7.4 / 10 (based on 144 reviews)
“Soul Mechanic” follows psychiatrists as they try to cure people of their emotional wounds.
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Shin Ha-kyun, Joo Min-Kyung, Jung So-Min, In-ho Tae
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 32 episodes, 35-minute runtime
Shows Most Like Fix You (2020)
Wolgan Jib (2021)
7.2 / 10 (based on 356 reviews)
A home-searching romance story about a man who buys houses and a woman who lives in one. It follows the diverse stories of the editors of a home magazine.
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Main Cast: Ji-seok Kim, Jung So-Min, Geon-joo Jung, Kim Won-Hae
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 16 episodes, 70.0-minute runtime
When My Love Blooms (2020)
7.5 / 10 (based on 471 reviews)
Jae-hyun and Ji-soo fell in love when they were university students. Twenty years later, they cross paths once again: Jae-hyun has become a successful businessman, while Ji-soo is a mother and a contract worker living a difficult life.
Genre: Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Jinyoung Park, So-nee Jeon, Yoo Ji-Tae, Lee Bo-young
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 16 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Haneuleseo Naerineun 1eok Gaeui Byeol (2018)
7.9 / 10 (based on 1432 reviews)
A detective takes on a murder case that was disguised as suicide and becomes obsessed with solving it. But his younger sister falls in love with a man that is somehow connected to the murder. The detective tries to push the two away from each other, because he knows the man isn’t a good person but the young woman has sympathy for him.
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Romance, Thriller
Main Cast: Seo In-Guk, Jung So-Min, Park Sung-woong, Go Min-Si
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 16 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Dinner Mate (2020)
7.4 / 10 (based on 480 reviews)
A man and woman waiting at a restaurant are mistaken for a couple and decide to have dinner together.
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Song Seung-heon, Seo Ji-hye, Ji-Hoon Lee, Na-Eun Son
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 32 episodes, 35.0-minute runtime
The Ballot (2020)
7.3 / 10 (based on 306 reviews)
A dirt-born character chooses to join politics over getting a job and punishing rogue politicians with an elite official.
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Jin-Ah Im, Sung-Hoon Park, Ahn Nae-sang, Da-in Yoo
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 32 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
Oh My Baby (2020)
7.1 / 10 (based on 295 reviews)
Jang Ha Ri is a 39-year-old single woman and a workaholic who has not been in a relationship for over 10 years but wants to have a baby of her own. Just when she has given up on love and marriage, three men appear in front of her.
Genre: Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Jang Na-ra, Joon Go, Byeong-eun Park, Geon-joo Jung
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 16 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Find Me in Your Memory (2020)
7.4 / 10 (based on 948 reviews)
A love story between a man who remembers every second of his life and a woman who forgot her painful past.
Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Romance
Main Cast: Dong-wook Kim, Moon Ga-young, Seung-Joon Lee, Lee Jin Hyuk
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 32 episodes, 35.0-minute runtime
Gwimul (2021)
8.1 / 10 (based on 3940 reviews)
The story of two fearless men who are willing to go through extreme lengths in their pursuit of a returning serial killer. To uncover the murderer’s identity, the two are forced to look deeper than what the evidence seems to suggest.
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Main Cast: Shin Ha-kyun, Yeo Jin-gu, Shin-rock Kim, Choi Dae-hoon
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 16 episodes, 70.0-minute runtime
Ssanggabpocha (2020)
8 / 10 (based on 2406 reviews)
A young man with an unique ability begins working for a centuries-old bar owner who resolves her customers’ emotional troubles by entering their dreams.
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Mystery
Main Cast: Hwang Jeong-eum, Sung-Jae Yook, Choi Wonyoung, Lee Joon-hyuk
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 70.0-minute runtime
Abeojiga Isanghae (2017)
8.2 / 10 (based on 617 reviews)
Ahn Joong-Hee (Lee Joon) is an actor who used to be a member of an idol group. One day, he appears in front of a family who consists Byun Han-Soo and Na Young-Sil and their 4 children including Hye-Young and Mi-Young (Jung So-Min). Joong-Hee begins to live wth them
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Yeong-cheol Kim, Kim Hae-sook, Yu-ri Lee, Soo-young Ryu
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 52 episodes, 66.0-minute runtime
Nalssiga joeumyeon chajagagesseoyo (2020)
7.8 / 10 (based on 1492 reviews)
A story about forgiveness, healing and love taking place around a small book store in the countryside.
Genre: Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Park Min-Young, Seo Kang-Joon, Jung-hee Moon, Jae-Wook Lee
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 16 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Yong Pal (2015)
7.5 / 10 (based on 923 reviews)
Kim Tae-hyun is a talented surgeon. Desperate for money to pay for his sister’s medical bills, he adopts the code name Yong-pal and offers his medical skills to those in need of medical attention but who cannot do so publicly, dealing with criminals and corrupt plutocrats. Joining a team of corrupt physicians Kim rescues “sleeping beauty” Han Yeo-jin, a chaebol heiress, from a medically induced coma, leading to unintended consequences.
Genre: Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Joo Won, Kim Tae-hee, Hyeon-jae Jo, Jeong-an Chae
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 18 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
In the realm of television, where genres bleed into one another and originality can sometimes feel like a distant memory, there’s a show that stands out for its heartfelt approach to mental health and healing. “Fix You,” a South Korean drama that aired in 2020, takes the viewer on a journey through the intricacies of human emotions, the struggles of mental health issues, and the potential for redemption and healing through connection. This article delves into the elements that make “Fix You” a noteworthy watch, beyond the surface-level entertainment it provides.
The Premise
At its core, “Fix You” is about the lives of psychiatrists and their patients, focusing particularly on Lee Shi-Joon, played by Shin Ha-Kyun, a passionate psychiatrist who goes above and beyond to help his patients, and Han Woo-Joo, portrayed by Jung So-Min, a rising musical actress dealing with her own emotional turmoil. The show navigates through their personal and professional lives, highlighting the challenges faced by those struggling with mental health issues and the psychiatrists dedicated to helping them.
Characters and Performances
Lee Shi-Joon
Shin Ha-Kyun’s portrayal of Lee Shi-Joon brings a depth to the character that is both compelling and relatable. Shi-Joon’s dedication to his patients, often crossing conventional boundaries, showcases the complexities of a psychiatrist’s role. His own vulnerabilities and past traumas, revealed as the show progresses, add layers to his character, making him more than just a healer but also someone in search of healing.
Han Woo-Joo
Jung So-Min’s Han Woo-Joo is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Her journey from the depths of despair to finding solace and strength within herself, with the help of Shi-Joon, is portrayed with nuance and sensitivity. Woo-Joo’s character is a beacon of hope for anyone struggling, showing that healing is not only possible but within reach.
Themes and Messages
“Fix You” delves into several themes that resonate on a universal level.
The Stigma of Mental Health
One of the show’s most significant contributions is its handling of the stigma surrounding mental health. By bringing the lives of psychiatrists and their patients to the forefront, “Fix You” sheds light on the struggles of those dealing with mental health issues, emphasizing that they are not alone, their feelings are valid, and seeking help is a sign of strength.
Healing and Redemption
The journey of healing and redemption is a central theme in “Fix You.” The show beautifully illustrates that healing is not linear, nor is it the same for everyone. It’s a personal journey that can be filled with setbacks, but also growth and self-discovery. The redemption of its characters, especially through their interactions and the bonds they form, underscores the message that connection and empathy are vital to healing.
The Role of Empathy
Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, is woven throughout the narrative of “Fix You.” The show highlights how empathy from others, especially from those in a position to help, can be a powerful force in someone’s healing process. It’s a reminder that sometimes, all it takes to make a difference in someone’s life is to listen and offer understanding.
Why “Fix You” Stands Out
In a landscape filled with medical dramas and stories about mental health, “Fix You” distinguishes itself for several reasons.
Authentic Representation
The show’s portrayal of mental health issues is done with care and authenticity. Rather than sensationalizing or trivializing these issues, “Fix You” presents them in a way that is both respectful and insightful, contributing to a broader understanding and awareness of mental health.
Stellar Performances
The performances in “Fix You” are another highlight. The cast brings their characters to life with such sincerity and depth that viewers can’t help but feel connected to their stories. The chemistry between the leads, Shin Ha-Kyun and Jung So-Min, is particularly noteworthy, adding a layer of realism to their characters’ relationship.
Impactful Storytelling
“Fix You” succeeds in telling a story that is both impactful and uplifting. It doesn’t shy away from the realities of mental health struggles but also offers a message of hope and the possibility of healing. The show’s thoughtful approach to storytelling is a breath of fresh air in a genre that often resorts to cliches and sensationalism.
Conclusion
“Fix You” is more than just a TV show; it’s a poignant exploration of the human condition, the struggles many face with mental health, and the incredible journey towards healing and understanding. Its authentic representation, stellar performances, and impactful storytelling make it a must-watch for anyone looking for a show that offers more than just entertainment. “Fix You” reminds us of the power of empathy, the importance of seeking help, and the belief that healing, in whatever form it may take, is always possible.