Featuring Park Eun-bin and Kim Tae-oh, Extraordinary Attorney Woo has dominated the #1 spot on Netflix since its release, accruing praise from fans and idols alike for its stellar acting and layered portrayal of autism. We watched the first episode and tell you if the hype is well-earned.
Image credit: Namu Wiki
Extraordinary Attorney Woo starts with our extraordinary attorney Woo Young-woo, on her first day of work at Hanbada Law firm.
In the drama, Young-woo is the first attorney in Korea with ASD. Her condition grants her extraordinarily high IQ, creativity, and memory, but leaves her struggling with social interactions and emotional intelligence.
Over the series, we journey with Young-woo as she fights for her clients, forges new relationships, and combats the stigma of ASD, proving that being diagnosed with ASD doesn’t stop her from becoming extraordinary.
Image adapted from: Netflix
The series starts in the doctor’s office, where we learn that, despite being 5 years old, Young-woo has yet to start speaking.
Image adapted from: Netflix
Young-woo’s father, Gwang-ho, played by Jeon Bae-soo, is also told that Young-woo likely has ASD.
Image adapted from: Netflix
However, a subsequent altercation between Gwang-ho and their landlord stresses Young-woo out, and she says her first words, which are Korean laws on inflicting bodily harm.
Video adapted from: Netflix
Her recital makes Gwang-ho so happy that he forgets that he just got beaten up.
Image adapted from: Netflix
Extraordinary Attorney Woo seems to have taken extra care in ensuring that the show’s portrayal of ASD is diagnostically accurate, such as discomfort in social situations and interactions, common experiences faced by the neurodivergent.
Video adapted from: Netflix
These scenes are shown from Young-woo’s point-of-view, like her feeling stressed out when she’s in a crowded train.
Video adapted from: Netflix
Or when she’s getting yelled at.
Video adapted from: Netflix
We also see how anxious she is while preparing to speak publicly at her first court proceeding.
Video adapted from: Netflix
She shows clear discomfort when someone initiates physical contact with her.
Video adapted from: Netflix
The show also portrays other symptoms of ASD, such as restrictive behaviour where Young-woo only eats kimbap, because to her, the flavours are predictable and she can see all the ingredients.
Video adapted from: Netflix
Young-woo also displays echolalia, a type of repetitive behaviour under ASD diagnosis, where she repeats things that others tell her.
Image adapted from: namu.wiki
And last but not least, Young-woo shows a hyper-focus of interest on whales, her other love besides the law.
Image adapted from: Netflix
The show also depicts the stigma that neurotypical individuals have against the neuro-divergent, where their capabilities are always doubted. In the show, her client and fellow workers seem to notice Young-Woo’s disorder first before getting to know her as an individual.
Video adapted from: Netflix
But Young-woo always proves the doubters wrong by showing she’s just as – if not more – capable as they are.
Video adapted from: Netflix
As she first arrives at the Hanbada office building, Young-woo faces her toughest opponent yet: revolving doors.
Video adapted from: Netflix
Even for neurotypical people, revolving doors can also seem daunting, with irrational fears like being trapped by the door and getting stuck in a loop.
Video adapted from: Netflix
Luckily for Young-woo, a knight in shining armour, Jun-ho, played by Kang Tae-oh, comes to her aid to help her through the doors by stopping the door and telling her when to exit.
Video adapted from: Netflix
After helping her the first time, they share a cute moment where Jun-ho gives Young-woo a tip on using the door: counting tempo like a waltz.
Video adapted from: Netflix
They then brave the revolving beast together once again.
Video adapted from: Netflix
This iconic greeting between Young-woo and her best friend Dong Geurami, played by Joo Hyun-young, has gone viral, with idols and fans doing it all over social media. This is now the only correct way to greet your friends.
Extraordinary Attorney Woo’s thoughtful portrayal of ASD gives us a glimpse of what neurodivergent people go through on a daily basis. It also shows that people diagnosed with ASD are also just fellow humans trying to make sense of the world in their unique ways.
ASD-aside, the legal aspects of the show are also compelling, but not too over-the-top for the sake of drama. It’s like Suits – but Korean, and more wholesome.
In just one episode, the show has managed to flesh out Young-woo and her struggles really well. It is definitely exciting to see where Young-woo’s law career will go from here and how she will show everyone how truly extraordinary she is.
And since all 16 episodes of the drama are now available, there’s no better time to binge-watch this extraordinary series than now.
Extraordinary Attorney Woo is on Netflix.
Also check out:
Cover image adapted from: @netflixkr and Netflix
Besides Incheon International Airport, the area is now brimming with cafes to visit that promise…
Famous for beautiful sunsets and sea views, Yangyang is brimming with trendy cafes that are…
Known for Apsan Park and 83 Tower, Daegu is slowly but surely becoming a tourist…
The world is your oyster, and quality time with yourself is important. Here are the…
While Gamcheon Culture Village and fresh seafood play a huge part in shaping Busan as…
Apgujeong guideIf you've had enough of Nami Island and N Seoul Tower, this Apgujeong guide…