Why is 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' a hit? Autistic viewers relate to well-researched K-drama
‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’ is the next K-drama that is on everyone’s watchlist as it immediately took over social media on its release. Produced by ENA and also acquired by Netflix, it has slowly stolen the hearts of international fans as it stars actress Park Eun-bin as Woo Young-woo, an autistic lawyer. While neurodivergent fans were wary of the premise as K-dramas in the past have not done justice, ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’ is a well-researched show so far to the titular character with an autism spectrum disorder.
In ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’, Woo Young-woo is the first autistic lawyer in South Korea with an IQ of 164, photographic memory and out-of-the-box thinking that allows her to crack even the most difficult of cases. However, she lacks social skills, has a low EQ and finds comfort in her love for music and whales. From the very first episode, Park Eun-bin and the drama were commended for the portrayal of Young-woo and the rom-com aspect without mocking those with autism. Viewers also applauded the writers for their research on the disorder and how they addressed it sensitively.
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‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’ is received positively
‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’ in fact became the most-watched drama on the night it released its fourth episode and got the highest viewership rating on the OTT platform ENA. The K-drama is also in the top 10 of Netflix in several countries. The show also happens to be much loved in South Korea as viewers started relating to the character of Young-woo from the way she expressed her happiness and love for whales to heart-wrenching scenes of her struggling with her frustrations. A viewer who felt that they were probably like Park Eun-bin’s character has now gone viral on Korean chat forums.
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'I can 100% relate'
Knetz were impressed with the awareness that ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’ was spreading as they realized, “Now the media is letting us know that there is a 'Spectrum' in autism too. So now I realized, there is light autism, not the severe kind, So I thought 'That's weird, I'm like that'." Viewers who also have autistic relatives appreciated the representation, “I didn't want to give the show a chance at first. I have an autistic cousin and I wasn't sure if the show would portray autism accurately. As it's a spectrum, people diagnosed with autism are different. I don't know about accuracy, but it's portrayed with compassion and sympathy.”
Another fan tweeted, “Thinking about how extensive the research moon jiwon must have done to write extraordinary attorney woo — from autism to law to whale facts. and then delicately weaving them to create the characters and story we now love. seriously, she deserves a lot of credit for eaw’s success.” One added, “I really love this drama, not only it’s refreshing but allowed the audience into the autism world. Make us more appreciative towards them. Can’t wait for each week new episodes on Netflix. My bet? She will win best actress award.” Another viewer was moved, “This episode is too heavy. these words from a perspective of a person with autism just breaks my heart.”
I didn't want to give the show a chance at first. I have an autistic cousin and I wasn't sure if the show would portray autism accurately. As it's a spectrum, people diagnosed with autism are different. I don't know about accuracy, but it's portrayed with compassion and sympathy. pic.twitter.com/fa4cR9BD49
— John Lee (@koreanforeigner) July 10, 2022
thinking about how extensive the research moon jiwon must have done to write extraordinary attorney woo — from autism to law to whale facts. and then delicately weaving them to create the characters and story we now love. seriously, she deserves a lot of credit for eaw’s success.
— dom 🐳 (@lovebogums) July 11, 2022
I really love this drama, not only it’s refreshing but allowed the audience into the autism world. Make us more appreciative towards them. Can’t wait for each week new episodes on Netflix. My bet? She will win best actress award
— Jojo (@Jojo1712amback) July 8, 2022
this episode is too heavy. these words from a perspective of a person with autism just breaks my heart. #ExtraordinaryAttorneyWoo#ExtraordinaryAttorneyWooEp3#ParkEunBin #박은빈 pic.twitter.com/K4nvuknLf4
— wink (@__heyHiHello_) July 6, 2022
One fan wrote, “Extraordinary attorney woo not only acknowledging the fear-mongering surrounding autism but also the origins of the label aspergers genuinely surprised me in the best way possible. I have never seen any representation like that before, genuinely.” Another viewer shared, “Watching Extraordinary Attorney Woo as someone who has autism brings me so much joy and sadness because I can 100% relate to exactly what she's experiencing. The hurtful comments and talking down to her like she's a second class citizen.”
extraordinary attorney woo not only acknowledging the fear-mongering surrounding autism but also the origins of the label aspergers genuinely surprised me in the best way possible. I have never seen any representation like that before, genuinely
— louise (@w_renewal) July 6, 2022
Watching Extraordinary Attorney Woo as someone who has autism brings me so much joy and sadness because I can 100% relate to exactly what she's experiencing. The hurtful comments and talking down to her like she's a second class citizen. pic.twitter.com/aEUISS6Nj4
— Markey 🐳 (@itsMarkeyMarkey) July 6, 2022
Viewers can watch ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’ on Netflix.