“It’s Okay, It’s Love” Receives Plaque of Appreciation From Schizophrenia Association

SBS’s drama “It’s Okay, It’s Love” recently received a plaque of appreciation from the Korean Society for Schizophrenia Research. Representing the team were director Kim Kyu Tae, writer Noh Hee Kyung, and production companies GT Entertainment and CJ E&M.

“It’s Okay, It’s Love” gathered much popularity as much as public interest due to its story that surrounded mental illnesses such as Schizophrenia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Tourette Syndrome among others. The drama received much praise for depicting mental illnesses in an honest but beautiful perspective, especially since the topic itself is very sensitive and difficult to explain.

A lot of interest was especially placed upon schizophrenia, which occurred to the male lead character, Jang Jae Yeol (played by Jo In Sung). Although he had been diagnosed with this mental disorder, he was able to overcome it through the help of his peers and active treatment. The character was able to shape the public view of schizophrenic patients into one that was more positive and empathetic.

The director of the Korean Society for Szhizophrenia Research, Lee Joong Seo, stated, “I always felt unease because of the prejudice placed upon schizophrenic patients, who, along with their family members, became hesitant in receiving treatment as a result of this negative light placed on the disorder as well as the patients themselves. We came to give a plaque of appreciation because the drama gave a new hope to schizophrenic patients as well as help with getting rid of some of that prejudice in society.”

Upon receiving the plaque of appreciation, director Kim Kyu Tae commented, “As a representative of the entire production team, I would like to thank the Society for Schizophrenia Research for their interest in the drama, as well as the plaque of appreciation. I hope that our drama becomes an opportunity for more people to view mental disorder patients in a more positive and empathetic way.”

Just when we thought it was over, “It’s Okay, It’s Love” gives us a pleasant surprise. Way to go!

Anyone a fan of the drama?