It's Okay, That's Love (2014)

If you're in the medical field, or know anything about psychology, you might have somewhat of a tough time agreeing with all things said or done in the show, but if you can look past some logical issues, show has a great message about accepting one as one is, and the pursuit of love even through imperfect scenarios.

As someone wanting to go into psychiatry, and having friends and family members with psychological and neurological issues, I was intrigued that a kdrama was going to display these generally “taboo” topics. It’s one of the first few dramas as far as I know that did that, and the female lead being a psychiatrist made me even more interested in the show. While show was good, it had a lot of flaws that made it hard for me to overlook.

The bad:

The biggest problem I had was Jaeyul’s schizophrenia outcry by the doctors themselves. Aside from the fact that the diagnosis was super quick, it was also dealt with in a very over the top way. I understand the every-day man or woman (like FL’s sister) to be this dramatic about the mental illness, but the doctors themselves acting like he was on his deathbed already really had my eyes rolling. While yes males with schizophrenia may be more prone to suicide attempts, I feel like show was really jumping the gun on just how dangerous his mental illness was for him physically. Of course prevention is key, but the entire dramatic lens of it all felt rushed and almost irresponsible. I feel like the reactions of Haesoo’s doctor friends were exaggerated, especially since they’re psychiatrists themselves.

The meh:

As for the other shoe-horned psychiatry, I wasn’t too mad about it, but also because it reminded me somewhat of the ghost stories in Master’s Sun. Albeit in Master’s Sun the short side arcs felt a bit more organic.

From Dr. Lee and Dr. Jo’s “friendship”, to Jaeyul and Heesoo’s families, there was a whole LOT of dysfunctionality which didn't always make a lot of sense in how it was carried out. It’s why I could never get on board with a lot of Jaeyul’s mom’s backstory, I think, although I really empathized with Jaeyul’s character himself. He really nailed his character.

I’d like to add Haesoo’s sister added to her family’s side of dysfunctionality and show kind of glossed over that too, especially with how entitled her sister was. She definitely rubbed me the wrong way. Why even add her sister as a character if they weren’t going to resolve her side of the arc? Also, I usually love Kim Mikyung’s roles, but her as Heesoo’s mother towards the end really aggravated me.

The good:

OTP chemistry is top notch. It feels really organic, real, and ADULT. No kids fussing around. Adults with their quirks acting (most of the time) like adults.

I love how Gong Hyojin's character is a badass, and has her quirks. Her own trauma brought up in the show was also something I felt refreshing, and was a nice touch, although I felt like could have been elaborated on a touch more.

Jo Insung and Kyungsoo's relationship was also beautifully done. Jo Insung in general had a very commanding presence throughout the show, and it was because of this, to my surprise, I found myself glued to the show in its early stages.

Lee Kwang Soo's character also always brought a smile to my face (and at times had me sobbing).

Show is ambitious in that it brings to the forefront mental health in a country and climate where it's not always talked about. For that it truly deserves credit, although it didn't fully stick with medical coherence or logical coherence throughout. OTP's chemistry was great, as was Jo Insung's delivery of Jaeyul playing a schizophrenic.

Not the greatest, but worth it for Jo Insung’s performance and OTP–the highlight of the show for me.

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So I decided to do a review of this after thinking hard on it. I love this show a lot, It is perfect in anyway.

Story: When you walk into a story like this it is really thought provoking, that what this story is to me, the main thing you need to get out of this drama I'm not going to tell because it supposed to be in there. Throughout all of that the story I give a 9.5,defintley thought provoking, and it great to give it a try.

Acting/Cast: The cast in this is really great Jo In Sung is someone who I've seen him in That Winter The Wind Blows and I liked his acting in that, Gong Hyo Jin did a fantastic job too (and she been in Jealousy Incarnate). The supporting cast really got into the role and loved them to death. The cast gets a 9.

Music: I have a funny story about one of the songs in this, I was watching a show called American Housewife and one of the songs in this drama came up and I was like wow. overall I'm a sucker for a drama with great music, and this had great music. With this the music gets a 9.

Rewatch/Overall: For a rewatch value I'm giving it a 9, I rewatch this because I think it one that deserve rewatching. Now overall is a 9.5 I debated a 10 but ended up giving it a 9.5.

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It's Okay, It's Love is truly a no fault drama.
The story line of this drama isn't something you'd usually find common as it touches on mental illnesses and is based around the hospital, I feel like this drama would be catered towards more mature aged people but i'd really encourage teenagers who might be wanting to understand the concept of mental disorders to watch this. Not only does this drama show the harsh realities of mental illnesses but it really teaches you a few things from the perspective of a psychiatrist and the people who have these illnesses. It's okay its love is a really complex story as all characters have a series of problems which they all kind of twist together, and even though in the end they do not fix all these problems completely i think thats what makes the drama so good and realistic.
The story is great in how they piece everything together and every character developed greatly in some way. Although the story is already interesting enough in the first few episodes the plot really starts to pick up and intensify towards the end as the reveal more and more information, I was constantly on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. I remember crying for 3 episodes straight because i felt such impact and shock from the events during the end.
The cast and acting for this drama were perfect, the main characters were portrayed well but i have to give props to Lee Kwangsoo and Jo In-Sung for playing their characters so well and to be able to play a mentally disordered person so effortlessly. Kyungsoo's acting was not seen as much throughout the series but really did make a huge impact on me (the reason for me 3 episode straight crying) I felt the need to just hold him and feel pit on him all the time, i really liked his character best in IOIL.
For music there were NO faults, this OST was probably the best i've heard so far. The songs really enhanced the whole experience of this drama, I've listened to all the songs on the OST including the pure instrument ones and i enjoyed it through out the series.
As for a re-watch value 10/10. I can't really give it any less considering it's my second time already watching this 16 hour drama already! Even if you do re-watch this drama the feelings will still remain to hit you!
BOTTOM LINE, The story is something that will really make you laugh, cry, be mad and think a lot. The cast for this was picked perfectly along with the music choices i really think the director should be given an award. This review didn't give this my feelings towards this drama justice i really recommend you watch this yourself, you won't regret it. 10/10!

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Una bella sorpresa

Ho iniziato questo drama senza pretese, ma dopo aver visto due episodi mi aveva convinto alla grande. È un drama molto inteso, molto reale e davvero bello, la fotografia non è particolarmente curata per come siamo abituati ora (es. Memories of Alhambra, Goblin, Tomorrow with you) ma la storia ti coinvolge così tanto che alla fine non si nota poi così tanto, ottima colonna sonora, con anche tracce internazionali molto belle come Hero. Non è la classica storia d’amore. Consiglio di vederlo e di tenere in considerazione che: fa tanto ridere e fa tanto piangere. Un piccolo capolavoro

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Well, I don't know where to start. I love this drama!

Why?
First, the story is good. It's about how to overcome a disorder and to not give up on life. As a psychology major, I can say that they did not exaggerate the symptoms. The writer also wrote a very good script.

Second, my favorite part and I can't wait to give my standing ovation to all the casts. The actings are world class! Both the lead couples show a great chemistry and how I love the Bromance in this kdrama. They really nailed it.

Third, Music? They have the best OST in 2014! I like all the songs, I have them on my playlist and I listen to them everyday. I should say they have the best soundtracks ever!!

Lastly, I guess I have a confession to make: I have watched this drama twice now. In just a month. You read it right, a month and I watched it twice, without skipping a single episode in my second times.

And I will still rewatch and rewatch and rewatch it.

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The story is thought provoking as it deals with mental illness in its various forms, it also highlights the interactions that mentally ill people have with their romantic partners, family members and doctors/therapists. Jae Yeol and his family's story is heartbreaking, but the show always maintains an undercurrent of hope and triumph over adversity so that even as you're watching just how heartbreaking his youth was, you know he'll come out ok on the other end. The main character's romantic relationship is treated with great sensitivity so that you're able to fully appreciate how these two vulnerable and emotionally scarred individuals find their tentative way into each other's heart.
The family storylines are also highlighted to show how these relationships have affected our OTP and the redemptive quality of both these families journeys is heartwarming and rewarding to observe.

The cast is very well picked. I enjoyed the vibe between Hye Soo, Jae Yeol and their housemates, it was a truly unconditionally supportive environment, and their interactions were great to watch as they also provided some comic relief to a sometimes angsty storyline.
I especially enjoyed Jo In Sung's performance from start to finish, he embodied Jang Jae Yeol and his portrayal of him was at times vulnerable, other times poignant and always courageous and believable. I always understood his struggles, his every action added a rich layer to his character, his brave battle with his life's journey culminated to present us with a fully developed, vulnerable yet strong and hopeful man who is aware of his flaws and is conscious of how hard he has to work to maintain his happiness. Bravo to Jo In Sung
Gong Hyo Jin was competent as usual but I found Hae Soo to be an irritating character on more than one occasion, she has selfish tendencies and even though she is a caring individual, her relationship with her mother was very telling in showing her selfishness, especially when we're presented with the full story. It appears she really had no reason to condemn her mother's affair since at one point she advocated for it for her own selfish reasons. Even in her relationship with Jae Yeol there are times when she should have put his mental well being before anything else, but she shows too much concern about how certain things will affect her; for example when she goes to visit him while he's still recovering, and again when she's unwilling to leave for her sabbatical, not realising that he probably needs time to adjust to his new situation and look after himself by himself for a while.
Despite all this their relationship was beautiful to watch.
Jae Yeol's mother and brother were also very well acted and presented, this family's struggle felt so real and poignant, I was desperately sorry for them and cheered them on as they worked through their problems.

The music was spot on, I loved the soundtrack, every song was present but never in the way, music for me is a 10.

I'm not one for rewatching shows, so usually I give low rewatch values. I give this one a 5

Overall I give this show an 8. A very solid offering, well worth your time.

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A masterpiece that could have used a better start

First off, disregard any prior predictions or judgements about the nature of this drama, because you’re gonna be wrong. Coming into this, I was expecting a sweet romance between an author and a psychiatrist. Sure, originally that’s exactly what it was, but the last few episodes of this drama took me completely by surprise in the best way possible. I cried buckets of tears and felt so much pain for the characters, especially our male lead. The topics that this drama discusses are so rarely pictured in film, especially Korean, and I really appreciate that a drama can discuss mental health in such an eye opening and heartwarming way. This drama has really taught me that love, not only the love between the leads, can help us overcome our fears and mental obstacles. Watching this drama was a truly beautiful experience. While I would have loved to give this drama a higher rating, I have to admit that my strong feelings for this drama only really appeared after episode 10. Prior to the climax of the drama, I was quite bored and annoyed by the story. It felt like nothing much had happened at all, and the romance between the leads kind of appeared out of nowhere. Despite the drama acknowledging that Hye Soo is a selfish person, I still hated the way she treated the male lead most of the time. It felt like he was constantly tiptoeing around her trying not to make her mad, and I couldn’t really get into that type of relationship dynamic. In contrast to how she was acting, ML’s declarations of love had me questioning if he and I were looking at two different people, because I would have been done with her shit a long time ago. Despite all this, she definitely redeemed herself as a character in the last half of the drama, but I felt it was worth a mention anyway. If you rewatch the drama, you can really pick up on the hints that the show was giving the viewers about what will happen in the later episodes, especially the visit to Hye Soo’s friend’s sick wife. I can still remember the discussions that the characters had about the beauty of love despite a person’s mental illnesses that might make it difficult for their partner. Overall, if you disregard the slow beginning and the infuriating leads in the first half, this drama is truly a gem that I would recommend to anyone.

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This was a beautiful drama. It had the perfect blend of romance , friendship, hardships, family values and emotions. Episodes 13-15 had me in tears in so many parts. It is a must watch for those who love mature romance between two strong individuals, but those who are also dealing with past traumas. All the characters in the story had a beautiful story to tell of their own which were relatable in many ways. The chemistry between the leads felt so real which added to the relatable factor. The male lead’s role had different shades and he pulled it off fantastically. Loved it and would happily watch again.

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Humanity In All It's Flaws

This drama perfectly displays how messy love and life can be. It deals with so many things like mental illnesses, familial abuse, and ptsd among other issues.

This definitely isn't a drama that depicts an unreal perfection between the characters. They fight, and can be nasty to each other, but at the end of they day, they were all there for each other. That's really the beauty of this series. Too often we get first or secondary characters that don't seem to contribute to the plot, but this does not fall victim to that in the least bit. Each and every person was integral to the storyline and were important in another persons own journey.

They did a decent job at portraying different mental illnesses and conditions. Some seemed to be a little downplayed, but everyone's different so I didn't think too much on it. The acting was quite spot on, and I liked the gradual romance and relationships throughout. This drama is full of character development which is lovely. There were times I got frustrated at the way a few characters were acting, but it ultimately made them more relatable. They really stress the importance of communication and a persons love language in here. Every message within was presented wonderfully. The OST is very lovely, and fits the drama really well.

TW for familial abuse (there's a lot of scenes where a Jang Jae Yeol is beaten aggressively).

All in all, a really good and in depth drama. I would recommend if you're looking for something with head-on content and romance.

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First of all, if you're looking for one particular, obvious reason to watch this drama, it's the chemistry between GHJ and JIS. I don't know whether if it's because of both of them are a very experienced actor/actress or what, but their chemistry makes us the audience just want to ship them until the end of the day. it's like u want them to really be a thing even after the drama ends. They are just THAT compatible w each other. they"re not awkward. the acting is superb. Kwang Soo and D.O didn't disappoint either. The OST also great. Yoon Mirae yet again w another great song after Master's Sun OST success. The storyline is also excellent. definitely worth it. Go watch this dram if you still haven't. Highly recommended!

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MOST REALISTIC HEART WRENCHING SH**

THE ONLY REASON I'M NOT GIVING A PERFECT SCORE IS THAT I WANTED MORE, I WASN'T READY FOR IT TO BE OVER.

The tears I've shed over this drama...I could swim in.

It starts with nice albeit cliche twist, a cocky lead getting a rude awakening from a badass female. At least that's what you'd think but nooo... Zo In Sung...or in this case, JJY is not at all he seems. He stands up for himself, his morals and beliefs, while keeping boundaries already set intact. You don't see that a lot in Rich Alpha male leads.

This man outdid himself acting his role, so much that I was so shocked when I saw he was running alone on the highway, and not with Kang Hoon. I totally believed the guy was real!!!! And his conditions, the OCD...the schizo, this is one of the best portrayals of mental illnesses in dramas.

Anyway, enough about the man, the rest of the cast was fantastic too; a little crazy and dramatic but it made the whole experience wholesome.
The doctors played their roles perfectly and I learned a lot from some of the other patients. Kudos to the writers for creating the masterpiece.

The romance between the leads was painfully relatable and incredibly mature. The kind of romance portrayals you learn from.

Would I watch this again?
Probably, but after I've 'healed' from the emotional rollercoaster it took me on.

Should you watch it though?

DEFINITELY!!!!!!!!!

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