Yes, "It's Okay Not To Be Okay" explores the concept of family as one of its central themes. The drama delves into various aspects of family dynamics, relationships, and the impact of family on the lives of the main characters. Here are some ways in which the concept of family is explored in the series:
Sibling Bonds: The drama places a strong emphasis on the bond between Moon Gang-tae and his older brother, Moon Sang-tae. Their relationship is at the heart of the story, and it's depicted as both loving and challenging. The series delves into the sacrifices Gang-tae has made for his brother and the complexities of caring for someone with autism.
Ko Moon-young's Family: Moon-young's estranged relationship with her parents, Ko Dae-whan and Ko Dae-hee, is a central part of the narrative. The drama explores the traumatic events from her childhood and the strained connections with her family members.
Found Family: Beyond biological families, the drama also highlights the concept of a "found family." Characters at the psychiatric hospital, including the patients and staff, form a supportive and caring community that serves as a surrogate family for some of the characters. This found family provides emotional support and a sense of belonging.
Healing Within the Family: The series explores how family can be both a source of pain and a source of healing. Characters confront their family traumas and work toward reconciliation and understanding. This theme underscores the idea that healing can take place within the context of family relationships.
Parent-Child Relationships: The drama portrays various parent-child relationships, including those between Gang-tae and Sang-tae, Moon-young and her parents, and the relationships between the patients and their families. It delves into the complexities and challenges of these connections.
Acceptance and Forgiveness: "It's Okay Not To Be Okay" highlights the themes of acceptance and forgiveness within the family context. Characters learn to accept and forgive family members for past mistakes and embrace the imperfections and scars that make up their family bonds.