It's Alright, This is Love

It's Alright, This is Love is a compelling South Korean television drama that first graced our screens in 2014. Its story is unique, distinct and heartfelt. Airing on SBS from July 23 to September 11, the television series consists of 16 episodes.

This captivating drama effectively blends romance, friendship, and crucially, mental health within contemporary society. Set in Seoul, South Korea's bustling and vibrant capital, the drama's atmosphere is imbued with its urban, chic, and culturally rich location.

The narrative revolves around two main characters; Ji Hae Soo, a dynamic and intelligent psychiatrist, and Jang Jae-Yeol, a popular mystery novelist and radio DJ with a stylish and playful character. Hae Soo's approach to her profession is heavily influenced by her belief in modern psychiatry and her skeptical views on love, rooted in her complicated family situation. Jae-Yeol, on the other hand, is an intriguing man with his fair share of enigma to balance his public fame. Despite their constant banter, the chemistry between them is undeniable, making it a thrilling watch.

Hae Soo and Jae Yeol guide us through the riveting story, gracefully navigating their personal and professional lives with a host of other well-rounded characters. This includes Jo Dong-Min, Hae Soo’s senior colleague and a long-time friend who harbors feelings for her, and Park Soo-Kwang, a café employee with Tourette syndrome.

Every character in their circle brings to light a variety of themes and perspectives. Each one shares his or her story, adding depth, flavor, and dynamism to the narrative. In addition to the romantic angles, friendships and camaraderies are also equally celebrated in the storyline, sometimes painting an unforgettable picture of human bonds and connections.

The series notably addresses the societal stigma against psychological disorders using a realistic tapestry that speaks volumes about empathy, understanding, and acceptance. As Hae-Soo embarks on a journey to support her patients, she simultaneously battles against the misconceptions, prejudices, and stereotypes that encompass mental health.

Moreover, It's Alright, This is Love seeks to humanize the often-misunderstood world of mental health disorders, highlighting their intricacies and individual complexities. It does not shy away from exploring the challenges faced by the people dealing with these disorders and those who help them.

The writing is nuanced, often impactful, with a consistent blend of lighter and intense moments. It brings forth a raw and honest exploration of various facets of life, emotions, dreams, and reality. The close-up on mental health, widely unexplored in the mainstream media, particularly sets it apart from other dramas while providing an insightful perspective that resonates with many viewers.

The series is also noted for its aesthetics, which include notable cinematography and a fantastic soundtrack. These aspects often assist in narrating the tale with more depth and emotion. Several episodes are peppered with symbolic imagery and plush aesthetics that genuinely capture the city's beauty, the characters' intricate emotions, and the poignant situations they find themselves in.

However, It's Alright, This is Love is not merely a series that takes you through the lives of its characters; it sparks important conversations, promoting more significant realizations about the societal lengths and breadths of mental health understanding. It encourages the audience to introspect and reassess their preconceptions about mental health. The drama does not merely aim to entertain but enlighten, making it a compelling watch and much more than just a conventional romantic drama.

It's Alright, This is Love, with its beautiful narrative and noteworthy character development, stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in changing perceptions, fostering empathy, and intertwining lives. For those who appreciate depth and social relevance as much as they relish romance and friendship in their viewing experience, this drama is sure to touch hearts and leave a lingering impact.