Kcontest #14 // "It's Okay To Not Be Okay" is the one

One scene that left a deep and lasting impression on me comes from the Korean drama "It's Okay to Not Be Okay". In one particularly emotional episode, the male lead, Moon Gang-tae, finally breaks down and cries in front of his older brother, Sang-tae, who is on the autism spectrum.

It is not easy to hide your feelings just to make sure others are okay. After years of suppressing his own emotions in order to protect and care for his brother, this moment is a rare glimpse into Gang-tae's inner world, he showed his pain, his exhaustion, and his desire to simply be seen as someone who also needs care because he is a human too and not a stone. And Instead of his brother to rejecting him, Sang-tae responds with a quiet but powerful gesture, he hugs Gang-tae and tells him it’s okay to cry.

Being strong doesn't mean that they didn't have emotions, or get their feelings hurt too, they do because they are human but because showing their emotions and feelings make them seem weak, they have to suppress it. I've watched so many K-drama and each and every one of them pass one message or the other, one impression or the other but this particular one, "It's Okay To Not Be Okay" is one of it kind, such scene is rare.

This scene resonated with me deeply because it broke the typical mold of stoicism often expected in Asian societies, particularly among men. In many cultures, including Korea, expressing vulnerability, especially for men is often discouraged because it makes them seem incompetent . There is a strong emphasis on endurance, self-sacrifice, and responsibility for men, particularly toward family. Gang-tae's breakdown challenges these norms, showing that even those who appear strong on the outside can be emotionally fragile inside. The moment is made even more touching by Sang-tae's response, which subtly breaks down assumptions about people with disabilities, showing their capacity for empathy and emotional intelligence.

Watching Korean dramas like this one has make me appreciate the complexity of Korean society. With dramas, there are deep-rooted traditions of family loyalty, respect for elders, and emotional restraint. On the other hand, modern dramas are increasingly questioning and challenging these values, bringing mental health, generational conflict, and individual identity to the forefront. It’s a fascinating contrast that reflects a society in transition.

After watching so much Korean dramas, films, and webtoons, I’ve come to admire how their stories often balance emotional depth with beautiful storytelling, even if the storyline is the same the lesson will be different. They don't shy away from difficult topics like trauma, inequality, or discrimination, but they also offer hope, healing, and personal growth. It’s not something easily translated, but it’s something you feel when you watch Korean media.

Korean dramas and stories will not only entertained you, it is beyond entertainment but also taught me a lot about human relationships, cultural values, and the importance of emotional honesty. That scene in "It's Okay to Not Be Okay" help us to remember that healing begins when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, seek help, let people know that you are not okay, seek for attention and that sometimes, love means simply being there for someone in silence because as a human we really need it..

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