Gong Hyo-jin off to vacation, then hospital
by javabeans
This seems a little backward to me, but hey, I’m not the (actor playing the) doctor: The cast and crew of SBS’s It’s Okay, It’s Love, which wraps this week, will soon be flying to Thailand for a group vacation, after which series star Gong Hyo-jin is heading back to the hospital.
She apparently needs more treatment after being injured in an accident a few months ago, wherein she fractured her arm. She was able to continue shooting without too much disruption to the schedule, which was aided by the fact that It’s Okay managed to steer clear of the worst of live-shoot conditions by filming with some lead time. But even so, according to one source with the show, Gong pushed herself pretty hard with shoots and needs additional medical treatment.
On the upside, I guess her condition can’t be too serious if she can travel abroad for six days. The trip will be attended by the full staff, totaling 115 cast and crew members, and will take them to Bangkok and Pattaya. (Sung Dong-il is even taking along his two young kids, Joon and Bin, who were made famous from the travel variety program Dad! Where Are We Going?—that should be adorable.)
Shows will occasionally go on group trips like this after the broadcast is over, though it’s nowhere near the norm. In this case, the staff seems to be rather tight since they previously worked together since That Winter, the Wind Blows (writer Noh Hee-kyung’s last drama), so it’s nice that they’ll get to relax together when it’s all over. I have to admit that I had to consciously stop watching It’s Okay, It’s Love because the show made me crazy (I found it alternately cheerful and insufferable), but I can see how others might find it enjoyable. I guess. If you have a lot of tolerance for infuriating, maybe.
The drama will wrap up its run this Thursday, after which Rain and Krystal’s She’s So Lovable will take over SBS’s Wednesday-Thursday timeslot.
Via Review Star, Newsen
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1 Abbie
September 10, 2014 at 9:24 AM
I didn't watch the drama because, after thinking about it, it just wasn't my cup of tea, despite my love and admiration for the cast members, and despite it being D.O.'s first drama. But anyway, the trip sounds fun and I hope they have a good time. I hope Gong Hyo-jin feels better.
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Anna
September 10, 2014 at 10:19 PM
I also found the characters infuriating and difficult to understand, especially Hae Soo. I have no idea why I kept watching episodes at all in the beginning. The tone and dialogue felt pretentious. But at some point, when Jae Yeol's story came more to the front and Hae Soo's subsided, the drama became absolutely mesmerizing. For the first time the dramatic situation/source of conflict was what drew me in more than the romance itself; I have never experienced that in a kdrama before. Without fail second act kdrama conflict annoys the heck out of me. But this drama just keeps getting better and better. I love how the soundtrack ties themes together, and that we're getting such a layered and sensitive character study. Jo In Sung's acting is taking my breath away! And it is such an interesting psychological mystery. I highly recommend you finish it!
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2 jhu
September 10, 2014 at 9:29 AM
Is that the same reason Heads stopped recapping? I think it didn't sit too well with her either.
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Yo
September 10, 2014 at 11:02 AM
Haha. I thought so too.
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...
September 10, 2014 at 12:00 PM
People complain about Candy kind of characters but when suddenly a female character behaves like a real woman (libido, brain, doubts), they run away... I found HS annoying too a few eps ago but I also perfectly understood why she did the push & pull game (& it didn't last). Now can someone enlighten me? Lately I find the female characters in tvN dramas (HSK female lead for example was atrocious) much more annoying & frustrating and the worst thing is, most of the time they have NO reason to behave the way they do. Still people seem to love those. The mind, it boggles...
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minathens
September 10, 2014 at 1:01 PM
Yeah, I actually find her character in this pretty refreshing. Yes, there was some whiny ambivalence, but I thought it was a pretty plausible expression of her ambivalence + baggage. And it's nice that her discomfort with her own sexuality wasn't presented as either the dread "frigidity" or the even more boring "pure as the driven snow" trope. I've found the last few episodes of this show to be very moving and full of heart.
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dramapanda
September 10, 2014 at 1:25 PM
To be fair, I don't think the frustration is with Hae soo because she's a modern woman and not a candy. Han Groo also played a modern woman ie with libido,fears,brain in Marriage. Not Dating and I don't rmbr anyone calling her out on it.
In my opinion, I just feel her character and some aspects of the show were written very badly. I couldn't get over the fact that after such a crippling phobia, she gets over it JUST LIKE THAT and sleeps with him on the beach! I mean, come on.... As someone who works with challenged people that was such a huge turn off for me. I get that they are dramas and not meant to be medically accurate but Yeah, I couldn't get past that.
And that's just one of the things I found frustrating with it that made me drop it.
But really, everyone has their own tastes and opinions.
I do really like the cast and I'm glad they are able to take a well deserved break after shooting.
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mona
September 10, 2014 at 4:50 PM
Dont forget Hae Soo is in thirty something. He already tried to do it with other men. Do you remember Dr. JO said that, he is so proud that back in collge,Hae Soo is crazy, now that in her thirties she's able to sleep with a man. And, I can see that the writer wanted to focus on HaeSoo, and then at the final focus on JaeYeol.
Yes, I admit that Hae Soo is quite annoying at the beginning. But, its what keep me going. Im so curious on how they wrap the story with lead couple that already dating in episode 4, because I just can't predict what will happen. And, what I love about this drama is that they dont have a third wheel of a perfect Ex or a handsome doctors, to just fill in the story(just like crazy Se Ah if you want to compare it with marriage not dating). Their conflict lies on how they cure their pain or psychology. And, I can understand why they can fall for each other because they share the same pain as the child of a broken family. Also, Jae Yeol said it himself, he likes HaeSoo, because only her can understand his complicated family, otherwise he will not lean on her so much.
Afterall,maybe its just preference. Other people likes Fated To Love, when Janghyuk is awesome as Gun, but I lose interest and i stop watching it in the middle, because its just too predictable. Maybe when you watch too much dramas, you'll just start to develop a sixth sense. And you'll get tired with prince charming, jealous exes, and noble idiocy. But, i can understand that thats what make Kdrama so appealing at the first place. Im still fan girling HyunBin from Secret Garden, and Kim Soo Hyun from YFAS.
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dramapanda
September 10, 2014 at 6:27 PM
Exactly, its a matter of preference. For instance, I detested Hyun Bin's character in Secret Garden hehe. It was borderline psychotic and stalkerish.
But back to IOIL, as I said her character was only some of the issues I had with it. Fine it doesn't have the same kdrama typos which is hyper refreshing, but it also didn't hook me the way it should. Take MnD whose end point was completely predictable, yet immensely entertaining. Now I know IOIL isn't a romcom like MnD but where it faltered to do was make me invest in the characters. And that's a total fail for me; because if I'm not interested in what happens to the characters why on earth would I watch? And this isn't due to any failings on the part of the actors who are all awesome. I Love GHJ and JIS. And the supporting cast also has solid acting chops. I therefore blame the writing.
monkeyspunk
September 10, 2014 at 5:57 PM
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damianna
September 10, 2014 at 6:34 PM
In early episodes we all thought she was afraid of intimacy because of her cheating mom but in ep 14 we learnt that is not the case. She's partly at fault in her mom started cheating again.
Gidget
September 10, 2014 at 9:39 PM
Religious Trauma Syndrome?
Adal
September 11, 2014 at 1:02 PM
@ Gidget:
I am assuming that what she meant is that some religious institutions teach that sex or intimacy is bad, wicked and sinful and if taught to impressionable minds tend to make those young think that intimacy is dirty, and to stray far from it. This at times leads to issues with intimacy when such a person grows to adulthood.
As an example, I was watching a documentary a few months ago about some orphans who grew up with Irish nuns at the turn of the twentieth century. They were taught that sex was dirty and evil and even when they grew up, married and had relationships were never able to fully enjoy or engage in the act. Some of them had failed marriages as a result even though their spouses were patient with them.
Mia
September 11, 2014 at 1:45 PM
I'm happy that you were able to overcome your fears and trust issues (and I'm assuming alienation/isolation, if you've needed to separate yourself from your family) due to your toxic upbringing in order to have meaningful physical intimacy, love, and trust with someone. <3
I know what you mean by religious trauma syndrome, although thankfully I didn't experience that from my family/environment growing up.
Gidget
September 11, 2014 at 4:19 PM
@AdAl
Oh, ok, I understand. I guess that from my own cultural reference point, the label seemed odd. For what you describe, something like "Theological Error" would be more fitting. But I suppose that might not be true, depending on the religious system.
I Googled it after posting the comment and found there is indeed a movement of people trying to establish this as an official disorder. But their thinking is troubling because it goes beyond what you describe. They encourage people to dismiss the conviction's of their conscience as nothing more than baggage from religious abuse. The way I see it, people who encourage you to ignore the convictions of your conscience are themselves the dangerous abusers. Our conscience imposes a healthy behavioral restraint that protects both the individual and society.
@Badapple23
I hope you can find a way to set healthy boundaries, but still engage with your family. We're all broken in one way or another. I'm sure that - in time - if you can learn to see past their brokenness, you'll find they do love you and have a genuine concern for your well being. Some people have a lot of baggage from their own life experiences and can't see past it. But they do the best they can.
monkeyspunk
September 12, 2014 at 12:10 AM
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BC
September 11, 2014 at 4:02 AM
I had the same problem, until I was 27, as HS and when the mind is made up for it and you meet the right person, it really goes like that, it wasn't easy for her anyway, she was sweating hard, but she allowed to be touched and loved...
Finally there is a drama, which doesn't deal with rich and poor in a cinderella way like all the rest of them, thanks for that!
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dramapanda
September 11, 2014 at 4:32 AM
All I can say is that just because a drama is different, doesn't mean it's Good
alua
September 11, 2014 at 5:45 AM
@han.
True.
But some of us think it's good, in part because it's different – because we like what's different.
Some people also like Marriage Not Dating because it was, at least in some aspects, different. I didn't like that drama, because we still had a chaebol (as endearing as he was) and a heroine who was no candy and modern in some aspects, but still had her life defined by chasing after (mostly rich) guys (even if she defined herself well within that and she wasn't chasing after money of course), as that was the premise the drama (i.e. that she's 100% intent on marrying a guy).
Each to their own I say.
alua
September 11, 2014 at 6:05 AM
<Han Groo also played a modern woman ie with libido,fears,brain in Marriage. Not Dating and I don’t rmbr anyone calling her out on it.
She wasn't a candy, but she still had some candy aspects. The premise of the drama (and her character) was to marry a guy, and two of three guys she was with were rich chaebols (just that she wasn't with them b/c of the money). She was plenty modern in some ways (not some virginal heroine, yay!). Her character fit much more easily into a "romantic" story with a cinderella-ending (poor girl marries rich guy, they live happily ever after), while Hae-soo's never did – she was never after anyone, rejected marriage as a life-goal, didn't become besties with her cheating ex but just cut him off, doubted and questioned Jae-yeol's love. Plus, if she ends up marrying Jae-yeol, we all know it won't be an easy happy-ever-after.
I'm not sure I would say Han-groo as a woman with "brain" (instinct perhaps and not a doormat) – it took her pretty long to grasp that her first boyfriend wasn't into her. She had plenty of spunk and heart though.
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dramapanda
September 11, 2014 at 6:36 AM
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alua
September 11, 2014 at 7:48 AM
<My point was, just because a drama is different doesn’t automatically mean it’s good/great.
I agree with you on that.
I think we agree in a sense, except that one of us liked DNM and the other IOIL (but neither the other drama)... just comes down to taste.
I can see good things in DNM despite not liking it, and I don't judge HG for wanting to get married. I'm just pointing out that starting her off as a character whose life is defined by that as a goal is more candy than modern, though fortunately her character wasn't really a candy otherwise.
My issue with the drama is more that the starting premise was contrived (getting a near-stranger whom you only know to be crazy to pretend date) and the packaging (not my kind of humour). Plus, I would have enjoyed that drama so much more if they had not had those two second leads...
<HS not wanting to get married doesn’t mean she’s better/brainier than Jang Mi, it simply means she’s doesn’t want to get married.
Of course not, I didn't say that or mean to imply that if that's what you understood. Indeed, I haven't even said whether I consider HS brainy (not sure, would have to think about it). I would consider her more independent b/c Jang Mi gave me the impression she would always want to have bf.
Neither is better than the other, they are just different. Both are better than pure doormat candies in my book though. ;-)
dramapanda
September 11, 2014 at 8:19 AM
Exactly Alua, exactly :-)
jhu
September 10, 2014 at 6:29 PM
I think everyone is entitled to their opinion. More than a conscious effort to like or dislike, I think it's a matter of subconscious taste, and of emotions. You either end up liking or not. And that's what we all later explore when we come out here.
I respect what you feel, because there are no pre-ordained standards as to which we must receive dramas and their characters. But let's respect others too, because it shows differences in people's POV that may only help us appreciate them in the long run. People may have far more interesting and plausible reasons than what we may take for granted.
I, on the other hand, found HS to be too like myself? It was like having a mirror put up in front of you all the time. And who wants that when they signed up for K-dramas to escape from self in the first place?
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MysteryMel
September 10, 2014 at 7:19 PM
Agree with your comments of endless silly girl-women who are over 30 acting so candy its tiresome and the BAM one comes along who has brains, realistic dialog and relationship neurosis and she is negatively labeled. This show has delivered a consistent message on the effects of mental illness for the person, family, work, and relationship - APPLAUSE! This show demonstrated the complicated intersections of living in a desirous "perfect-undamaged" society YET people (all of us) who are damaged-bruised in one way or another - some more-some less, living the facade of normality. Wondering why many say not their cup of tea? Maybe too close to home in the dialogs... stick with your candy's, cause life and people we meet are more like complicated damaged/bruised people just trying to find happy.
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dramapanda
September 10, 2014 at 7:50 PM
Let's pause for a minute, the original comment by JB didn't even say that it was HS character that she found infuriating. She said the show.
The bottom line is, everyone has their preference. But,I don't think it's fair to say the character isn't liked because she's a modern woman with neuroses and that's why I used MnD example, Han Groo's character there was also very modern (according to your definitions). So, I like the fact that she's modern, but I still think a huge disservice was done to her as she was badly written.
Just because I didn't enjoy IOIL doesn't mean I like candy stories or that it hit too close to home etc. It simply means I didn't like it.
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jhu
September 10, 2014 at 8:54 PM
Well said Han. Just because people didn't like IOIL doesn't mean they automatically like everything else.
Dr. Hwata
September 11, 2014 at 1:31 AM
Is our choice limited to your two extremes only - Candy or Bossy? And why can't we abhor either or both?
I despise this kind of logical fallacy. You are leaving out the entire area between the two, while you present not a single valid reason as to why we can't have anything in-between.
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KDaddict
September 10, 2014 at 6:17 PM
That JB was able to finish recapping Joseon Gunman but couldn't finish watching this shows it's a matter of taste. Personally I don't find the show "infuriating". I don't even know what's infuriating about it. Now JG I truly find infuriating.
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Adal
September 10, 2014 at 11:06 PM
Agreed. Joseon Gunman was dull, dull, dull. DULL. It was critically liked by a lot of reviewers and recapped on a large number of websites, but I always personally wondered what anyone saw in the show. It's another take on the overused revenge theme.
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3 Lixie
September 10, 2014 at 9:36 AM
I'm a such a curious person, now I will just keep trying to guess what javabeans thought was so infuriating?
Won't you tell us javabeans? Pretty please? We are all grown up ladies, and guys. We can take a different opinion even if we love a show. :)
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4 Chandra
September 10, 2014 at 9:40 AM
Just out of curiosity, why did you drop the show javabeans? I watched the first couple of episodes and liked it...did it derail near the end?
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5 bibapr57
September 10, 2014 at 9:49 AM
Mmm, I myself stopped watching two weeks ago... As much as I love the actors the script drove me nuts in the last few weeks... Hopefully it will get better today and tomorrow, because I need my resolution. I can't wait for the final episode of this drama, which only attracted me because of the leads and Kwang Soo Oppa.
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6 cingdoc
September 10, 2014 at 10:09 AM
I,too, had stopped watching after ep 11. At first, it was due to busy work schedule( but that's a lie since I would stayed up til the wee hours for FTLY ( hehe, @ Panda, @ jhu)) It's like I no longer want to know more about the plot and its characters.
I began watching it since I adore GHJ since BTSC ,and I even rewatched it in between days the new epi show( ok , having GY in it helps ;)
Perhaps the emotions in IOIL are getting too raw for me to ( deal) face with. I feel so wrong , as a bystander, watching JY's secrets( no spoilers here) are revealing. It's a very personal and vunerable,and I guess I chose to step away (& hence stop watching) the situation/ drama.
NOTE: by no means I think the writer , actors etc are doing a bad job...they actually are excellent. It is more like I( personally) cannot " stomach" it anymore.
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AJ
September 10, 2014 at 6:11 PM
I tend to put off watch the new episodes because I know they will be difficult -- but I am never sorry when I do ultimately watch the episode. Last week's in particular, was incredibly moving and realistic in showing JY's sorrow and confusion and pain at no longer feeling like himself.
I don't disagree at all with those who see missteps in this drama re: mental illness -- and I can't fault anyone who stopped watching for this reason. But I love the performances and the writing of the scenes between people who love and care about one another whether as romantic partners or friends.
For me, they could have simply made HS hostile to JY as a "player" without any sexual issues of her own -- the the focus could have remained on the more serious and life-threatening issues facing JY.
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KDaddict
September 10, 2014 at 9:49 PM
I find AJ's to be a balanced comment.
The show may have been uneven, and let's face it, which show is consistently good from ep to ep, in all eps? But it has been getting very moving and realistic, as AJ says.
It is serious and deals w issues that may be disturbing to some. Many ppl want an easy watch at the end of the day. This show doesn't provide that.
Ppl have been upset w HS for many reasons. I think her earlier reaction to JY when he was suave and debonair might have stemmed from her insecurities, esp. her sexual ones. She just couldn't believe he was genuinely interested in her. It could have been a self-protective mechanism to hold him at arm's length. But the moment she found her his illness, she has been incredibly warm and loving, as if his 'problems' take him off his pedestal, and now she is not to be dumped, and therefore not afraid to show her love for him anymore.
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jhu
September 10, 2014 at 8:55 PM
heheheh. wink. wink. <3
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Sayee
September 10, 2014 at 10:41 PM
You MUST catch up. I agree the show didn't live up to my expectations and was giving me whiplash with how much I obsessed over it one moment to hating certain parts *cough*HS's-annoying-behaviour*cough* but last week's episodes-especially epi 14-was absolutely brilliant. I forgave everything the show did till now because that was such a power packed episode. Sure I started this for GHJ but I had no idea JIS was such a spectacular actor.
Please oh please watch episode 14. You too, JB!! Atleast to appreciate some good acting/directing and the phenomenon that is JIS.
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miilo
September 11, 2014 at 12:19 PM
I also stopped watching, but only because I needed a breather before the Plunge into the Pain. How to cope with the fact that someone really-really close to you has schizophrenia, the hospitalization, temporary recovery, then the hospital again - I know it too well. For that I applause the show for addressing such a difficult theme. Of course it´s a drama, so some things are glossed over while others get emphasized for dramatic effects. I must admit I didn´t like the characters at the beginning, but I couldn´t help being sucked into their push and pull game, screaming at the screen or doing a fist pump whenever one of the two changed the score. Some have complained that Hae Soo "got over" her problem way too quickly, and probably same goes for Jae Yeol (couple of weeks and you´re washing Kang Woo´s feet for goodbye?), but I can forgive the show all that, because otherwise it would really become unwatchable (oh the Pain!). Really loved Soo Kwang´s puzzle metaphor of how many pieces everyone has to keep in place for "normal functioning" and that´s where the show´s heart is, I think.
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Cindy Chan
September 11, 2014 at 7:21 PM
There were significant time lapses within an hour, which I initially couldn't detect. Usual kdramas would have the cycle of strangers falling in love after meeting in very strange circumstances and eventually move in together and all within kdrama duration of 3mths, and that's finale for the drama... not a mind-blowing drama but definitely worth the applause on how all characters and side stories gelled together in the final two episodes. I'd encourage those who stopped before episode 12 to find time to finish it. Everyone has a bit of HS in us, like it or not. HS is a sum of all possible relationship phobias and the reflection/defence due to the issues within. It's tiring to watch her struggles but if we start looking within us and around us, her issues are very close to home. JY and his family members' conditions too are around us and/or within us too. Again, kdrama's exaggerated version of real life by summing them all within a single character. Then again it won't be a drama if it's not dramatic. That's why CSI is the worst representative of what forensics is all about. So to say. 괜찮아, 사랑이야
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7 pogo
September 10, 2014 at 10:15 AM
Not going to comment on the show since I stopped watching. I will pick it back up sometime though......the things I will watch for my queen GHJ!
I just hope Gong Hyo-jin gets a nice long rest on that Thailand holiday, she's earned it. After last week's tragic accident that took two young lives, I'm more thankful than ever that GHJ was able to get out of a three-car accident with nothing worse than a broken arm (which hopefully won't give her any more problems once she gets the treatment she needs).
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KDaddict
September 10, 2014 at 6:19 PM
BTW, how come the writer isn't in the group pic?
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8 Waiting
September 10, 2014 at 10:21 AM
I guess all that PPL let them have a stable budget for the show so much so that they have money to take such a huge crew on vacation.
I suppose lots of folks needed a room air purifier! LOL
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ys
September 10, 2014 at 11:06 AM
An air purifier that dries sneakers! And a sparkling-water maker, coffee from Coffeesmith, and a smoothie from a place that's not Coffeesmith but everyone goes there.
But I shouldn't make fun. PPL totally worked on me: I ordered a Nohant t-shirt Gong Hyojin wore in the show.
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yeolll
September 10, 2014 at 5:56 PM
OMG AFTER 14 EPISODES I WENT TO LOOK FOR A YUGANE BRANCH IN MY COUNTRY AND THANK GOODNESS THERE IS ONE! Damn this show for making me crave for dak galbi like a mad woman.
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ManaSura
September 10, 2014 at 11:08 AM
LOL :D yeah and don't forget the sparkling water machine that not a single episode is free of a scene with someone drinking from!
I love KDramas but I hate obvious and forced PPL
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dramapanda
September 10, 2014 at 7:15 PM
PPLs are the means by which dramas are funded.
And sometimes they are really cute and unique products :-)
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pigtookie
September 11, 2014 at 1:59 AM
hee, I liked that in Marriage not Dating, everybody was carrying LG G3s, and there was one scene where Han Groo chucks it into the water. It's not a bad phone, but if I was a writer I'd be writing more of these scenes.
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9 Anju
September 10, 2014 at 10:30 AM
I'm steadily trying to work my way through it... It isn't as strong as others I've been watching lately, but I'll watch anything Gong Hyo Jin is in.
And apparently the elementary school I'm teaching at was actually Jo In Sung's? That's a pretty cool coincidence. So what's literally getting me through the drama is school spirit until I hit my stride. :)
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pogo
September 10, 2014 at 11:03 AM
oh, wow.
My mind is kind of processing this as you could have been Jo In-sung's teacher twenty years ago!
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10 Taylor
September 10, 2014 at 10:50 AM
I actually like the show a lot and I think it is really nice that someone decided to write about something so serious as this. When people talk about diseases, they always think about câncer, HIV etc, and never about mental problems. This drama made me cry a river but I am still glad that I decided to watch it.
Anyways, I feel that the crew really needs a vacation after so much work :)
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11 Yo
September 10, 2014 at 11:00 AM
Despite being a big GHJ fan, I found it infuriating too at times (mostly with Hae Soo's behavior in the earlier episodes. The medical inconsistencies did not bother me TBH. I know they bothered a lot of people) but glad I kept watching because this drama delivered all around. Very memorable drama.
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12 ManaSura
September 10, 2014 at 11:18 AM
I can somehow understand what Javabeans means by infuriating. There was a period while watching this drama that I felt like hitting Hae Soo with a rock on her head until she behaves reasonably. I had started to detest her character a lot and thought that such a confident woman as she is, she will mostly not be going any major character developments other than the too sudden and rush cure from her anxiety! But I'm still soooo glad I didn't give up on this show coz it just got so much better the last few episodes when the story line starting taking the fast slope upwards toward the climax, also above all Hae Soo's character thankfully got some moments of clarity and consistency where she was at last honest with herself and self-reproaching (she just fulfilled my bottled feeling of infuriation I had towards her)
Honestly, I think anyone who appreciates a drama with a story not just light-hearted romcoms or over-dramatic angst-full melos, should definitely give IOIL a try, let alone if you're a GHJ fan.
Hope GHJ a fast recovery and hope to enjoy more and more of her super enjoyable dramas <3
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Renrei
September 10, 2014 at 2:57 PM
I stopped after first two episodes and still considering if i want to continue to watch it or not. but thanks to your little insight, probably i'll drop it. There's nothing more i hate than infuriating character/story
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Mary
September 10, 2014 at 7:53 PM
I also started off the show irritated at HS' inconsistency in behaviors and I wasn't totally on-board with some of the farfetched mental health story lines. But the show's depth and seeing how pieces of the puzzle began fitting together really helped draw me in, and rather deeply.
I can no longer stand a lot of romcoms, the over dramatic melodramas, and the rich boy poor girl fairytales. I am more drawn to shows with depth, one that explores human complexities. While it's nice to watch a silly romcom to escape reality and just get immersed into kdramaland, a show that gets me thinking and connect with on an emotional level captures my heart a lot more. Plus, there are many cute moments and comedic moments to balance out the seriousness of the topic of mental health.
But this is not what everyone is looking for so at the end of the day, as most people have already pointed out, it's a matter of preference!
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13 ilikemangos
September 10, 2014 at 12:31 PM
That's too bad.
IOIL rocked my socks off this year. Jae Yul and Hae Soo made my k-drama OTP of the year. and now that we're reaching the end, the acting is enough to blow your mind.
It's okay, it's not for everyone.
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fab
September 10, 2014 at 3:32 PM
Ilikeyoumangos High Five!
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Adal
September 10, 2014 at 6:15 PM
True. LOL
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JJ
September 10, 2014 at 8:51 PM
Well said!!
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Aria
September 10, 2014 at 11:38 PM
True indeed! I've learned a lot from this show and it made me understand more about other people too.
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alua
September 11, 2014 at 1:00 AM
I love this drama. It's perfect in my book and I never found Hae-soo infuriating. She was just a very real person. I've loved her character all the way through, just like I love some of my friends that are wonderful but have some flaws that I'm maybe not so fond of.
I guess it's not a drama for everyone, but for my part I wish there were more dramas like this one.
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candyjkt
September 11, 2014 at 8:33 PM
Yep !! love love the story and characters... too real.. i can see 'hae soo' in me...
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Aidsincera
September 12, 2014 at 11:30 AM
I know, It's Okay It's Love is not common drama and not everyone cup of tea :)
For me, I love it. IOIL is so educating, inspiring, entertaining, lovable and warm. And the ending is just so light, fun, and sweet.
The writernim so brilliant. She's good in detail. The key of good story is good in detail, but not overrated. She gives everything I asked. Natural conversation, how to heal the pain in real world, bed scene, wedding picture, pregnant... Love it. Like Jae Yeol and Hae Soo said.... Perfectly my style!! :D
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14 Nicolette
September 10, 2014 at 12:40 PM
I admit the show is not the best in a lot of ways, but I think it is quite good when compared to other dramas as of late. I have to say I am greatly curious as to what could make it infuriating... I can understand not liking it, but to find it frustrating is genuinely confusing to me. I hope javabeans will elaborate on this at some point.
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15 Dee
September 10, 2014 at 12:40 PM
I hope to kwang soo rest well too, he work really hard this year with 2 movies 1 drama and of course running man.
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16 Nessie
September 10, 2014 at 1:38 PM
I assumed GHJ was going to get treatment and skip the trip, I know D.O is missing the trip due to his schedule. Guess it wasn't as serious an issue as javabeans said. Then again everyone of the show totally deserves this, I hope they all have a fabulous break!
I started watching the show kinda late, but since GJH was in it I thought I'd give it a try. For me this drama is so refreshing in the rawness and bluntness of the show. I adore Jae Yeol, and the rest of the cast.
Now I'm heartbroken that it's going to end, but I do hope it ends well.
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17 kanz
September 10, 2014 at 3:27 PM
I too have problems with the show. I stopped enjoying it since ep 4, but still continue to watch and try to understand the characters. I still don't get it. Yeah, maybe like javabeans said it's infuriating. I love Jo In Sung and Gong Hyo Jin but I never ship them as OTP here. In fact, I can't ship them.
Then comes so much emotional pain, etc but I don't even care with it.
I think this drama is just not for me.
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18 keiiest
September 10, 2014 at 4:04 PM
I loved Gong Hyojin since Master's Sun and watched Greatest Love because of her and I loved her more. her acting was so natural in those. but not in It's Okay It's Love. I tried to love this one because I love the actors, I love the theme that seems anti-mainstream to me but Hae Soo's character was so annoying and inconsistent, IMO. Lee Hana's character in High School King was indeed annoying too, but she gave all her best and sincerely threw herself in, so I got the 'natural' feeling and I couldn't help but sympathized. Unfortunately, I couldn't find it in GHJ in IOIL.
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19 Khule WY
September 10, 2014 at 4:36 PM
Love,love the show don't understand the complaints. in MY opinion everything is great a bit too realistic but its a good thing.its fresh. I don't know what's happening to me its like I'm broken but a in a good way because I dropped Ftly and Mnd which was so my cup of tea until it wasn't and I'm all about romcoms but now meh.tired of clichés and rolling my eyes.
Back to IOIL stopped watching at episode 12 but only because I'm sensing heartbreak and waterworks on my part waiting for episode 16 to air so I can add it to my downloads and on with the tears.please let there be a happy ending but even if there isn't ,on with the well deserved tears.saraghnyeoooo :-)
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20 thursdaynexxt
September 10, 2014 at 5:09 PM
I've seen Gong Hyo Jin transcend bad hairstyles (Greatest Love), bad make-up (Crush & Blush), and in It's Okay It's Love, she's done it again.
Yes, I was frustrated by some of Hae-soo's annoying hang-ups, but when the chips were down and Jae-yeol needed help ... what an awesome woman!
It's just further cemented my respect for Gong Hyo Jin - the way she gives it her all and brings out the best in the production, and her work ethic despite being injured! Wish her a good rest with cuddles from her BF and a speedy recovery!
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yo
September 10, 2014 at 7:37 PM
I thought her hairstyle in Greatest Love was cute. The clothes were pretty bad though.
Hae Soo is simultaneously one of the most aggravating incarnations of GHJ and the most intriguing/fascinating/multifaceted one. She'll win you over eventually if you let her. I felt similarly about her character in Pasta. She was both cute/likable and aggravating there too.
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21 Adele
September 10, 2014 at 5:22 PM
Gong Hyo Jin is just awesome, I do not know how many actress that would do what she did. Hats off.
I found the show great, then to over the top with Gong Hyo Jin's character insecurity-bitchiness. But, when her insecurity passes, the shows became better.
Also hats off to the writer to express the complex feelings of shrizophenia. Psychatric disease are hard cookies to write about, and I think she is doing great !
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geese
September 10, 2014 at 6:17 PM
i totally agree....it seems that this topic is a bit hard to incorporate in kdrama series....hats off for the production and actors/actress who had this drama well done and the courage to do it....schizo is a nut case to show the least ....since nobody really knows what the heck is the source of the sickness let alone fully understand the effects of it to humans....he he he..
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22 jozie
September 10, 2014 at 6:23 PM
I really like IOIL. I had to write of some of the mental illness stuff as kdrama disease. Interestingly enough, besides getting HS personality more later - when it was shown that aggressiveness was part of her personality since she was young and had served her well in the past even if it affected other people's lives, it made sense.
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23 Faye
September 10, 2014 at 6:42 PM
I hope GHJ recovers soon.
That group trip sounds so fun. I want in on that. That and the celebrity ski team, LOL.
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24 jam
September 10, 2014 at 7:52 PM
GHJ is perhaps one of my faves when it comes acting. she just has this unique/spunky charm about her! i hope her treatments end well.
now if only i can sneak into one of their luggages......../notcreepyatall/...
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25 lzbth
September 10, 2014 at 8:41 PM
I totally get where JB is coming from. I am watching this show for JY's storyline but it's taken me a lot of effort not to throw things at my TV.
If you want an example of why this show infuriates me, how about the fact that when JY brings home the teenager, HS is all "She's a minor, she's a minor" but doesn't blink an eye when GS who has to be at least 25 begins dating her? And I think it says a lot when everyone is pushing the teenager (can't remember her name) into therapy for behaving like a normal 17/18 year old. After all, what 17/18 year old doesn't believe the world revolves around them?
I personally find HS's character to be thoroughly detestable but at least she acknowledges it and I appreciate the writer's attempt to show that humans are flawed creatures who are able to overcome great tragedies.
I just wished this was a story about JY without the "romance."
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yo
September 11, 2014 at 12:07 AM
Detestable is such a strong adjective but I feel you. I watched a couple of episodes from Padam Padam, That Winter, & Worlds Within (all Noh Hee Kyung dramas because I wanted to get a feel of where IOTL was going) and all the female leads have harsh, petulant, and stubborn personalities. They also have mommy issues and are similar in other ways to Hae Soo. NHK just likes her women that way. However, audiences usually don't.
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26 newgirl
September 10, 2014 at 9:34 PM
I have enjoyed and appreciated this show, despite its many failings. Normally medically themed shows drive me up the wall due to the many mistakes I see in them. This one stayed far enough away from the application of medical technology, while emphasizing the human connection in treatment, that it was easy to forgive the few inaccuracies that I did see.
For me, the skill of the actors has made up for the shortcomings in the writing. As someone who has been around mentally ill relatives all of my life, I find the portrayal of Jae-yeol, especially after he is medicated, is heartbreakingly close to the reality. I believe he must have researched his role by observing mentally ill and medicated patients before playing this part. While I have never found myself moved to tears by this drama, or otherwise affected that deeply, I do still appreciate it for what it is.
I don't understand the anger some people feel when watching IOIL, but I do know that anger comes from fear, and mental illness or other types of mental incapacity are very scary subjects. The writer has bordered - nay, crossed over into - preachiness on the subject at times; some may find that insulting and insufferable. I just took it as a necessary evil when one writes for a country where many people still discriminate against those living with disabilities. If the writer is using this drama as a forum to change attitudes, I can find no fault with that.
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27 daronmalakian
September 10, 2014 at 11:44 PM
Long time lurker here and first time to post and I may be infuriating.
JB isn't a fan of NHK Dramas. Go look up in db's post regarding nhk's dramas. I remember she said she tend to be pretentious...but who isn't?
She is not a fan of JIS too. just look at the series of JIS news here, it's written way different on how she writes about JIS compared to LMH.
JB is a fan of LJK. So for her JG > iotl and ftly. if you like the actor, it helps in liking the drama too, if you don't, you tend to criticize more.
like everybody said, it's a matter of preference...nhk dramas are always, always not everybody's cup of tea that is why she doesn't have a skyrocket-rating drama.
Ot: I used to love this site before, but it's becoming less and less interesting for me. i don't know why, but the biased writing is becoming more and more evident....but we are all biased aren't we?
sorry for being a troll, i just want to let go of this frustration, not here in iotl but in your other writing as well because i cannot coherently understand what you look for in a drama to be objectively critical. you can see also that there are less and less comments generated because frankly this site is becoming so, so, so boring and biased..
you can delete this comment if you do not like it. sorry for being INFURIATING
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So sun
September 11, 2014 at 5:40 AM
Isn't it better to state your points and disagree without attacking the reviewer?
I don't get this new tend of personal attacks just because you don't like the review
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daronmalakian
September 11, 2014 at 7:50 AM
i am not attacking JB, I am just stating facts about why she may not like the show and YOU CAN GUESS it if you are religiously reading the news and recaps of her. Dropped watching iotl too but not for the reason that it is infuriating.
My comment may be blunt but am not personally attacking JB, i think if Jb can handle praises, she can handle criticism too.
I know i am not the only here who feels the same.
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Javabeans
September 11, 2014 at 11:07 AM
Dude, you're not being infuriating for disagreeing with me! That's a totally different thing from a drama being infuriating because its characters act in frustrating ways and the writing is deliberately opaque. If someone doesn't mind those things, they're free to enjoy something. If someone does, they're equally free to declare they don't like it.
And just to make something clear: The kind of writing we do here has always been subjective and driven by the writer's opinions, which is the nature of reviewing. We don't claim to be perfectly objective, and it's not what we aim for. People sometimes think we as a site have made a shift from objective to biased, but I do wonder if what really happened is that the reader made the shift from "agrees with DB" to "disagrees with DB." Either of which is fine, by the way.
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alua
September 11, 2014 at 12:17 PM
It's their blog, they can be as biased as they want.
They don't censor other people's opinions either, that's all that matters to me.
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tee
September 11, 2014 at 1:03 PM
It's their blog, they can be as biased as the like.
The good thing with The blogopsherr now is the variety. There are so many other blogs nowadays recapping kdramas unlike before. So, if you are not satisfied, you can check out others.
Personally,I have not seen what JB said wrong here. If she didn't like something, that's her choice isn't it? I initially liked IOIL, then I dropped after the 6th episode and then I picked it just to watch 14(which was awesome) through 16.
Everyone has different tastes
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tee
September 11, 2014 at 1:03 PM
Sorry for the typos
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28 Aria
September 10, 2014 at 11:54 PM
In contrast to others who lost interest in this drama, I on the other hand loved it as the story progressed. In fact, Episode 14 nailed it for me and it easily became one of my favorite episodes in a drama. The acting of all the characters were exceptionally good and I personally think this is the drama with one of the best soundtracks around. Today's the last episode and I know that the writer won't let us down. Congrats to the cast for a job well done!
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AJ
September 11, 2014 at 2:51 PM
I agree re: Episode 14 ... the series as a whole has some issues as the range of comments here attest to, but I completely believed in the love and pain of JY and HS in this episode. I also think that in these later episodes we have seen a softening of the edges of the HS character and this has happened without a weakening of her core strengths. That's exactly the kind of thing that I like to see in a love story.
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29 readlead
September 11, 2014 at 1:30 AM
I'm quite surprise that you dont enjoy IOIL... well, I can understand if people said that they dont like/interested/enjoy IOIL because personal sentiment or if IOIL is truly not good drama at all...
but IOIL in fact, is an eye opener drama which would be really great to be reference for people to learn about Human Behavior and psychology, specially about the suffering of patient mental illness/disorder and people around them.
there is many great rom com that korea has made so far, but IOIL definitely is A NEW FRESH drama, perhaps the most realistic from all kdrama I've ever watched, and technically, (acting, directing, music, cinematography, editing, chemistry, writing), it's one of the best kdrama ever. Dont you think so?
I just dont get how can you say that IOIL is infuriating and insufferable???
this is the first time I comment like this, as a fan of you, Im so sad that you judged this wonderful-educated drama mistakenly! there is so much important massage within this drama that writer Noh genuinely want to share a little story of a side of this world that most of us, people on this earth, being ignorant about it. there is no drama that I would love to recommend stronger than IOIL for everyone to watch!
I hope that there is more detail reason why you dont enjoy this drama Javabeans... but please dont say IOIL is not good enough, because IOIL is beyond good!
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dramapanda
September 11, 2014 at 2:45 AM
I like your passion for this show, but I respectfully disagree about something. This show isn't a Great way to learn about People's psychology and behavior as applies to real life
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readlead
September 11, 2014 at 9:18 AM
I'm not that good in english and not really good in expressing my mind as well... I'm sorry too if I write like I'm too smart about psychology, because I'm not :D
what I wanna say, there is many viewers I meet through forum site, where we discuss about drama and almost everyone feel the same... they who didnt find the enjoyment watching IOIL, most likely would've left the forum after some eps... but there is many keep staying and we share how we've been mistaken many mental illness patient all this time in our life...
how we are often calling people crazy because they behave unreasonable... also how people with mental illness/disorder used to be treated as strange people, outsider...
and by watching IOIL, we realize something that never been we realized before... we learn a lot about human's behavior that as bad as they are, there must been something bad happen to them and there is absolutely good side inside them.
yes, we dont learn psychology n human behavior in detail but we get to learn some of human behavior specially mental disorder which we havent learned before. For getting know more about mental disorder, getting to learn about them, getting to understand them, so that we can treat people with mental disorder better in our life, isnt it great? you watch an entertaining drama which is also makes you learn and be better human... for me it's great... :)
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Adal
September 11, 2014 at 10:55 AM
@readlead
You raised good points. This show has certainly helped me be more compassionate, understanding and tolerant of people's mental states and irrationalities that I would have dismissed before.
IOIL certainly brought fresh outlook to kdramas and though it's not a flawless drama by any means, must be commended for venturing into new territory and taking on issues unapologetically and as objectively as possible.
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alua
September 11, 2014 at 12:26 PM
I had one moment when watching this drama – I think it was around episode 13 or 14 – when I felt the discussion that those of us Beanies watching were having here, was... I don't know, special some how. Like everyone was opening up about personal things and sharing very raw thoughts and feelings that we'd keep inside us often.
I don't think I did, but I wanted to write "thank you" to other Beanies that day, because somehow our exchange of thoughts really touched me. I can't explain it well... to me this drama is more than an entertaining story to watch on TV, it's something that has repercussions and can make a difference (if tiny) for someone somewhere. Sorry if that sounds overly idealistic, but that's how I feel.
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30 pigtookie
September 11, 2014 at 2:03 AM
I do wonder why the cast never went on Running Man. a) Gong Hyo Jin was a fantastic guest before, although if she's injured it'd be best not to move around so much on that show. b) I've noticed a lot of SBS shows promote on RM. c) Sung Dong Il, So Ji Sub, and Lee Kwang Soo!
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31 Crazy About Numbers
September 11, 2014 at 3:06 AM
Q: Why don't you like this show? I love it!
A: Because you're you and I'm me.
:)
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alua
September 11, 2014 at 7:50 AM
that's a good way to sum it up.
:-)
I'm you then though. ;-)
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Crazy About Numbers
September 11, 2014 at 8:41 AM
Ah.
But I'm neither you nor me.
So what am I doing here? *identity crisis*
:D
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32 ccut
September 11, 2014 at 4:42 AM
Ever since the news of her accident, my eyes kept going to Gong Hyo-jin's left arm from episode 8 onward of IOIL. I've also noticed a slight limp in a few episodes. And whenever her role required tripping/hurling to the ground, no matter how minor the fall, I somewhat grimace. Well, thank goodness, they're done shooting and she can finally get proper treatment. I want her in good condition ASAP (because I want to see her in a new series ASAP. lol).
Yeah, trip after treatment seems backward, heheh. Hopefully---and despite whatever discomfort is left on her arm and knee---she'll get to unwind and have fun after working so hard.
Thanks for the update on Gong Hyo-jin :)
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33 amber
September 11, 2014 at 5:23 AM
The soundtracks are a big plus for me.
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dramapanda
September 11, 2014 at 5:42 AM
+1 the OST is amazing
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34 korfan
September 11, 2014 at 7:34 AM
What an interesting array of comments on this one.
First of all, I'm going to wish Gong Hyo-jin, both, a wonderful time on her vacation and all the best on her fracture treatment.
Secondly, add me to the list of people who like this drama (I'm half-way through it). ....... While I thoroughly enjoy reading every single comment here, on some of the ones regarding Hae-soo, I respectfully disagree with some of them. I find her a truly interesting and real human being. ...... Regarding the comments that she couldn't possibly have overcome her phobia that fast ---- I would say, "Who said she did?" Just because she slept on that beach doesn't mean her anxiety disappeared. Perhaps we only saw the first step towards that. Who knows. ...... Granted, there weren't enough episodes to explore that angle in-depth and there were other things to focus on, but hey, it's possible.
Again, I'm loving this drama but's that's ok if some of you don't. It's all our different preferences that make life, kdrama-watching and Dramabeans oh so interesting!
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35 Adal
September 11, 2014 at 10:58 AM
What happened to the "Like" button? Seems to have disappeared.
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JJK
September 11, 2014 at 11:03 AM
I was wondering about the same thing too :D
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Javabeans
September 11, 2014 at 11:03 AM
Like button was breaking the site, had to disable. :(
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36 JJK
September 11, 2014 at 11:12 AM
Dropped the show at EP4, read EP5 recap and decided not to keep up with it. But then just looking at the first snapshot of EP14 in gummimochi’s recap re-piques my interest. Went back and read EP6 recap and am loving it NOW. But the show has just ended today … this can’t be happening, right? :(
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ritz
September 11, 2014 at 2:14 PM
can you pls tell me what happened? I won't b able to watch it till next week..and I don't think recap is coming any faster...I am totally in love with this show and with the character HS she's the most realistic character in k dramaland..and for the acting no w ords are required..I needed a box of tissue to watch this.. for me the best drama of 2014 even though my bias Lee seung gi Oppa's drama is already there still the best drama....^^
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JJK
September 11, 2014 at 8:22 PM
I believe DB recaps are up to date.
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37 Deemarie
September 11, 2014 at 8:11 PM
So I read the comments here about the varied likes and dislikes about the show. I really am just glad about the fact that the show has generated discussions here and on other sites about psychology and mental health.
Hae Soo's character did not annoy me. I see it with my clients, they portray themselves as one thing but their actions and words highlight other things (flaws and strengths). Human behaviour= unpredictablity. It's awesome and frustrating and beautiful. So it made sense to me that Hae Soo, intelligent woman, doctor, beautiful portrays herself as well put together but emotionally distant woman, she is even emotionally distant about her disorder. However her anxiety is enmeshed with intimacy which is her vulnerability spot. There is nothing scarier than being vulnerable, so I viewed her wishy washy behavior as a way of protecting herself due to her insecurity. We are all guilty of it, even the most evolved person feels an instinctual need to protect the areas in their life that they may feel the most vulnerable.
I still maintain the acting was superb especially on Jo In Sung's part and I am a Gong Hyo Jin fan as well, so there is that bias for me as well. Although not a perfect drama by any standards I appreciated it and what it attempted to do. There were some parts where I wasn't sure about but the end few episodes made it worth it for me.
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38 Alize
September 11, 2014 at 8:44 PM
really enjoys this drama..love all casts..enjoy the storylines..love the ending..overall,its worth to watch atleast for me.. :)
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39 dyogf
September 12, 2014 at 12:57 AM
I can understand some who will not like this drama. But, IMO this is the best Gong Hyo Jin and Jo In Sung drama that I've watched. Again. This is only my opinion.
INFURIATING. I don't know how many times this word was mentioned in the comments section. I did not feel this with Hae Soo while watching the show. All I know is that, IOTL was very close to reality. In fact, it is as if I'm watching real people not characters in a drama.
BTW, Do Kyungsoo's (D.O) rating as an idol turned actor for me is 8/10. I am so proud of him. Especially, during the later episodes.
I hope the cast and crew will enjoy their vacation. You all deserve to be happy by creating this wonderful drama.
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40 rambutan
September 13, 2014 at 5:17 AM
I haven't enjoyed a drama this much since My Love From Another Star. I found the dialogue refreshing, the behaviour of the house mates and lead girl although difficult to believe, interesting, and the romance breathtaking. Of course, Hyo Jin is one of my most favourite actresses ever and she doesn't disappoint. Jo In Sung is perfectly pleasing to the eyes. His acting is the best I've seen - very different from his whiny roles I remember in the past.
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