It's Okay to Not Be Okay (Korean: 사이코지만 괜찮아; RR: Saikojiman gwaenchana; lit. "Psycho but It's Okay") is a 2020 South Korean romantic comedy drama television series written by Jo Yong, directed by Park Shin-woo, and starring Kim Soo-hyun, Seo Yea-ji, and Oh Jung-se. The series aired on tvN from June 20 to August 9, 2020, every Saturday and Sunday at 21:00 (KST), totaling 16 episodes with running times of 70–85 minutes each. It is also available for streaming on Netflix in selected regions.
Premise
The series follows Moon Gang-tae (Kim Soo-hyun), a caregiver at a psychiatric ward who has spent his life caring for his autistic older brother Moon Sang-tae (Oh Jung-se). The brothers frequently move from town to town due to Sang-tae's traumatic memories of witnessing their mother's murder. Gang-tae meets Ko Moon-young (Seo Yea-ji), a famous children's book author with antisocial personality disorder, who develops a romantic obsession with him after discovering their pasts are connected. The trio gradually heals each other's emotional wounds while uncovering secrets from their shared history.
Cast
- Kim Soo-hyun as Moon Gang-tae — a psychiatric ward caregiver who struggles with self-esteem and avoids close relationships.
- Seo Yea-ji as Ko Moon-young — a popular children's book author with antisocial personality disorder and a troubled childhood.
- Oh Jung-se as Moon Sang-tae — Gang-tae's autistic older brother and an aspiring illustrator who is a fan of Moon-young.
- Kim Joo-hun as Lee Sang-in — CEO of SangsangESang Publishing Company.
- Park Jin-joo as Yoo Seung-jae — art director at the publishing company.
- Kim Chang-wan as Oh Ji-wang — director of OK Psychiatric Hospital.
- Park Gyu-young as Nam Ju-ri — a nurse and Gang-tae's co-worker.
Production
The series was planned by Studio Dragon and produced by Story TV and Gold Medalist. Writer Jo Yong based the drama on her relationship with a man who had a personality disorder. Kim Soo-hyun's casting was confirmed in February 2020, marking his comeback drama following his military enlistment. Filming was completed on July 31, 2020, without a wrap party due to COVID-19 concerns. Filming locations included Cafe Sanida in Wonju, Gangwon, and Secret Blue Cafe in Goseong County, Gangwon.
Reception
According to Nielsen Korea, the series recorded an average nationwide TV viewership rating of 5.4%. It was the most popular show of 2020 in the romance genre on Netflix in South Korea. The New York Times named it one of "The Best International Shows of 2020." The series received eight nominations at the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards, winning Best Supporting Actor (Oh Jung-se) and Best Technical Achievement for costume design. It was also nominated at the 49th International Emmy Awards in the Best TV Movie or Miniseries category.
Critical response was largely positive, with praise for its visual storytelling, acting, and treatment of mental health themes. Some commentators criticized the writing in the latter half of the series. The broadcast faced legal sanctions from the Korea Communications Standards Commission for sexually inappropriate scenes in episode three.
Tie-in Literature
Five children's storybooks that appeared in the drama were written by Jo Yong and illustrated by concept artist Jamsan, published in Korean by Wisdom House in 2020. All five books became bestsellers in South Korea.
Adaptation
A Philippine remake of the series was produced by ABS-CBN, premiering on Kapamilya Channel from July to October 2025.
