Rashmika Mandanna, a self-confessed K-drama addict, has revealed that her go-to favorite K-drama is It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, a series that explores deep mental health themes. While many K-dramas are known for their romance and swoon-worthy heroes, some have gone beyond the usual fare, tackling issues like mental illness, trauma, and self-acceptance. These shows offer much-needed healing and an emotional connection, allowing viewers to understand themselves and others better. Here are five of the top K-dramas that delve into the complexities of mental health, with Rashmika’s favorite just the beginning!
Cast: Kim Soo-hyun, Seo Ye-ji, Oh Jung-se
Synopsis: The series follows Moon Gang-tae, a caregiver to his brother who has autism, and Ko Mun-yeong, a children’s book author with a dark past. Their paths cross, and together, they navigate mental health struggles, healing through love, understanding, and confronting their trauma.
Why It Made the List: This show beautifully explores issues such as depression, trauma, and self-worth. It delves deep into the importance of self-acceptance and healing. Rashmika Mandanna, a self-confessed K-drama addict, has said that this series is her personal favorite.
Where you can Watch : NETFLIX
Cast: Lee So-young, Park Seung-jae
Synopsis: Da-eun, a compassionate nurse, is transferred to a psychiatric ward. While learning about psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, OCD, and depression. Da-eun gets emotionally involved with her patients, leading her to discover how she, too, needs healing.
Why It Made the List: This series takes a realistic and raw approach to mental health. It challenges viewers to empathize with those struggling with various mental health disorders and showcases the importance of care, compassion, and understanding in the healing process.
Where You Can Watch : NETFLIX
Cast: Jo In-sung, Gong Hyo-jin, Lee Kwang-soo
Synopsis: Jang Jae-yeol, a popular author, and Ji Hae-soo, a psychiatrist, form an unlikely relationship. The drama deals with themes of mental illness, including anxiety, PTSD, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), while also exploring the stigma surrounding mental health in society.
Why It Made the List: This series helps raise awareness about mental health issues and explores the impact of emotional trauma on relationships. It is poignant and relatable, offering a unique perspective on how mental health can affect everyday life.
Where You Can Watch : NETFLIX
Cast: Kim Ji-won, Lee Min-ki, Son Seok-koo
Synopsis: This series centers on three siblings who live in a remote village, struggling with their own sense of liberation and freedom. As they explore their emotional and mental struggles, they learn to face their fears and longings while seeking peace.
Why It Made the List: “My Liberation Notes” speaks to the existential crisis many young people experience while searching for happiness. It touches on themes of loneliness, societal pressure, and the journey to self-discovery, making it incredibly relatable.
Where You Can Watch : NETFLIX
Cast: Oh Jung-se, Han Ji-eun
Synopsis: This rom-com follows a man with anger management issues and a woman with severe anxiety as they form an unlikely bond. Both characters struggle with mental health but find solace in each other’s company.
Why It Made the List: The series is an insightful and often humorous take on the impact of mental health on daily life. It proves that even in dark times, support and understanding can help people heal.
Where You Can Watch : NETFLIX
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Conclusion:
K-Dramas have an incredible way of merging entertainment with real-world issues. These 5 series are a testament to how TV shows can help spark conversations about mental health, break stigmas, and provide comfort to viewers. Whether you are looking for emotional depth or just a show that makes you feel understood, these dramas offer a rich blend of healing, hope, and humanity.