[REVIEW] Mental Coach Jegal: The Double-Edged Sword of Pursuing A Passion

“Mental Coach Jegal” (Korean: 멘탈코치 제갈길) is a healing Kdrama airing on tvN, and starring prominent stars like Jung Woo, Lee Yoo Mi, Kwon Yul, Park Se Young, and more. According to Nielsen Korea, “Mental Coach Jegal” recorded a nationwide rating of 1.53% on the first episode (aired on September 12) and reached 2.4% on the second episode (aired on September 13). However, the rating is still changing until it reaches the final episode on November 1. It’s now time for viewer’s review on “Mental Coach Jegal.”

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Kdrama Starring Prominent Stars “Mental Coach Jegal” – Synopsis

“Mental Coach Jegal” is a sports drama about Jegal Gil (Jung Woo), a former Taekwondo national athlete who quits sports after causing a scandal and becomes a mental coach. With his excellent empathy for the wounded, Jegal heals retired and current athletes and fights a real match against the absurd world of winner-take-all.

Meanwhile, Cha Ga Eul (Lee Yoo Mi) is a former world-class short-track speed skating gold medalist who has fallen into a slump. With her pretty poker face, she’s known as the up-and-coming “Ice Princess.” But her dreams are dashed after the corrupt coach lead. Besides that, after the blade of a competitor’s skates slashed her thigh, she could not compete with full strength in the qualifiers. Therefore, Cha Ga Eul begins to beat herself up until she meets mental coach Jegal Gil.

Kwon Yul, who stars as Gu Tae Man, was the reason Jegal Gil’s life was transformed overnight from a promising athlete to a desperate man. Fast forward, he climbed the ladder and became the director of the Human Rights Center in the Korean Olympic Committee. Gu Tae Man believes that anything can be covered as long as he is #1 and will do everything he can for the top position.

Park Se-young, plays Park Seung Ha, is a part of the mental health support team in the athlete’s village. She is the perfect example of “a kind daughter who was raised well” but endures an unexpected hardship after meeting Jegal Gil as her first patient. Park Seung Ha ends up leaving the hospital and applying to the athlete’s village instead where she surprisingly reunites with Jegal Gil, this time as advisor partners.

“Mental Coach Jegal” Review

From the first episode, emotions and stakes run high on “Mental Coach Jegal.” We can see the fact that a corrupt institution can ruin one’s life and dreams. And what is one person against a corrupt institution?

Jegal Gil, who experienced his self-acceptance and forgiveness journey over a decade, now helps others to overcome the pressure under corrupt institutions. Meanwhile, Cha Ga Eul is learning how to accept help from others when she needs it.

Jung Woo and Lee Yoo Mi are indeed maestros in acting. Their outstanding performance makes the Kdrama “Mental Coach Jegal” more poignant. They are one of the reasons why viewers stay glued to the Kdrama because viewers feel the need to support them and be there to witness them achieve their dreams.

Although the story of “Mental Coach Jegal” is about athletes, you don’t need to have any advanced knowledge about sports. Instead, it is about community, mental health, and how to pursue a passion that hurts you. The bittersweet lesson in the Kdrama “Mental Coach Jegal” teaches us to put ourselves above all else.

“Mental Coach Jegal” is a perfect Kdrama with healing stories that make sense. Watching the series, you’ll be showered with positivity and thought-provoking nudges that are applicable to anyone who struggles.

Moreover, let’s find some quotes from “Mental Coach Jegal” that keeps us inspired and motivated to succeed after accepting failures and setbacks.

Watch “Mental Coach Jegal” on tvN Asia

What do you think about the Kdrama “Mental Coach Jegal”? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. And please stay with Kpoppost and our Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram channel for Kdrama news and updates.

In the meantime, let’s listen to what the actors say about the Kdrama: