Extraordinary Attorney Woo follows the journey of Woo Young Woo, a brilliant young lawyer who is diagnosed with autism (specifically the previously-known condition of Asperger’s as well as Savant syndrome), as she navigates the challenges of embarking on a legal career, experiencing romance and dealing with complicated familial entanglements, amongst many other real world issues that she faces on an episodic basis.

Aside from presenting insights on the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the accuracy of which has been and continues to be debated, this drama also showcases plenty of office politics, legal cases, power and relationship dynamics, all nicely packaged in an endearingly feel-good light hearted wholesomeness. Think of The Good Doctor (which also has an autistic lead) but with a massive infusion of Disney/ Hallmark vibes.

An ENA production that’s streamed internationally on Netflix, EAW is directed by Yoo In Sik (Dr. Romantic series, Vagabond) based on the screenplay by the award-winning Moon Ji Won. Noh Young Shim serves as music director. Special education specialist, Professor Kim Byeong Gun from the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences of Nazarene University, was enlisted to provide consultation on the depiction of ASD for the drama. The characterization of Woo Young Woo was reported to be inspired by the eponymous character of the film Temple Grandin, portrayed by Claire Danes, also diagnosed with ASD. Despite the original screenplay, certain legal cases depicted are based on actual events published as case studies for South Korean law journals.

The success of EAW (in terms of popularity and ratings internationally as well as in South Korea) has not only spawned a webtoon of the same name, with the first volume published in July 2022, but also the announcement of a second season of the drama a week before the finale had aired.

The soundtrack of the drama features 7 songs, including one which is performed by the lead actress Park Eun Bin herself, an a cappella rendition by MayTree as well as Bae Suzy’s contribution in support of the director who had helmed Vagabond which she had starred in. Full listing as follows:

Courage by Jongwan Kim (of NELL)
Imagination (Beyond My Dreams) by Sunwoo Jung-ah
Better Than Birthday by O3ohn
Tilt by Wonstein
It's Not Easy Not To by Suzy
Blue Night in Jeju Island by Park Eun-bin
Flash (interlude) by MayTree

What I Enjoyed

The performance by Park Eun Bin, which is helped for the most part by the characterization and trajectory of the arc. Of course I’m not entirely certain about the accuracy of the depicted ASD, having no prior real life experience and observation particularly of the Savant syndrome. Everything I know is from films and dramas but as far as comparisons go in similar roles, Woo Young Woo had me convinced. I’ve been impressed by Park Eun Bin in each of her previous appearances in The Ghost Detective, Hot Stove League and The King’s Affection. She seems to possess this propensity for tackling challenging or at least out-of-the-box roles and thrive every single time so kudos to her for not only having the courage to do so but also demonstrating her amazing range to the wider audience. She’s one of those actresses that I always look forward to because of the variety that one can expect of her characters and versatility in performance.

I enjoyed the first half of the drama more than the latter half, probably up to episode 10 or so. It had a very strong start that captured my attention immediately, coupled with the intensity of the feels that kept tugging at the heartstrings during each episode. At certain points, especially in episode 8 for me, the “dust kept getting in the eyes”, if you catch my meaning. There was a fine balance between the heavy emotions and moments of levity which was executed to perfection.

The legal cases are generally quite interesting and revolve around the “garden variety” mundane aspects of civil litigation. Nothing mind-blowing, profound or over-the-top but instead witty and conceivable, while at times even charming with regards to the resolution of certain cases. That said, not every case is amicably or neatly concluded which at least affords a sense of realism where not everything in life goes according to plan and you can’t always win, even if you’re one of the good guys.

There are a number of supporting characters that grew on me and provided an awareness of the cast who portrayed them. None more so than Joo Hyun Young as the loveable and fiercely loyal Dong Geurami. Her adorable “bff greeting” with Woo Young Woo is unforgettable and has probably reached iconic status by now. Kang Ki Young as the nice boss Jung Myung Seok is another fan favourite, and mine as well, for his enduringly calm demeanour and all round pleasant disposition. The veterans in the show are worth a mention as well, including Jeon Bae Soo who plays FL’s dad and Jin Kyung as the head of the rival law firm, Tae Soo Mi. Each showcasing their experience and lending a palpable sense of presence to the proceedings.

What Could’ve Been Better

The second half of the show or from around episode 11 onwards. I think it was a combination of the story running out of steam and the lack of meaningful plot development as well as depth to a number of the characterizations for the various supporting characters. Admittedly I lost a bit of the initial spark which somewhat led to a lack of interest in what transpires towards the end. I was also rather dissatisfied with the eventual outcome of certain character arcs, most notably the so-called redemption arc of a certain “villainous/ antagonistic” character whom I shall not name to avoid spoiling. Suffice to say, it is not the closure I had been craving for.

The romance aspect involving the FL, while sweet and captivating at first, in the end became somewhat distracting and overly emphasised. It’s cute but finally became a little too cutesy, which kind of glossed over the complications that such a relationship would have realistically exacted on all parties involved. To be honest, I wanted to observe more growth in other facets of their relationship and not merely their interactions.

While some of the legal cases are based on real life, I was often more amused than thrilled. This is perhaps due to the focus being mostly on corporate-based and civil litigation instead of dealing with criminal cases that involve the more sinister and darker side of the law, but even then do not expect smartly-written legal proceedings and quick-fire courtroom action either. This is still officially a legal drama but in reality the legal aspects are more of a side show than the main content itself.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, this is a feel-good drama that is meant to be uplifting and hopeful, rather than being taken too seriously. EAW created an awareness of ASD in general and not just the typical Savant syndrome of genius eccentrics, while the overall performance of Park Eun Bin were the major highlights for me. I really wanted to love the drama as much as I did when it first premiered but in the end I feel that it did not end as strongly as it had started. Certain events and characters were so infuriating and, in my opinion, were not given the outcome that they deserved. Granted, the producers may want to explore further the various characters in the second season but hopefully the writing improves to inject a more believable turn of events and character development. Only time will tell…