October is World Mental Health Month, culminating on October 10, was initiated by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) on 10 October 1992, in response to societal misunderstandings about mental health.

Today, mental health issues have garnered significant attention worldwide. Unfortunately, solutions to address mental health appear to lag behind the increasing number of cases, ranging from mild to severe, due to mental health disorders.

3 Korean Dramas with Mental Health Themes

As a country significantly affected by mental health issues, the South Korean film and drama industry pays particular attention to this theme. Here are 3 highly-rated Korean dramas that tackle mental health issue:

1. The Atypical Family

This Korean drama marks the comeback project of renowned actor Jang Ki Yong after completing his mandatory military service. It achieved high ratings during its 10-episode run, released in May 2024. The story revolves around a family with superpowers that lose their abilities due to various life problems in the modern era.

The male lead, Bok Gwi Joo (Jang Ki Yong), possesses the superpower of time travel. As a firefighter, he is dedicated to saving lives. However, during a tragic event, he fails to save a loved one, leading to deep trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which prevents him from using his superpowers.

2. Doctor Slump

Released in January 2024, this drama stars top South Korean actors Park Hyung Sik and Park Shin Hye. Doctor Slump tells the story of two of the smartest students who were rivals in high school and reunite after both reach a low point in their lives.

The female lead, Yeo Jung Woo (Park Shin Hye), was an ambitious high school student who disciplined herself to achieve her dream of becoming a specialist doctor. However, once she becomes an anesthesiologist, the professional world is not what she expected. Jung Woo is often belittled by her seniors, leading to unrecognized depression and neglect of her health since her youth.

3. Little Women

Premiering in September 2022, Little Women stars versatile actress Kim Go Eun and Nam Ji Hyun. The drama follows three sisters from a humble background who have a cold relationship with their parents. They are determined to create better lives for themselves without burdening their family.

The eldest, Oh In Joo (Kim Go Eun), works as an accountant. As the oldest daughter, she feels obligated to support her siblings, which makes her cold and withdrawn. This has affected her mental health, as she is reluctant to express her emotions and share her concerns.

Indonesian Products in Korean Dramas

In addition to addressing mental health issues, all three dramas feature product placements (PPL) for the Indonesian product Kopiko. Notably, Kopiko has appeared in 15 Korean drama titles. Its presence in these dramas is facilitated by the collaboration of the Indonesian advertising agency, AdLink SineMedia.

With the growing popularity of Korean Drama worldwide, it is hoped that awareness of mental health issues will expand, helping to normalize the conversation and seek solutions for those affected, leading to better lives.

Want to watch these dramas? You can find them on Netflix or Viu. Happy Mental Health Month!

Sources: 

1. CNN Indonesia. (2024). Synopsis of Doctor Slump, Reunion of Two Former School Rival Doctors. Accessed on October 20, 2024 via https://www.cnnindonesia.com/hiburan/20240129134332-220-1055735/sinopsis-doctor-slump-reuni-dua-dokter-mantan-rival-masa-sekolah 

2. Novyana. (2024). Synopsis of The Atypical Family with Cast List and Interesting Facts. Accessed on October 20, 2024 via https://www.detik.com/jateng/budaya/d-7334868/sinopsis-the-atypical-family-dengan-daftar-pemain-dan-fakta-menariknya 

3. Rustam, R. (2024). World Mental Health Day October 10: History, Theme, and Twibbon. Accessed on October 20, 2024 via https://www.detik.com/sulsel/berita/d-7580265/hari-kesehatan-mental-sedunia-10-oktober-sejarah-tema-dan-twibbonnya 

4. Supintou, A. (2022). Explanation of the Ending of Little Women, the Fate of 70M and the Jeongran Community. Accessed on October 20, 2024 via https://www.idntimes.com/korea/kdrama/aulia-supintou-1/penjelasan-lengkap-ending-little-women?page=all