“Methods are always obvious. What’s hard is accomplishing them.” – Woo Young Woo’s father (Extraordinary Attorney Woo)
Many of us crave superpowers that are nearly impossible to exist, but often forget that our existing powers and talents don’t even make it past the ‘they have a lot of potential’ stage and may instead devolve into becoming our weaknesses. This story is something similar, but better.
It’s a story where our protagonist overcomes her weaknesses and turns them into her trusty weapon to fend for herself. It’s a story of messy learnings, immaculate law clauses, and clumsy love confessions surrounding the autistic attorney Woo Young Woo (played by Park Eun Bin).
High IQ, photographic memory, and out-of-the-box thinking battle with low EQ, poor social skills, and oversensitivity in Woo Young Woo’s daily life. However, not one to give up, she learns to balance her strengths and weaknesses while navigating the perilous legal world of Seoul as an autistic adult.
Series: Extraordinary Attorney Woo
Where to watch: Netflix
Cast: Park Eun Bin, Kang Tae Oh
Written by: Moon Ji Won
Directed by: Yoo In Shik
The Plot
Woo Young Woo, a 27-year-old law school graduate from Seoul National University who finished at the top of her class, has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Gifted with an IQ of 164 and a photographic memory, she has extraordinary intellectual abilities working in her favor. However, in her field of work, she often faces social interactions where she struggles because of her poor social skills and low EQ.
When she finally lands a job as an attorney at Hanbada law firm, she is constantly faced with situations that overwhelm her. Struggling to understand social cues while navigating her clientele and their cases, she still manages to get along with her colleagues.
Her straightforward and sometimes blunt personality works as much for her as it does against her. Social stereotypes about autistic people, the lack of trust, and the ridicule she faces because of her condition all pose major challenges in her life.
As she deals with these problems, she meets an incredibly kind and caring coworker, Lee Jun Ho (played by Kang Tae Oh). Navigating her feelings in her own way, she slowly realizes that she has fallen in love with him. Lee Jun Ho is also shown to have feelings for Attorney Woo, and together they collaborate to solve many cases while also learning about themselves.
This happy moment doesn’t last long, as official inquiries question Woo Young Woo’s capability as an autistic attorney, and her self-doubt creates distance between her and those around her. These problems not only set her back in her career but also hurt her private life with Lee Jun Ho. Together, they overcome the hurdles and help each other become the best versions of themselves.
The Characters
Woo Young Woo (played by Park Eun Bin)
A highly intelligent attorney who has the laws memorized word for word. Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, she doesn’t let her condition hold her back, rather, she uses it to outperform others and solve cases in creative ways (often involving whales, dolphins, and other marine life). What she lacks in social skills, she makes up for with her clear and genuine feelings toward those who care about her.
Lee Jun Ho (played by Kang Tae Oh)
Woo Young Woo’s coworker at Hanbada Law Firm. When he’s not processing paperwork and collecting evidence for cases, he is often seen as a generous, kind, and caring individual. His handsome looks and charming personality make him a popular figure at the firm. He is often seen working in tandem with Woo Young Woo and her team while also supporting her in accomplishing side quests, like chasing down a taxi for her to see an ad, talking about whales, and dancing through revolving doors.
What made the show popular ?
- Fresh Narrative: The plot and story of this series take a very novel approach. It not only shines a light on the lives of people with ASD but also approaches it with practiced ease and logical scenarios, without exaggeration.
- Inclusive Approach: The series takes a very inclusive approach when it comes to the subplots as well as the characters. Aside from the autistic protagonist, there is also a beautiful depiction of the different severities of ASD through another autistic character for comparison. The supporting cast also portrays a myriad of marginalized communities through various cases.
- Legal Affairs: Being a legal drama, it is expected to have legal affairs thrown into the mix as a key ingredient. However, the uniqueness of each case and how it is handled keeps viewers curious to watch the story unfold. The subtle undercurrents of ableism, undisguised frustration, corruption, and more are key themes portrayed through the stories.
- Comedy: Woo Young Woo’s straightforward approach, as well as her unique perspective on life, often leaves other characters speechless. Small nuances and situational humor pave the way for hearty laughs as well as shy giggles.
- Teamwork and Support: The series revolves heavily around the themes of community and support systems. This is evident in the way Woo Young Woo grows up and navigates her life. While not expecting help, those around her are often depicted as supportive of her condition and do not shun her. Characters like Dong Geurami (played by Joo Hyun Young) and Choi Su Yeon (played by Ha Yun Kyung) showcase the beauty of girlhood in their friendship with Woo Young Woo.
- Dreamlike OSTs: Featuring popular K-pop artists like Kim Jong Wan, Sunwoo Jung-a, O3ohn, and Suzy, the series’ original soundtracks have won many hearts with their beautiful scores, creating a musical spectacle beyond one’s dreams both within and outside the drama.
‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’ is not just another run-of-the-mill drama, it’s a statement and a moment of apt representation for a largely misunderstood group. It not only does a fantastic job of portraying how an autistic adult might take a different approach, but also shows that they are still able to fulfill their roles and responsibilities like any other non-autistic individual. It also highlights the huge importance of having a caring, loving, and supportive community for people with ASD, which greatly increases their quality of life.
While being a hypothetical story, this 16-episode series represents the often bleak reality many face on a daily basis. It stands as a reminder that change cannot happen through mere talk, change comes from understanding and accepting people for who they are, and striving toward a future where both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals live in harmony, free from the shackles of social judgment, ableism, and discrimination.
Written by:- N.V.S. Akanksha
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