I don’t think there was ever a good enough way to promote It’s Okay to Not be Okay. And I might not have watched it but for it being Kim Soo Hyun’s drama and I’d watch that boy read from a phone book. This drama is breathtaking in its storytelling, the visuals equal to the emotional darkness and hope of the narrative. It’s a work of art that remains art whether it’s hung at the Louvre or spme neighborhood art gallery. Episode 4 hit so many beats I was breathless, starting with guest star Kwak Dong Yeon‘s incredible performance that cements him of worthy of his own male lead, and I’ve thought he was long overdue for years but this hammers it home. Heartbreaking stuff.
Then Kim Soo Hyun and Seo Ye Ji go for it beat for beat, neither Kang Tae nor Moon Young back down from each other but continue to push each other forward. It’s not always a good place, as we see Moon Young fulfilling her promise to walk her dad and then getting a strangulation dead attack round 2. No wonder she’s so f*@ked up. Thank god Kang Tae read her Zombie Boy fairytale and understood viscerally what she was trying to say. No actor can cry like Kim Soo Hyun can cry and when Kang Tae got to the point when the Zombie boy grabbed his stumpy mother’s torso to eat an said “Mom, you’re so warm” I about lost it. Everyone in this drama needs a happy ending and I am going to rewatch scenes from here on out to not miss a detail or moment because it’s that good.
K-dramas have featured anti-heroines aplenty from Cinderalla Unni to Hotel Del Luna and countless in between. Likely none as emotionally traumatized and abused as Moon Young, and Kang Tae sees that now as well as the slightly autistic side of her similar to Sang Tae liking something and wanting it and saying whatever comes to mind within their own logic. She is the id and ego while Kang Tae is the super ego, and together they have a chance to find the comfort they have been sorely lacking since birth. He was born to take care of Sang Tae and she was born to be her mother’s masterpiece, both are seeking agency in their existence and meeting each other expands their horizons.
For a solid supporting actress working in C-ent for many years, this breakout opportunity for…
So I suggest keeping expectations low for this drama, despite the fan love for the…
So this is the drama trolly producer Yu Zheng recently praised as better than Goblin…
So the most recent casting for this drama is now confirmed as the final selection…
So there is a popularity award in both the film and the television sections of…
I have such a soft spot for C-actress Yang Mi and it just makes me…
This website uses cookies.
View Comments
This drama is a sure shot masterpiece and deserves a lot more love. Just goes to show how some very bad shows get ratings because of hype and controversy and a quiet real drama like this becomes a highly acclaimed cult classic. The international fan base is eating this up but even critics in Korea have nothing but praise for it. This is another Be Melodramatic situation.
Is it necessary for you to run down other shows in your love and support for this show? There’s this thing called preference. To you, it may be a masterpiece but to some, it could be pretentious art. If it’s really that good, people will come to love it for its own merits. Sing your praises but just keep it about the show please.
She didnt mention any drama. So dont be so triggered. It's her opinion and didnt bring down ANY other drama. Why so serious???
@Yui Know the meaning of snide? The telling is in between the lines. Anyway, why are you so defensive when it’s not even your comment to begin with.? I’m asking that we keep praises about the show to the show. Anything wrong?
@mizzy i know this isnt my comment to begin with, but i share the same sentiment as hers. We should praise this drama, ok i get it, but then, what's so wrong with sharing our opinion about comparing this and that, well not even mention any name in here. Cant we criticize something else???? Why you should tell her what to say. Im not being butthurt here but trying to tell you that we can talk and share our opinions. Cuz comparing two things are common. Cuz there are some bad dramas got high rating just bcuz of the hype and controversy.
You sound so pressed that backstreet rookie ratings is high compared to this drama??? But tbh this drama is really boring even kim soo hyun’s face can’t save it. He’s getting paid a million just for this role?? All he do is stare at the femaled lead?? Lol his stardom has deminished. Looks like kim yoo jung’s stardom in korea is more powerful than kim soo hyun’s lol
It’s literally team BR vs team IOTNBO. And more than Kim yoo Jung, I think it’s Ji Chang wook. That man can act and deserves ALL the love. He’s nailing his role. And as for KSH, SYJ is definitely stealing his spotlight. But to say he’s bad will be wrong. It’s his comeback, SK isn’t appreciating it enough, so atleast us international fans should. But yes, just to uplift another drama don’t degrade another. BR got high ratings and all the international hype becuz of how good it is in its genre. And JCW is JCW, at the end of the day.
Love for both dramas!
You sound angry that nobody talks about BR here honestly. Plenty of dramas get high rating with terrible plot and noise marketing, its not just BR. In fact, I would say BR fans can't stop from trying to talk about BR here unprovoked every single time. Its like a child throwing tantrum, pay attention to me.
I like to say some ppl think they know everything
If u dont like the drama but it gets higher rating means it is all due to hype
Acoording to me (stating my opinions everyone can) hype can get rating for a drama for the first two episodes after that its individual preference
As we have seen before
But backstreet rookie rating has increased in the fourth episode as some ppl realised that it is a good drama
I m not saying its a wonderful drama but now the period is such that life has become difficult due to this pandemic and this moment most of the ppl prefer to watch something light even if its silly
Even i like kimsoohyun (but i dint watch this drama so wont comment) but i m holding this drama on standby as from all the comments i can see its a sad and dark story and right now i m not ready for it
So some ppl might think the same way
If u really feel any drama is bad dont watch it but bashing it calling it trash is not something acceptable by the drama fan
Becoz all actors and staff work hard to make a drama or movie
Judging is easy so everyone does it
Hype and praise what u like why bash others when u have no interest to watch why waste ur energy unless it affects you
WHY R U HERE IF IT'S BORING? HERE IT IS A REVIEW ABOUT IT'S OK TO NOT BE OKAY.
Backstreet Rookie is airing in Local Channel While It's okay not to be okay is airing in Cable channel, Netflix and there's another app in Korea where you can watch it live.. There's 3 channels where people can watch it's okay thus the ratings while backstreet rookie is airing in one local channel which all people have access in Korea. Its okay is a very good drama about mental health while backstreet rookie is just a simple korean drama and Yoo Jung character looks like a stalker that like a man way older than her. Mental Illness is still a taboo in KOrea and i like that they are tackling it lik it's okay that's love.
@gjl
Don't want to comment but female lead in BR is stalker?
Where did you see that, she just say that she likes him since 3 years ago but there is no scene of her stalking him
The psycho drama female lead harassing the male lead, by word, by her action, telling him that she wants him like a toy or an accessory and the excuse is "she has mental illness", that doesn't excuse her shitty behaviour, her kidnapping people, her harassing people and you want to come over to criticize some teenage girl stupid love over kind guy she met?
Get over with the comparison.
@ tana..I haven't watched BR so I won't comment but in IONTBO they are not glorifying the female lead.. Do some research on people having Anti Social Personality Disorder. The drama is not excusing her just because of her illness but it is just that such type of people are indeed like that who can't feel any emotion and treat other people like a commodity.It is more like an accurate portrayal of people having that type of disorder. It is just a reality check. Even I was unaware of this illness before.
Okay for some reason I think you should know when to compare and contrast, Backstreet Rookie and It's okay not to be okay are on two different planes, for me the role Ji Chang Wook is playing isn't exactly him, but hey he's an actor and can bring any character to but Kim Soo Hyun not only plays his role but he is the role
There's a Huge lesson to learn from the series, and above all it should help you see people differently and understand them
Everything isn't always green
Maybe you're all for laughs but don't compare BR to IONTBO
The two don't relate in anyway
@astar
I am not talking about glorifying in the drama but the comment section has the nerve to dramatize of a young girl who loves a good guy and didn't harm him while worshipping another character that actually harmed and harass the male lead.
Why keep talking about the "trashy" backstreet rookie female lead who is young stupid girl in love just to show that iotbno has "better" lead when she is older, can function but still act like some of the stuff are "not" wrong, you can be APD can doesn't understand whatnot in the line but kidnapping?
I don't really see the same agreement said from the other drama, the way the KSH drama talks bad about BR is just show how insecure they are,
all their comment is whaboutism and when they get confront back with their own drama, the defense is "oh she has mental issue", well mental health is not excuse someone to be a jerk or violating rule when they can function in society,
just talk and praise your drama, if BR get an upward trajectory each week then more to them than trash talking them, as like BR female lead is kidnapping someone against their will or just do it so someone notices her
Koreans talk about kim yoo jung more in portals like nate. They don’t care or even praise jcw ever since his scandal so... HAHA they even said kim yoo jung will be the next jun ji hyun lol
@ orange on. I dont know about Korean but this drama definitely have more buzz internationally than Backstreet rookie especially on Twitter
I think it’s both. Both are doing great internationally?
My point exactly, no one is saying that BR is good, the series is just weird and funny but IONTBO is on another level
It strums every single string in your body, some scenes you can relate to, others you learn from
The series is just magical
@violt, I’m sure you’re mistaken. KYJ is getting a lot of buzz but JCW is still ahead. His popularity is definitely more internationally and in Korea. BR itself is trending on Twitter, that’s the thing. So is IOTNBO, it’s a healthy competition but some fans are just trying to create ice
I agree! Both this drama en Be Melo is great!
This is a cable drama 4% is great for ratings
im in love with this drama and with Kim Soo Hyun. im looking forward to episodes 5 and 6. Im soo glad that this is on Netlix.
Episode after episode this drama keeps hitting all the right notes. The electrical chemistry and sexual attraction between the leads has me eating up all their scenes. I can't take my eyes off them.
BEST DRAMA OF 2020! PERIOD!
put down the bottle sweetheart you had enough
I absolutely love this drama! The cinematography is beautiful, the acting is on par for both leads as well as supporting characters. I eagerly await new episodes each week. In regards to ratings, as I understand it, this serious is on a cable channel while BR is on a free access channel. A 4.9 rating is not bad for the channel that the show airs on and is an increase from its originally aired rating. I am also eager to watch BR. I cannot wait to see it as well. I am choosing to commit to this series while allowing the BR EPs to rack up so that I can binge it later. Both series are good. If people want to compare, let them...I don't think anyone has said anything mean about either shows here...let's all (including myself) chill! Take the no mean comment back...just read some very vicious ones...its not necessary both shows are good and both actors are good...relax people!!!
I AGREE with everything you said :) There's no weak link in this drama. Gosh, I hope it continues to be beautifully told until the very end. This might be one of my top 5 kdramas, or probably #1 since as you said, extraordinary story-telling, directing, acting, editing, cinematography etc. I LOVE this series!! So happy for KSH and SYJ for this amazing project choice!!!
Totally agree, this is the drama I have been waiting for a long time. The Neflix and TVNI VOD rating are No 1 now
100% agree with what uve said....This is a masterpiece story telling drama and the only drama i don't even want to miss a second of it...Its that amazing in everything..
flo p
Just wait till it's end only 4 episodes are air and it's on cable channel so it is doing well a lot of time is there to increase ratings
Yup highest paid oppa delivering his second disaster in row. They r sticking to acclaim lile their oppa got 250 million won for making this drama disaster.
I see u butthurting in every other post except Liminghao one. Aiya dont be like that la, u look so pitiful.
4.9%? Yikes. I guess the first drama post-military curse for big stars is continuing. Praying Joo Won's drama does well.
4.9 on tvn dear, it's like double in national tv. No worries this is still good. Cuz even the daesang winner Secret Forest got 4% average.
This drama is a masterpiece. Not bcuz i like KSH, but the story is just very good. The point of every episode was amazing. Give it a try.
to be fair, secret forest is a comeback of older actor without hallyu stardom and at the time, even 2% is that high so 4% is a treat
now, even tv chosun get 6% with park shi hoo saeguk
@anne Secret forest is 2017 drama. At the time reply already produced 2 dramas with high rating. Signal got 11 or 12%. Dont get me wrong, i love SF to pieces. I just want to say that for tvn, 4% isnt really a flop. 1% yes. It might not as expected, cuz of KSH, but 4 is still safe. It didnt drop that much, not even half of the 1st ep 6%. This drama still got 4.9%. Not many tvn drama got more than 10 nowadays. Well, i hope it will increase later.
Well, koreans love saeguk. No wonder it's doing well.
4 percent on tvn is low to be honest. It needs to be at least 8 overall average to be a modest rating show. And 12 percent like Goblin and Cloy to be a hit
But 4 percent is not super flop though the main actor is highly paid. JCW' Melting me softly Tvn shiw git only 2.1 percent and he was paid handsomely for that.
@ric33 melting me got 1.1% for the lowest. 4% looks lower bcuz the expectation for KSH since he always got high rating in every drama before enlistment. Since i like the show, i hope it'll get higher rating later.
How many dramas got 8? I kinda forget which dramas. But i think, not many. Below ten that got more than 10. Only a few got more than 5. I might be wrong.
@yui
what I am saying is Secret Forest at the time is a considered more than average rating, it can't be compared with now when the normal drama in the cable can get 2% rather easily.
have you heard of TV chosun? it's less and less than JTBC and TVn consumer field to get 6% rating,
What I am saying is the PBUIO drama, regarding the quality, does perform lower than expectation in the rating field.
6% the name of KSH is a given, he'll be there but the way that it get 4% and 5% is quite shocking because he supposed to be at least 6% given his status
Joo won has an upcoming drama? I did not know, thanks for pointing that out, his last drama was a snoozefest, looking forward to his next drama.
Me too
Remember it's also airing in Netflix and there's one more app that Korean can watch it live thus the ratings. If there's no Netflix where people can watch it in their own time I think the ratings is highter. 4% is considered good in cable channel I remember when OCN Vampire Prosecutor hits 3% they arleady considered it a high rating drama.
CLOY, When the Camelia Blooms and Itaewon Class all aired on Netflix too. Yet all performed better than this one.
Don't use Netflix an an excuse.
I just find it funny that now people are saying 5% is good enough when the same people were predicting double digits out of the gate. Talk about adjusted expectations. LOL
I totally agree - the zombie baby fairy tale got me. The stories are very well written and this one is just one that goes straight for your guts and heart.
I have seen healing dramas but this is one of a kind
Normally one side has trauma and the other side has something to give but here the two leads are totally “in trauma” PLUS she is someone who can’t give love objectifying things while he is someone in so lack of love and traumatised for being objectified by his mom as being born just to take care of his brother
How is that going to work?!
Yet you just know they are right for each other
Slow clap - this drama regardless of ratings is just good
This is one drama that I’ll say, if the ratings remain Low it just means art is not for everyone and the show is just ahead of its time.
The episode make people to egar to watch and it makes you to see till end.