Extraordinary Attorney Woo
This legal drama starring Park Eun-Bin and Kang Tae-Oh rose to new heights of popularity within the domestic as well as global entertainment market upon its release. The protagonist Woo Young-Woo suffers from autism spectrum disorder, and confronts the challenges of being taken seriously in the corporate world and in the courtroom as a woman with mental illness
The show beautifully spotlights the challenges of autistic people and Park Eun-Bin does a fabulous job in nailing the gestures, facial expressions and behavioural responses without ever becoming a caricature of a mentally ill person. It is also heartwarming to see how she is supported (sometimes reluctantly, which is a realistic portrayal) by the people around her, be it her family, colleagues or love interests. This scene features Kang Tae-Oh respecting her boundaries by holding her hand only for a few seconds, beyond which she is overstimulated
It's Okay to Not Be Okay
Moon Kang Tae (Kim Soo Hyun) is a caregiver at a psychiatric hospital. He is devoted to serving his patients, but the centre of his universe is his autistic older brother Sang Tae (Oh Jung Se). The show also features as aspiring but emotionally aloof and seemingly obnoxious artist Moon Young (Seo Ye Ji). The narratives weaves together a close bond of family, kinship and belonginess between these characters
'It’s Okay to Be Not Okay' is a sensitive portrayal of how childhood grief might manifest in adult lives when left unresolved and unattended. It brings together characters over a shared sense of loss and grief, but also points towards how they might embark on a hopeful journey of emotional healing
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo
'Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo' focuses on the life of young athletes in a sports university. While the primary theme of the drama revolves around sports, young love, and personal growth, it also touches upon mental health aspects, though not as its primary focus. Kim Bok Joo, the protagonist, is a weightlifter who faces societal pressure, especially about body image and femininity. These problems of social and self-perception are what several women grapple with. However, the rigid and unattainable appearance standards in South Korea make this important issue shrouded in stigma in the nation, which the series attempts to dismantle
Throughout the series, the characters experience moments of self-doubt, anxiety, and depression as they try to find their identity and pursue their dreams. The drama subtly weaves in the importance of emotional well-being, seeking support, and building resilience. It also highlights the emotional and psychological challenges and pressures that come with being a young adult in a competitive environment
SKY Castle
This critically acclaimed South Korean drama delves into the competitive and cutthroat world of elite families striving for success, mainly through their children's academic achievements. It spotlights the consequences of parental pressure towards attaining unrealistic academic goals; and how this might result in feelings of anxiety, inadequacy, poorer self-esteem and depressive tendencies in young adults
The drama holds up a poignant mirror to the realities of everyday South Korea where students are subjected to do-or-die intense academic pressures - and tries to point towards the permanent ramifications. It draws attention to the state of mental health in high-pressure societies, and highlights the urgent need for awareness, understanding, and intervention. SKY Castle is cautionary tale about the devastating consequences of prioritizing societal expectations over individual well-being
Our Blues
In the anthology "Our Blues", one poignant chapter follows Min Seon Ah (portrayed by Shin Min Ah), a young mother battling depression. The narrative portrays her overwhelming sense of existential fatigue, her struggle with everyday tasks, her detachment from the present, and her mental disarray. With the aid of therapy and an unexpected bond with the gruff traveling salesman Lee Dong Suk, she begins her journey toward healing
'Our Blues' paints a touching picture of life in Jeju Island, encapsulating tales of its residents and how they navigate love, life and loss. The K-Drama also features the beautiful OST 'With You' - a collaboration between BTS's Jimin and Ha Sung Woon
My Mister
'My Mister' intricately unravels the tapestry of its characters' internal struggles, emphasizing the profound impacts of loneliness, trauma, and depression. Through the lens of Lee Ji-an's traumatic past and Park Dong-hoon's contemporary challenges, the series provides a poignant commentary on how unresolved traumas and daily stresses manifest in one's mental and emotional well-being. The K-drama features popular singer-songwriter-actress IU
As the narrative unfolds, the evolving bond between Ji-an and Dong-hoon stands as a testament to the healing power of mutual understanding and support, accentuating the drama's central message about the significance of empathy and connection in mental health
Fix You
'Fix You' (also known as "Soul Mechanic") delves into the intricate world of psychiatry and the people seeking healing for their emotional and psychological wounds. The story revolves around Lee Shi-joon (played by Shin Ha-kyun), a psychiatrist, and his patient, Han Woo-joo (played by Jung So-min), an aspiring musical actress with emotional issues
By highlighting the struggles and recoveries of its characters, the series underscores the significance of professional help, understanding, and compassion in the realm of mental health. In fact, in contrast to its title, the drama sheds light on how therapy and recovery is not about being 'fixed' by a professional - rather, a journey to understanding one's many layers and bearing witness to one's own life
Kill Me, Heal Me
The drama underscores the nuances of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), previously known as multiple personality disorder. The narrative orbits around Cha Do Hyun (played by Ji Sung), a man who, after enduring traumatic events during his childhood, develops seven distinct personalities. Each personality emerges as a mechanism to cope with specific traumatic events, reflecting various facets of his pain, fear, and suppressed emotions
The series, while being dramatic and entertaining, also presents a sensitive portrayal of mental health challenges. It navigates the stigma associated with psychiatric disorders, the complexities of therapy, and the uphill journey to healing and integration. In 'Kill Me, Heal Me', mental health isn't merely a plot device but a nuanced theme that underscores the profound impacts of trauma on the human psyche and the multifaceted journey of healing and self-discovery
Just Between Lovers
This drama also known as 'Rain or Shine,' poignantly delves into the lives of individuals grappling with the emotional and psychological aftermath of a traumatic event. The story revolves around Lee Kang Doo (played by Junho) and Ha Moon Soo (played by Won Jin Ah), who both survived a tragic building collapse during their childhood but are left with deep emotional scars
The drama beautifully captures their journey as they navigate life with post-traumatic stress, survivor's guilt, and the persistent pain from their past. The intricate portrayal of Kang Doo's struggles, such as his self-destructive behavior, and Moon Soo's burden of guilt over her deceased younger sister, offers a raw glimpse into the complexities of mental health following trauma
It's Okay, That's Love
The story revolves around Jang Jae Yeol (played by Jo In Sung), a mystery novelist with obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Ji Hae Soo (played by Gong Hyo Jin), a psychiatrist. As their worlds intertwine, the series beautifully showcases the complexities of various mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, Tourette syndrome, and trauma-related disorders. Similar to Extraordinary Attorney Woo, a significant aspect of the drama is its portrayal of the romantic relationship between the leads, emphasizing that love isn't hindered by mental health conditions - rather, it can encourage the process of recovery
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