It's Okay to Not Be Okay
“It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” Netflix

2020 will go down in history as a year of tragedies, joblessness, and uncertainty. Lockdowns would have been more unbearable without the comfort of a K-drama marathon. Here’s the second part of our best K-dramas of 2020 list.

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

This year took a toll not only on our physical health but on our mental health as well. “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” tackles this issue that is timely and relatable on so many levels. Moon Kang-tae, Moon Sang-tae, and Ko Moon-young all carry different burdens in life just like us. But their commonality lies in their desire for acceptance and love. Isn’t that what we are all hoping for?

“It’s Okay to Not Be Okay,” just like its characters, has its own share of flaws especially in its somewhat predictable plot. However, one cannot find fault in its perfect casting. Kim Soo-hyun proves his knack for drama yet again as the deeply burdened brother of Moon Sang-tae. Oh Jung-se’s earnest portrayal of an older brother with an autism spectrum disorder has endeared him to many. Lastly, Seo Ye-ji is perfect for the role as the emotionally scarred Ko Moon-young. Her deep voice alone shows her character’s strength despite her inner vulnerability.

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Overall, there’s something refreshing about this drama despite the dark, mysterious tone, which sets it apart from the usual bubble-gum perfect world of K-dramas.

Flower of Evil

Action, suspense, mystery, romance, drama – name it, “Flower of Evil” has it. If that’s not enough for you to include this drama on your must see 2020 K-dramas list, then I don’t know what will.

“Flower of Evil” is not your typical K-drama, and by that I mean from the unusual story to the somewhat dreary cinematography. However, those elements set it apart from other dramas and makes it an interesting and entertaining watch. 

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Lee Joon-gi portrays yet again another misunderstood character with a painful past. I get Lee Joon-gi’s love for multi-layered hero-villain characters, and Do Hyun-soo is no exception to that. Acting-wise, Lee Joon-gi proves why he’s still one of the most well-loved lead actors. His co-star Moon Chae-won matches his energy, and the two have great chemistry as husband and wife in the drama.

If you’re used to watching Hollywood series rather than Korean dramas, “Flower of Evil” might just be the perfect K-drama for you.

Start-Up

We were treated to another surprisingly fun and heartwarming K-drama towards the end of the year. “Start-Up,” which revolves around the world of Korean start-up companies, is your typical K-drama with the colorful art direction, catchy music, quirky characters, and of course, a strong second lead syndrome. 

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The debate between Team Do-san and Team Ji-pyeong made our weekends livelier. A new fandom has emerged, bound by a universal love for Kim Seon-ho and his character Han Ji-pyeong.

While some might dismiss this drama as another flimsy rom-com, there’s something therapeutic about watching K-dramas like “Start-Up.” The simple and sometimes unintelligible plot, endearing characters and strong visuals are some of the elements why we started watching K-dramas in the first place. 

At a time of uncertainty, K-dramas such as “Start-Up” brought us fleeting joy, and there’s nothing wrong with that. An hour or so of temporary escape from the dismal reality of a pandemic is nothing short but amazing.

So did your favorite K-drama of 2020 make our list? For those who missed it, here’s the first part of our best K-dramas of 2020.

Myla writes news stories for a living and watches K-dramas for leisure. She enjoys doing both for Hallyudorama.

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