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India Today
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
It's Okay to Not be Okay to Doctor Slump: Evolution of mental health portrayal
"Crazy" might be a term that we throw around casually now. A decade or two back, however, there was a stigma attached to it. Discussions about mental health were sparse, and every mental illness was blanketed as "madness". And we are not just talking about the Indian the early 2000s, K-dramas, like their Indian counterparts, often avoided discussions of mental illness. When it did appear, it was to heighten tragedy or justify the villainy of a character. The portrayal of mental health shifted by the mid-2010s, with writers portraying psychological struggles within characters without the today's K-fix, let's look at how the portrayal of mental health has evolved over the years in K-drama. From 'Kill Me, Heal Me' to 'Love Next Door', there has been a tectonic shift (a good one, obviously) with makers delving into the nuances of the human psyche rather than generalising mental health issues. Kill Me, Heal Me - the beginning of the shiftThe 2015 drama 'Kill Me, Heal Me' began the much-needed shift in how K-dramas portrayed the issue of mental health. Cha Do-hyun, a wealthy man battling Dissociative Identity Disorder, carries the weight of childhood trauma in the form of seven distinct personalities. His journey toward healing, with psychiatrist Oh Ri-jin by his side, is heart-wrenching, chaotic, and unforgettable. This drama was one of the first to show that mental illness isn't a weakness but a human struggle worth Fairy Kim Bok-joo' and the concept of 'slump' Who could forget Kim Bok-joo's charm in this coming-of-age story gave us more than just campus romance? It highlighted emotional 'slumps' aka burnouts, body image issues, and the invisible pressure of chasing Joon-hyung's battle with anxiety and panic attacks added another layer of emotional truth. Through the quiet moments and strong friendships, 'Weightlifting Fairy' reminded us that true strength means loving yourself — even when the world tries to make you feel small.'It's Okay to Not Be Okay' - bold yet trueYes, Kim Soo-hyun and Seo Ye-ji are both good-looking and the chemistry was crackling, but the messaging was deeper than what met the eye. Moon Gang-tae (Soo-hyun) feels the exhaustion of being a constant caregiver. Ko Moon-young (Ye-ji) deals with antisocial personality traits. Sang-tae lives with autism. Together, their stories explore trauma, recovery, and how healing begins when you stop pretending to be okay.'Beyond Evil' - beyond typical dramaThis one isn't your typical tearjerker. It's dark, gripping, and dives deep into the effects of unresolved trauma and guilt. Lee Dong-sik isn't just trying to solve a mystery; he's unravelling his own mental show focused on mental health, trauma, guilt, and unresolved grief, highlighting how these issues leave a lasting effect. It draws the fine line between sanity and obsession, showing how emotional scars, if ignored, can twist even the best intentions. Creepy? Yes. Honest? Next Door' and 'Doctor Slump' - burnout gets too real2024 gave us two gems that quietly, but powerfully, spoke about burnout and depression. 'Love Next Door' follows Seok-ryu, who leaves behind a high-pressure job post-cancer surgery to find peace and purpose. It's gentle, soothing, and hits close to home for came 'Doctor Slump', where two former med school stars reunite at their rock bottom. This one packs a heavier emotional punch while tackling anxiety, shame, and the fear of not being 'enough.' Together, they rediscover the beauty of rest, reflection, and human connection. This also brings out another important aspect - how therapy and support systems are key to the healing journey.'Daily Dose of Sunshine'- literally what the title promisesFinally, a show with a psychiatric nurse as the lead! Jung Da-eun walks us through her life in a psychiatric ward, and it's anything but easy. The show takes on everything - from depression and anxiety to schizophrenia - with heart, honesty, and zero than anything, it shows how one needs to care for themselves while caring for others. And yes, Da-eun's growth will make you laugh, cry, and want to hug every nurse you've ever K-dramas are done with outdated stereotypes and tropes. Instead, we're getting a nuanced, empathetic portrayal of mental health. These K-dramas are not just entertaining us — they're starting global conversations and making people feel seen. Whether it's childhood trauma, social anxiety, or burnout from trying to be perfect, these shows say it loud and clear - it's okay to not be by Pratyusha RoyTrending Reel
Tatler Asia
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
10 K-drama friendships that define ultimate loyalty and unbreakable bonds
'Hospital Playlist' Above Friendship goals (Photo: tvN) The story revolves around the tight-knit friendship of the 99s—five doctors who entered medical school together in 1999. Practically inseparable since day one, Lee Ik-jun (Jo Jung-suk), Chae Song-hwa (Jeon Mi-do), Kim Jun-wan (Jung Kyung-ho), Ahn Jeong-won (Yoo Yeon-seok) and Yang Seok-hyeong (Kim Dae-myung) spend their days working together at Yulje Medical Centre and their nights jamming as a band in Ahn Jeong-won's basement. Their friendship is defined by the kind of familiarity that comes from decades of shared history, struggles, triumphs, love and loss…everything but Jun-wan's snacks. Don't miss: 8 slice-of-life K-dramas with no villains—just love, growth and healing 'Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo' Above They've got 'swag.' (Photo: MBC) Lee Sun-ok (Lee Joo-young), Kim Bok-joo (Lee Sung-kyung) and Jung Nan-hee's (Cho Hye-jung) endearing friendship transcends their shared love for weightlifting. Through laughter, tears and literal sweat, they've proven that they are more than just teammates, they're also each other's biggest cheerleaders. And whether they're cheering each other on in a competition, encouraging one another to finish a bowl of naengmyeon or navigating love, their friendship goes beyond lifting weights—it's about lifting each other up. 'Study Group' Above School buddies (Photo: IMDb) When Yoon Ga-min (Minhyun) set out to start a study group, his goal was simple: improve his academic standing to secure a spot in his dream university. What he didn't expect, however, was to find a group of fiercely loyal friends who would change his life far beyond the classroom. Each member of their study group started as a loner, quietly navigating the challenges of high school life on their own. But what their friendship teaches them is that burdens are much lighter when shared, and school bullies are easier to face when you've got someone in your corner. Don't miss: 6 cliffhangers that make K-drama viewers impatient for the second season of 'Study Group' 'Lovely Runner' Above The very definition of bromance (Photo: tvN) More than just someone who's around to provide comic relief, Bae In-hyeok (Lee Seung-hyub) is a constant in Ryu Sun-jae's (Byeon Woo-seok) life, no matter the timeline. Whether he's mercilessly teasing him, serving as Sun-jae's hypeman, accidentally ruining a romantic moment or even butting heads with him as a fellow Eclipse bandmate, they share a bromance tested by time—and time travel. See also: 9 of the most memorable K-drama weddings 'Itaweon Class' Above The DanBam Squad (Photo: JTBC) Itaewon Class ' DanBam Squad is a group of oddballs and misfits who find strength in their differences and come together to chase a shared dream. At the heart of their unconventional crew is Park Sae-ro-yi (Park Seo-joon), who's less of a boss and more like the head of their found family. Their workplace friendship goes beyond sales and profits. More than just coworkers, they become the kind of family you fight for—and the kind that fights for you. Together, they weather hardship, personal growth and the uphill battle of building something meaningful in a cutthroat world. 'King the Land' Above Friends and roomies (Photo: JTBC) Beyond the swoon-worthy love story, another standout element of the drama is the friendship between roomies Cheon Sa-rang (Im Yoon-ah), Oh Pyeong-hwa (Go Won-hee) and Kang Da-eul (Kim Ga-eun). The trio faces career struggles and relationship drama with humour and heart. From living room karaoke sessions to public bathhouse visits and trampoline park misadventures, their camaraderie is instantly familiar to anyone who's ever been part of a close-knit group of girlfriends. 'Thirty-Nine' Above Celebrating female friendships (Photo: JTBC) The K-drama celebrates the decades-long friendship of three women on the cusp of turning 40. Cha Mi-jo (Son Ye-jin), Jung Chan-young (Jeon Mi-do) and Jang Joo-hee's (Kim Ji-hyun) deep love for each other illustrates how vital it is to have female friends you can grow old with—someone you can walk into the next chapter of your life with and who shares the same struggles and fears. Their relationship is tested in the many ways old friendships usually are, but they get through with honesty, a lot of heart and not a small amount of humour. 'Reply 1988' Above Childhood friends (Photo: IMDb) Set in the small neighborhood of Ssangmun-dong in the late '80s, the K-drama revolves around the friendship of Sung Duk-sun (Lee Hye-ri), Kim Jung-hwan (Ryu Jun-yeol), Sung Sun-woo (Go Kyung-pyo), Ryu Dong-ryong (Lee Dong-hwi) and Choi Taek (Park Bo-gum), examining the deep bonds these childhood friends have formed as they try to navigate adolescence and early adulthood. It takes viewers on a nostalgic trip back to simpler days when afternoons were spent with friends. It's a tribute to the lifelong bonds formed in youth that stay with you into adulthood, even when life pulls you in different directions. See also: 7 memorable roles played by Park Bo-gum in dramas and films 'Business Proposal' Above The ultimate besties (Photo: SBS) True friendship is agreeing to your friend's harebrained ideas even though you know they'll probably get you in trouble. And that's exactly what Shin Ha-ri (Kim Se-jeong) does for her bestfriend Jin Young-seo (Seol In-ah). That alone tells you the kind of friendship they have is built on deep trust and unconditional support. Their connection is effortless and genuine, free from jealousy and judgment. NOW READ 12 inspiring K-drama monologues that capture life perfectly 8 K-drama villains that fans have finally forgiven Meet the future of K-drama: 5 breakout actors you need to know
Tatler Asia
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
9 most touching love confessions in K-dramas
2. 'My Love from the Star' (2013) Above 'My Love from the Star' (Photo: IMDB) Quote: 'I like you. Whether you're an alien or a fox or whatever, it doesn't matter to me.' In a world where the extraordinary is mundane, Cheon Song-Yi's (Jun Ji-hyun) unexpected love confession shatters conventional boundaries. Her words capture the essence of unconditional love. It's a defiant, playful challenge to societal norms that proves love transcends the ordinary definitions of humanity and even terrestrial boundaries. 3. 'Reply 1988' (2015-2016) Above 'Reply 1988' (Photo: IMDB) Quote: 'If you love someone, you have to tell them now, before your fleeting days become filled with regret.' In this nostalgic ode to youth and the transience of life, Sung Deok-sun's (Hyeri) confession is both a gentle admonition and a call to cherish every moment. Set against an atmosphere of a simpler, yet emotionally complex time, her words remind us that honesty in love is essential, lest the unspoken words become our deepest regrets. See more: 10 most endearing love triangles in K-dramas 4. 'What's Wrong With Secretary Kim' (2016) Above 'What's Wrong With Secretary Kim' (Photo: IMDB) Quote: 'I love you more than words can express. Your presence makes every moment brighter.' After years of subtle hints, shared glances and even concerted machinations to meet each other again after a shared childhood trauma, Lee Young-joon (Park Seo-joon) finally lays his heart bare in a moment of unexpected tenderness. This confession marks a turning point in the narrative, a celebration of vulnerability from a man who had long masked his feelings with corporate bravado, showing that even the most reserved souls can be passionately vulnerable. Also read: 7 of Park Min-Young's best roles as ranked by K-drama fans 5. 'Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo' (2016) Above 'Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo' (Photo: IMDB) Quote: 'I love you because you see me for who I truly am, beyond the weight of expectations.' Against the backdrop of youthful dreams and personal challenges, Kim Bok-joo's (Lee Sung-kyung) quiet confession is a revelation of self-acceptance. Her words speak to a love that's rooted in authenticity—a testament to finding someone who recognises and embraces every facet of your being, no matter how heavy the burdens may be. Don't miss: 8 funniest K-dramas to help you beat the stay-home blues 6. 'Goblin' (2016) Above 'Goblin' (Photo: IMDB) Quote: 'I hope our love is always the correct answer.' Yoo In Na's character, Sunny (Yoo In-na), utters this line as a beacon of hope in the labyrinthine world of immortals and fate. In a saga filled with heartbreak and perpetual longing, her gentle wish encapsulates the belief that love, despite its hardships, remains the unerring solution—even when the cosmos itself seems to conspire against it. 7. 'Secret Affair' (2014) Above 'Secret Affair' (Photo: IMDB) Quote: 'Sometimes, the forbidden taste of love is the sweetest of all.' This drama goes outside Hallyu conventions; after all, it navigates the turbulent waters of passion and prohibition between a man in his 20s and a woman in her 40s, so the love confessions are equally intense. Oh Hye-won (Kim Hee-ae) character delivers this line with a mixture of resignation and fierce desire. Her confession is a bittersweet acknowledgement of how love, when it defies the norms and expectations of society, becomes a transcendent, almost intoxicating force—illuminating life's darkest corners with a forbidden glow. 8. 'Itaewon Class' (2020) Above 'Itaewon Class' (Photo: IMDB) Quote: 'I never believed in destiny, until the moment our paths collided.' In the gritty, determined ambience of Itaewon Class , Jo Yi-seo's (Kim Da-mi) tender yet resolute declaration of love marks a pivotal moment in her journey. Her words capture the unexpected magic of fate, a reminder that amidst the chaos of ambition and societal and political pressures, sometimes the most transformative moments come from the unplanned intersections of life. 9. 'Coffee Prince' (2007) Quote: "I like you. I don't care whether you're a man or an alien anymore." A businessman hires a tomboy he mistakes for a man to be his gay lover so that his parents will get off his back. Phew! It might not be a story that will resonate with today's audience, but as far as love confessions go, this one remains iconic almost 20 years later. Choi Han-gyeol (Gong Yoo) grabs Go Eun-chan (Yoon Eun-hye), kisses her passionately and makes this swoon-worthy profession. Also read: Love contracts: 8 fake relationships in K-dramas that had us invested
