10 best K-dramas that explore mental health with honesty and heart

Scene from Forest | Image Via: KBS2
Scene from Forest | Image Via: KBS2

K-dramas have transcended the world of mere entertainment. In these years, K-dramas have started to depict numerous sensitive topics. How they depict mental health issues is truly intriguing.

These stories move beyond the simplistic narratives. We have several K-dramas that delve into the complexities of psychological struggles with remarkable honesty and profound empathy.

We get to see a mirror that shows us a realistic picture of real-life challenges. From anxiety to trauma, we get to see every aspect of these in K-dramas. So, let's dive right into it.


10 best K-dramas that explore mental health with honesty and heart

1) When the Weather is Fine

When the Weather is Fine | Image Via: JTBC
When the Weather is Fine | Image Via: JTBC

In K-dramas, the way mental health is portrayed with nuance is truly intriguing. Addressing mental health is no easy task; it requires a certain level of understanding and compassion to tackle such a sensitive issue.

For Hae-eon and Eun-seob’s story, this K-drama has masterfully captured past trauma and the level of impact it has on the people affected. If you are looking for a K-drama that explores mental health, trauma, and its impact, then this might just be the perfect choice for you.


2) It’s okay, that’s love

It’s okay, that’s love | Image Via: SBS TV
It’s okay, that’s love | Image Via: SBS TV

How this K-drama has handled the complications of mental health issues is truly remarkable. It follows Jang Jae-yeol and the mental health issues he has because of his past.

Jae-yeol did not have a happy childhood. While he was young, he was constantly assaulted by his own father. It left a huge impact on his mind. However, that is not all, his father was killed by his mother.

While testifying, he falsely accused his own brother of killing his father. This false accusation slowly ate him. He slowly started to develop obsessive-compulsive disorder.

On the other hand, we have Ji Hae-soo. She is a psychiatrist with the ability to connect deeply with her patients. The story depicts the impact of mental health on life and how it can lead to serious problems in a person’s life.


3) Daily Dose of Sunshine

Daily Dose of Sunshine | Image Via: Netflix
Daily Dose of Sunshine | Image Via: Netflix

One of the main aspects that the people involved in the medical line have to take care of is not getting deeply invested in the patients, as it is not always possible to cure the patient.

Even though, as human beings, being empathetic comes naturally, this K-drama shows us the negative consequences when medics get too involved in the lives of the patients. It is extremely realistic and handles the mental health issues with extreme sensitivity.

Jung Da-eun’s life takes a turn after she starts working in the Psychiatry department at Myungshin University. The K-drama’s biggest strength is the ability to humanize the situation in a nuanced manner.

Another significant aspect of this K-drama is how it depicts that mental illness is not a sign of weakness but rather something that requires understanding, support, and professional care.


4) Chocolate

Chocolate | Image Via: JTBC
Chocolate | Image Via: JTBC

Past traumas are often the source of numerous mental health complications. Some incident that happened years back could resurface in our memories and impact us immensely.

Though on the surface, this K-drama might seem like any other sweet romantic story, it is so much more than just that.

The depiction of the manner in which simple acts of kindness can have a huge impact on the mind and soul is truly intriguing. The raw portrayal of grief and the healing process also adds to the overall depth of this K-drama.


5) Find Me In Your Memory

Find Me In Your Memory | Image Via: MBC TV
Find Me In Your Memory | Image Via: MBC TV

The uniqueness of this K-drama lies in its depiction of the interconnectedness between memory and our well-being. Though the aspect of remembering every detail of our lives might seem interesting, it is not that fun in real life.

This K-drama depicts the troubles Jung-hoon faces because of his hyperthymesia. On the other hand, we have Ha-jin, with the inability to remember her past.

This K-drama beautifully captures the manner in which two individuals find solace in one another, even when one is burdened with memory and the other has none.


6) Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo | Image Via: MBC TV
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo | Image Via: MBC TV

On the surface, this K-drama might seem like one of the funniest stories. However, as we dive deep into the story, we get to see the depiction of complications related to mental health in a nuanced manner.

This K-drama did not shy away from depicting the huge impact mental health issues can have on our day-to-day lives. It is nothing to be ashamed of. Instead, we should seek professional help.

Along with it, the support of our close ones can help overcome any difficulty. Joon-hyung’s relationship with his mother impacted his life. His mother left him at a very young age with his uncle and aunt.

After which, he slowly developed mental health issues. It led to panic attacks right before his competitions. However, in this K-drama, we see how he has taken an active approach in solving his problems through professional help.

Along with it, we also witness the impact supportive family members can have on people’s lives. This K-drama has truly handled the aspect of mental health with utmost honesty and heart.


7) Doctor Slump

Doctor Slump | Image Via: JTBC
Doctor Slump | Image Via: JTBC

This K-drama truly resonates deeply with the viewers. The medical profession is not an easy one. The long hours, stress, and pressure affect the mental health of the people involved in this profession.

Nam Ha-neul is suffering from burnout. She tries to pretend in front of her mother. She pretends that she is fine, yet inside, she is hardly able to cope with the situation.

This K-drama depicts that even though people might have outward success or seemingly perfect lives, things might be complicated. They are often battling with internal demons. We witness raw emotions throughout the K-drama, which leaves a lasting impact on the viewers.


8) Forest

Forest | Image Via: KBS2
Forest | Image Via: KBS2

Forrest is one such K-drama that has beautifully depicted the aspects of mental health. San-hyuk and Young-jae grab the attention of the viewers right from the very start. The aspect of PTSD and the impact of past traumas in this K-drama have also left a lasting impact on the viewers.

This heartwarming story is about healing and personal growth. The picturesque setting of this K-drama also contributes to the overall intrigue.


9) It's Okay to not be okay

It's Okay to not be okay | Image Via: tvN
It's Okay to not be okay | Image Via: tvN

This list would be incomplete without this K-drama, as it has paved the way for the depiction of mental health.

From the portrayal of autism to the depiction of past traumas, this K-drama has handled sensitive issues beautifully. This has resonated deeply with the viewers. Especially, Moon-young’s character, through whom we get to see the exploration of antisocial personality disorder.

The slow unfolding of the past traumas and how each of the characters has handled their struggles is truly remarkable. So, if you haven't already watched this K-drama, then you are truly missing out.


10) Crash Course in Romance

Crash Course in Romance | Image Via: TVN
Crash Course in Romance | Image Via: TVN

Crash Course in Romance is not just a simple romantic story. It is so much more than that. This K-drama is a thoughtful exploration of mental health. It also explores the mental health of students who are trying their best to manage academic pressure.

The immense stress that affects not just the students but also the teachers is depicted in this K-drama. It is also done thoughtfully through Choi Chi-yeol’s character.

This K-drama, with its engaging story, has shed light on widespread mental health issues and how people suffering from them can be helped.


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Edited by Nimisha