7 Game-Changing K-Dramas That Tackle Mental Health With Unmatched Sensitivity

Talking about mental health has long been something of a taboo on television. As a result, not many movies and shows in the past have delved into the real struggles people face. But lately, we're seeing more and more projects that are trying to break that stigma.

For those unfamiliar with mental health, these stories can teach a thing or two. And if a viewer is dealing with their own stuff, watching characters go through similar struggles on screen can be like therapy.

Here are seven fan-recommended K-dramas about battling different conditions and disorders.

Mad for Each Other (2021)

IMDb rating: 7.9/10

Where to stream: Netflix, Kakao TV

Hwi-oh is a detective whose anger issues are so severe that he has to seek help. Min-kyung is an offbeat woman wrapped up in her own world of delusions and compulsions. Despite their differences, the two find love and solace in each other.

Tomorrow (2022)

IMDb rating: 8.0/10

Where to stream: Netflix

Jun-woong is a kind of loser who can't find a steady job. One day, he has an accident and becomes a half-spirit serving in a team of Grim Reapers. Their mission is to prevent suicides. As you can imagine, the people Jun-woong saves have many touching, emotional and heavy reasons to take their own lives.

Daily Dose of Sunshine (2023)

IMDb rating: 8.3/10

Where to stream: Netflix

Kindhearted and cheerful Jung Da-eun becomes a nurse in the psychiatric ward of a hospital. She is new to caring for patients with mental problems, but she does everything in her power to make their days brighter.

It's Okay, That's Love (2014)

IMDb rating: 8.3/10

Where to stream: Prime Video, Disney+, Viki, Kocowa, WeTV

Jang Jae-yeol is a bestselling crime novelist who suffers from OCD and other more serious problems. When his life collides with the strong-willed rookie psychiatrist Ji Hae-soo, the two hate each other at first sight. But the more they interact, the more therapeutic it becomes for both of them.

Kill Me, Heal Me (2015)

IMDb rating: 8.3/10

Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Viki, Kocowa, WeTV, China Huace TV

This older K-drama is a real gem for anyone into the multiple personality trope. Cha Do-hyun is a rich heir struggling with dissociative identity disorder and afraid that one of his seven alternate personalities might take full control. Oh Ri-jin, a first-year psychiatry resident, comes to Do-hyun's aid and becomes his secret psychiatrist.

Our Blues (2022)

IMDb rating: 8.6/10

Where to stream: Netflix, TVING

This fan-adored K-drama focuses on several slice-of-life stories of members of Jeju Island's tight-knit community. As in real life, some of these plots are light and romantic, others are heartbreaking and touching, but they all delve deep into human emotions and conditions, including depression.

It's Okay to Not Be Okay (2020)

IMDb rating: 8.6/10

Where to stream: Netflix

Moon Gang-tae is a kind and reliable man with a traumatic past. He works as a nurse in a mental hospital and takes care of his brother, who is on the autistic spectrum. Ko Moon-young is a famous children's book author with an antisocial personality disorder. Somehow, these two contrasting people slowly find their way to each other and begin to heal each other's deep-seated wounds.