Jo In-sung and Gong Hyo-jin's 'It's Okay, That's Love' Re-examined 10 Years After Broadcast

The 2014 drama 'It's Okay, That's Love,' starring Jo In-sung and Gong Hyo-jin, is gaining renewed attention a decade after its initial broadcast. This series delicately addresses the mental illnesses and healing processes experienced by modern individuals, garnering significant buzz at the time and continuing to be remembered as a 'life drama' by many viewers. It is particularly being re-examined as a masterpiece that some younger generations might not be familiar with.

The drama centers on the romance between Jang Jae-yeol (Jo In-sung), a mystery novelist who appears perfect but harbors deep internal wounds, and Ji Hae-soo (Gong Hyo-jin), a psychiatrist. A pivotal twist in episode 4, revealing that Han Kang-woo (Do Kyung-soo), who constantly followed Jang Jae-yeol, was not a real person but Jang Jae-yeol's hallucination, shocked viewers. Following this, the drama evolved beyond a simple romance to explore a profound narrative on mental illness and healing. Jo In-sung's nuanced portrayal of a wounded inner self showcased his acting prowess, and Do Kyung-soo also received a New Actor Award for his performance.

Bloggers note that even after 10 years, the drama continues to leave a lasting impression. Scenes such as Jang Jae-yeol washing the feet of his hallucination, Han Kang-woo, or his mother recalling past traumas, are highlighted as particularly moving moments for viewers. Despite varied opinions on its depiction of mental illness, many found it remarkable for its time in portraying mental health issues in an accessible, everyday context.