It's Okay to Not be Okay to Doctor Slump: Evolution of mental health portrayal

India Today

16-05-2025

"Crazy" might be a term that we throw around casually now. A decade or two back, however, there was a stigma attached to it. Discussions about mental health were sparse, and every mental illness was blanketed as "madness". And we are not just talking about the Indian scenario.In the early 2000s, K-dramas, like their Indian counterparts, often avoided discussions of mental illness. When it did appear, it was to heighten tragedy or justify the villainy of a character. The portrayal of mental health shifted by the mid-2010s, with writers portraying psychological struggles within characters without the stigma.advertisementIn today's K-fix, let's look at how the portrayal of mental health has evolved over the years in K-drama. From 'Kill Me, Heal Me' to 'Love Next Door', there has been a tectonic shift (a good one, obviously) with makers delving into the nuances of the human psyche rather than generalising mental health issues.
Kill Me, Heal Me - the beginning of the shiftThe 2015 drama 'Kill Me, Heal Me' began the much-needed shift in how K-dramas portrayed the issue of mental health. Cha Do-hyun, a wealthy man battling Dissociative Identity Disorder, carries the weight of childhood trauma in the form of seven distinct personalities. His journey toward healing, with psychiatrist Oh Ri-jin by his side, is heart-wrenching, chaotic, and unforgettable. This drama was one of the first to show that mental illness isn't a weakness but a human struggle worth telling.advertisement'Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo' and the concept of 'slump' Who could forget Kim Bok-joo's charm in this coming-of-age story gave us more than just campus romance? It highlighted emotional 'slumps' aka burnouts, body image issues, and the invisible pressure of chasing perfection.Jung Joon-hyung's battle with anxiety and panic attacks added another layer of emotional truth. Through the quiet moments and strong friendships, 'Weightlifting Fairy' reminded us that true strength means loving yourself — even when the world tries to make you feel small.'It's Okay to Not Be Okay' - bold yet trueYes, Kim Soo-hyun and Seo Ye-ji are both good-looking and the chemistry was crackling, but the messaging was deeper than what met the eye. Moon Gang-tae (Soo-hyun) feels the exhaustion of being a constant caregiver. Ko Moon-young (Ye-ji) deals with antisocial personality traits. Sang-tae lives with autism. Together, their stories explore trauma, recovery, and how healing begins when you stop pretending to be okay.'Beyond Evil' - beyond typical dramaThis one isn't your typical tearjerker. It's dark, gripping, and dives deep into the effects of unresolved trauma and guilt. Lee Dong-sik isn't just trying to solve a mystery; he's unravelling his own mental state.The show focused on mental health, trauma, guilt, and unresolved grief, highlighting how these issues leave a lasting effect. It draws the fine line between sanity and obsession, showing how emotional scars, if ignored, can twist even the best intentions. Creepy? Yes. Honest? Absolutely.advertisement'Love Next Door' and 'Doctor Slump' - burnout gets too real2024 gave us two gems that quietly, but powerfully, spoke about burnout and depression. 'Love Next Door' follows Seok-ryu, who leaves behind a high-pressure job post-cancer surgery to find peace and purpose. It's gentle, soothing, and hits close to home for many.Then came 'Doctor Slump', where two former med school stars reunite at their rock bottom. This one packs a heavier emotional punch while tackling anxiety, shame, and the fear of not being 'enough.' Together, they rediscover the beauty of rest, reflection, and human connection. This also brings out another important aspect - how therapy and support systems are key to the healing journey.'Daily Dose of Sunshine'- literally what the title promisesFinally, a show with a psychiatric nurse as the lead! Jung Da-eun walks us through her life in a psychiatric ward, and it's anything but easy. The show takes on everything - from depression and anxiety to schizophrenia - with heart, honesty, and zero judgment.advertisementMore than anything, it shows how one needs to care for themselves while caring for others. And yes, Da-eun's growth will make you laugh, cry, and want to hug every nurse you've ever met.Today's K-dramas are done with outdated stereotypes and tropes. Instead, we're getting a nuanced, empathetic portrayal of mental health. These K-dramas are not just entertaining us — they're starting global conversations and making people feel seen. Whether it's childhood trauma, social anxiety, or burnout from trying to be perfect, these shows say it loud and clear - it's okay to not be okay.Written by Pratyusha RoyTrending Reel