Zombie: So, here we are, ready to take on another HZDR and I have to say, I think we picked a winner with this one!
Tanya: We have thought that before and ended up with 11th hour duds, but even the style of this one is different. Have you noticed that it’s not even filmed in regular drama style? It feels more…. movie?
Zombie: I have noticed and I have to say, between that and the originality of the characters and the intriguing hints at the plot to come, I’m hooked. Nothing about this drama has the feel of a stereotypical drama, beyond the male and female protagonists starting off on the wrong foot, and I like that. The characters are refreshingly unique and they have such an interesting intertwined relationship, I find myself drawn to them, quirks and all.
Tanya: The diversity of these characters, as you pointed out, will be the key in driving this drama. So far it is working and, sometimes, the over complex relationships between all of them make it feel more real than normal. I can completely believe that they are all interconnected that way and still cool with it because small towns are often that way.
Zombie: I think relationships in general, are that way. If you have a group of friends who have been friends for years, it’s not difficult to imagine they may have had some sort of (and this will sound totally cheesy) love connection during that time that just didn’t work out. It is possible to remain friends with someone, even if a romantic relationship doesn’t work out. I think that’s what we’ve got here and I like that. It means these characters are going to end up depending on each other to get through whatever lies ahead for them and that, I think, is what is going to make this story interesting.
Tanya: I am actually enjoying the slight medical aspect of this drama as well. It’s not cheesy or overdone and it feels natural for the characters. They mostly let work go when they are at home and they don’t seem like perfect doctors. They are all equally flawed along with the people they are trying to help. Again, another type of realism about this story that I am appreciating.
Zombie: I really enjoyed that too. It’s not everyday you see a medical professional portrayed in a drama that’s as flawed as their patients. I especially like that Hae Soo has to go to counseling sessions herself because it’s something that professionals in that field of work have to do, at least as part of their training and I’m sure it’s something that’s ongoing as well. Doctors are humans too. I’m sure they’re just as messed up as the rest of us! Ha!
Tanya: I really love that they are striving to show both sides of all mental disorder arguments as well. Mental health is a hot topic globally, so allowing the other perspective to shine through is a bit groundbreaking really. With all of this praise that we have, there is one character I want to talk about. I have formally taken stance about this on my blog, but how much fun do you think Do Kyungsoo has essentially playing a saesang fanboy after all of the personal experience he has had as a member of EXO? I think he has a blast myself…. and since the show is so mental health driven, it kind of makes me feel like he’s trying to give a hint to those who take it too far by showing them what it feels like.
Zombie: Not to mention what it looks like to the rest of the world. His character, Gang Woo, is just shy of crazy in his love for Jang Jae Yeol but I love him anyway. He’s so cute! I just wish I could shake this ominous feeling I have about him… I’m afraid something bad’s going to happen to him in the future and that’s gonna break my heart!
Tanya: He’s too good at going sweet to creeper in less than a second, but I think the character will develop more as the weeks go on. I am also loving Lee Kwang Soo in this drama. While his character, Park Soo Kwang, is funny they manage to do it without making fun of the fact that he does have Tourette’s that he’s in treatment for. It’s a very fine line to walk, but I think they are doing well.
Zombie: So far so good. That’s the one thing I’ve been a bit leary of in these first two episodes… I like how they’ve handled the cases of mental illness so far but I’m afraid one of these days someone will decide it’s okay to turn an illness into a joke and, IF that happens, I’m not gonna be so happy about it.
Tanya: Me neither. Hopefully they continue on this path.
Zombie: Like you said, it’s a fine line to walk and so far, they’re doing okay. We’ll just have to hope that things don’t get out of hand in the future.
So tell us, what are your initial thoughts on It’s Okay, That’s Love. Are there any characters that have particularly caught your eye? How do you think the subject of mental illness is being handled so far? What do you think of the overall story? Are you intrigued? Where do you think things are headed, or is it too soon to say? We want to know your thoughts so be sure to leave us a comment below!
You can find us talking about all manner of Hallyu goodness on our blogs, zombiemamma and hallyuknow or you can find us on Twitter @Hallyu_Tanya and @TheZombieMamma
Catch up on all of our previous discussions of It’s Okay, That’s Love here:
Episodes 1-2: [Part 1] [Part 2]
