《Extraordinary Attorney Woo》is a legal drama that aired on ENA Channel in 2022. It depicts the various incidents and growth experienced by Woo Young-woo, a genius lawyer with autism spectrum disorder, as he joins the large law firm Hanbada. The drama gained immense popularity both domestically and internationally for its unique characterization, touching storyline, and social message. It particularly impressed many by its perspective on disability awareness and respect for diversity.
1. Drama Overview and Plot
The main character, Woo Young-woo (played by Park Eun-bin), has an IQ of 164, a remarkable memory, and logical thinking skills, but struggles with social interaction due to autism spectrum disorder. From a young age, she developed a keen interest in law, graduating at the top of her class from Seoul National University Law School and becoming a lawyer. However, upon joining the large law firm Hanbada, she encounters the challenges of reality.
2. Main Characters
① Woo Young-woo (played by Park Eun-bin)
A lawyer with autism spectrum disorder, Woo Young-woo possesses exceptional legal knowledge and logical reasoning skills, but struggles with expressing his emotions and social interaction. He loves whales, which gives him a unique perspective on the world.
② Lee Jun-ho (played by Kang Tae-oh)
A Hanbada Law Firm employee, Lee Jun-ho is warm to Woo Young-woo. He respects her unique way of thinking and strives to understand her. Through this process, the two develop special feelings for each other.
③ Jeong Myeong-seok (played by Kang Ki-young)
A lawyer who serves as Woo Young-woo's supervisor and mentor. Initially testing her, he gradually comes to recognize and trust her abilities. A warm-hearted character, he plays a crucial role in Woo Young-woo's growth in the legal profession.
④ Choi Soo-yeon (played by Ha Yoon-kyung)
A fellow lawyer working on Woo Young-woo's team, Choi Soo-yeon initially struggles to understand her, but gradually becomes her friend. She possesses a warm and positive energy.
3. Famous Lines
① "My name is Woo Young-woo. Read it straight or backwards, it's Woo Young-woo."
This line, which Woo Young-woo always uses when introducing herself, perfectly captures her unique personality and autistic traits.
② "Whales don't live alone. They move in groups."
Woo Young-woo, a whale lover, often says this line when feeling lonely, revealing her inner desire for social connections.
③ "A lawyer is someone who fights for his clients."
This line, from attorney Jeong Myeong-seok, teaches Woo Young-woo the essential role of a lawyer and has a significant impact on her development.
4. Key Events and Themes
① Disability Rights Issues
Woo Young-woo faces discrimination at work because of her autism spectrum disorder, and her clients view her with apprehension. However, she solves cases in her own way, breaking down prejudices.
② The Meaning of Family
Woo Young-woo's father raises her alone and shows deep affection for her. Furthermore, the revelation of Woo Young-woo's birth secrets reveals her complex feelings about her family.
③ Law and Justice
Each episode addresses a variety of legal issues, raising questions about what justice is, beyond simple victory or defeat.
④ Love and Relationships
Woo Young-woo and Lee Jun-ho's relationship goes beyond mere romance; it demonstrates the importance of mutual understanding and respect.
5. The Drama's Meaning and Social Impact
① Increased Interest in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Since the drama aired, interest in autism spectrum disorder has grown, and many people have begun to understand the lives of people with autism.
② Respect for Diversity in the Workplace
Woo Young-woo's experiences with discrimination and his journey of growth while working at a law firm convey the message that diverse people, including people with disabilities, should be respected in the workplace.
③ International Popularity
The drama was broadcast globally on Netflix and achieved immense popularity, contributing to changing perceptions of people with autism, particularly in the United States, Japan, and Europe.
6. Review
I doubt there has ever been a drama that better portrayed the somewhat unfamiliar topic of autism spectrum disorder. It was evident that the writer, director, and actors all put in a tremendous amount of effort to portray the characters as they are, without exaggeration or omission. Actress Park Eun-bin, who portrayed a person on the autism spectrum, said she studied extensively and worked hard to avoid being a burden to those on the spectrum. Park Eun-bin's portrayal of Woo Young-woo is a lovable and innocent character, someone you'd want to hug if you met him on the street. However, she's also a lawyer with exceptional empathy and genuine consideration for her clients. Jung Myung-seok, Woo Young-woo's mentor, strives to treat him impartially, and he's a wonderful boss who knows how to apologize for even the smallest things. Although not mentioned in the character introductions, Woo Young-woo's friend, Donggeurami, also plays a significant role. Even Joo Jong-hyuk, the sole villain, is a normal person you can't hate, and all the characters in this drama are lovable and warm. While it could have been a simple human drama, it possesses a strong sense of professionalism, making it worthy of the title of courtroom drama.
《Extraordinary Attorney Woo》 isn't just a simple courtroom drama. It's a moving work that depicts the journey of a disabled protagonist growing and gaining recognition in society. While dealing with realistic legal issues, it delivers a warm and positive message, deeply resonating with viewers. This drama leaves us with the important message that we need to change our perspectives on disabilities and create a society where we respect and coexist. I read an article confirming a second season, and I'm excited to see how Woo Young-woo grows and how his relationship with Lee Jun-ho develops.
