The It’s Okay to Not Be Okay cast didn’t just act—they lived their roles. If you’ve ever been emotionally wrecked by a drama (I’m looking at you, Goblin), you know the feeling. This show? It hits different. The performances were raw, the chemistry was electric, and every scene felt like a gut punch wrapped in a beautifully lit fairytale.
Let’s talk about the people who made it all happen. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay Cast No boring IMDb bios—just the good stuff.
Kim Soo-hyun as Moon Gang-tae
Kim Soo-hyun. The legend. The man who can make you cry just by furrowing his eyebrows slightly.
He plays Moon Gang-tae, a psychiatric ward caregiver who spends his life taking care of his autistic older brother. Selfless to a fault, emotionally guarded, and basically the human embodiment of “I’m fine” when he is absolutely not fine.
Soo-hyun has been a household name since My Love from the Star, but after his military service, this was his big comeback. And damn, what a comeback. I watched episode one and immediately thought, Oh yeah, he’s still got it. His ability to show pain without overdoing it? Chef’s kiss.
Also, fun fact: He was the highest-paid K-drama actor in 2020. Probably deserved more.
Seo Ye-ji as Ko Moon-young
Seo Ye-ji’s Ko Moon-young is like if Wednesday Addams grew up, got rich, and decided to write children’s books. She’s blunt. She’s a little terrifying. And she has the best wardrobe in K-drama history—fight me on this.
I’ve been obsessed with Seo Ye-ji since Save Me, where she played a cult survivor (yeah, she’s got range). But this role? Next level. She somehow made an unhinged, emotionally stunted author likable. Actually, scratch that—she made her iconic.
There’s this scene where she straight-up tells a kid to punch his bully. And I was like, Is this legal? But also, kind of respect it.
Anyway, her chemistry with Kim Soo-hyun? Insane. Like, “why aren’t they dating in real life” insane.
Oh Jung-se as Moon Sang-tae
If you didn’t cry at least twice because of Moon Sang-tae, you have no soul. Oh Jung-se’s performance as Gang-tae’s older brother is easily one of the best portrayals of autism I’ve ever seen on screen. No exaggeration.
He brought depth, humor, and warmth to a character that could have easily been reduced to a side plot. And the way he played Sang-tae’s fears and joys? Ugh. Heartbreaking in the best way.
I read somewhere that he spent months preparing for this role, working with people on the spectrum to make sure he got it right. And let me tell you—he got it right.
Also, the man is a chameleon. One minute he’s making you cry in It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, the next he’s stealing scenes in When the Camellia Blooms. Give him all the awards.
Park Gyu-young as Nam Ju-ri
Ah, Nam Ju-ri. The long-suffering nurse who had a crush on Gang-tae but never stood a chance. Girl, I feel you.
Park Gyu-young nailed this role. She brought just the right amount of heart (and secondhand embarrassment) to Ju-ri, making her more than just the “nice girl” trope.
Since this drama, she’s been everywhere—from Sweet Home to Dali and Cocky Prince. But I’ll always remember her as the girl who had to watch her crush fall for an emotionally unstable fairy tale writer. Rough.
Kim Joo-hun as Lee Sang-in
Every drama needs that guy—the one who’s always stressed, kind of a mess, but secretly has a heart of gold. Enter Lee Sang-in, Moon-young’s long-suffering publisher.
Kim Joo-hun is one of those actors you recognize but can’t quite place. Was he in Start-Up? Yep. Dr. Romantic 2? Also yep. He’s like that friend who’s somehow at every party but never announces their arrival.
In It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, he brought the perfect comedic relief. Every time things got too intense, he’d pop in, flailing about book sales and deadlines. We love a stressed-out publishing king.
Other Supporting Cast That Deserves a Shoutout
The main It’s Okay to Not Be Okay cast carried the show, but let’s not forget the unsung heroes.
- Jang Young-nam as Park Haeng-ja – If you know, you know. No spoilers, but damn.
- Kang Ki-doong as Jo Jae-soo – The ultimate best friend. Ride or die.
- Kim Mi-kyung as Kang Soon-deok – Because no K-drama is complete without an ajumma who tells it like it is.
Every single one of them added something special to this drama.
What Made This Cast So Good?
The It’s Okay to Not Be Okay cast wasn’t just talented—they clicked. You could feel it in every scene. The raw emotion, the humor, the chemistry. It’s rare to see a cast that fits together this perfectly.
Also, they weren’t afraid to go there. This drama tackled mental health, trauma, and healing, and every actor gave it 110%. It wasn’t just good acting—it felt real.
And let’s be honest—the fashion? Immaculate. Moon-young’s outfits alone deserve their own fan club.
Did the Awards Get It Right?
Short answer: Mostly.
Oh Jung-se won Best Supporting Actor at the Baeksang Arts Awards, and rightfully so. Kim Soo-hyun and Seo Ye-ji were nominated but didn’t win, which feels like a crime, but whatever.
Fans, however, knew what was up. This drama was one of the most talked-about K-dramas of 2020, and for good reason.
Final Thoughts on the It’s Okay to Not Be Okay Cast
Listen. If you haven’t watched this show yet, what are you doing?
The It’s Okay to Not Be Okay cast delivered some of the best performances I’ve seen in a long time. It’s emotional. It’s weird. It’s visually stunning. And most importantly, it stays with you.
