It's Okay, That's Love

Title: It's Okay, That's Love

Genre: Melodrama, Romance

Leads: Jo In Sung, Gong Hyo Jin, Song Dong Il, Lee Kwang Soo, Do Kyung Soo

Plot: Ji Hye Soo, a first year fellowship in psychiatry's life is completely turned around after meeting a mysterious writer and radio DJ, Jang Jae-Yeol.

Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐★ (4.5)

Describe the show with a hashtag: #MentalHealthPSA

Plot

Jo In Sung is a first year resident in psychiatry, she is brash, a little rude and suffers from an anxiety disorder that prevents her from having a physical relationship with a man. She meets Jang Jae Yeol whom she dislikes instantly but he becomes interested in her and finds a way to move into the house she shares with 2 other men. As their relationship develops, we find out that there is a lot more than meets the eye when it comes to Jae Yeol and we watch the couple struggling to resolve issues in their individual lives and as a couple.

My Feelings

Oh boy, this drama was deep. It was pretty much a public service announcement about mental health but in the very best way possible. The story was very well written, the roles were excellently cast and the acting was above reproach, even the supporting characters had interesting stories and their acting didn't fall short. We are introduced to Jo In Sung in a way that showed her character in a subtle but obvious way, she definitely is not your average girl next door, she has a very strong personality and has no qualms about it. We meet Jae Yeol, your typical handsome man with a borderline bad attitude but in an absolutely charming way. As the drama goes on, we get to learn more about both characters and although below the surface, Jo In is still brash and rude and Jae Yeol is still a charmer, we see why they are the way they are and we love them for it. This drama takes you on an emotional roller coaster but not just out of the desire to be dramatic, it is because they take us on the journey of what real people suffering from mental illnesses go through. It was not a sob story by any means, it was an eye opener. The only reason I gave it 4.5 and not 5 stars is because I did not completely understand some parts of their relationship, there was too much fighting/misunderstanding/impatience on Jo In's part and I didn't like the transition of Jae Yeol from "I give what I am given" to a "trained house puppy". I understand one person has to be level headed in the relationship, but her character, specifically in their relationship, wasn't really likable, I mean, you don't always have to pick a fight, let some things go. Her saving grace was that she was fully committed to their relationship as we saw, but I would have liked to see a nicer relationship before "the breakdown".

Conclusion

This drama is a MUST SEE, there are laughs, tears and lessons to be learned and it was a great way to teach us to not look down on people suffering from mental illness. It was a beautiful story of how two broken people came together and helped themselves heal, and when things got too much, they asked for help and received it. If you or a loved one is suffering, you are not alone, if you need help, ask for it. Bonus, the OST is really awesome! Stay happy.

Annyeong

Naija Noona