountain getaway, an unforeseen situation crops up.
Ep 10The Girl Who Cried Wolf
2020-07-19 · 82 min
Refusing to go home, Sang-tae coops himself up in a room. Gang-tae wrestles with the demons of his past and the constraints of his present.
Ep 11The Ugly Duckling
2020-07-25 · 86 min
An escaped patient shows up at the mansion. Mun-yeong makes an effort to change Sang-tae's mind about allowing her a place in the brothers' lives.
Ep 12Romeo and Juliet
2020-07-26 · 74 min
Wanting to overcome his trauma, Sang-tae opens up about his darkest memory. A cruel twist of fate threatens Gang-tae's newfound happiness.
Ep 13The Father of the Two Sisters
2020-08-01 · 83 min
Sang-tae shows Gang-tae that he's been practicing drawing his greatest fear. Mun-yeong receives word about her father's worsening condition.
Ep 14The Hand, the Monkfish
2020-08-02 · 79 min
The identity of the vandal who ruined Sang-tae's mural sends everyone into a state of shock. Mun-yeong struggles to process a devastating truth.
Ep 15A Tale of Two Brothers
2020-08-08 · 79 min
After a chilling phone call, Gang-tae rushes over to the mansion. Later, Mun-yeong asks the brothers to leave her — but they refuse to listen.
Ep 16Finding the Real Face
2020-08-09 · 82 min
Mun-yeong decides she's going to publish the new fairy tale after all. Everyone comes together at the hospital for a reading of the book.