Attorney Woo is the k-drama version of my autism: Reaction from a k-drama sometimes-fan

Originally published on Medium

I’m not a typical Korean drama (k-drama) fan. I tend to get hyped by the plot summary, watch one episode, and then stop when the drama overwhelms/annoys me. One of the first k-drama I recall watching from start to finish was “Crash Landing Onto You” from Netflix.

Which is why I am shocked to tell you how much I loved The Extraordinary Attorney Woo.

As usual, the show’s premise, an autistic female lawyer, intrigued me. But would it actually deliver? And another potential issue: the actress in the main role was not autistic herself. Was I going to see an exaggerated portrayal of an autistic woman?

I decided: Let’s watch it. If I hate it, I’ll just stop.

Watching the show
I start episode one. Immediately, Woo is introduced as a genius. I sigh. Can’t this autistic character be just a regular person? (And then my k-drama background reminds me that k-drama doesn’t do regular characters so this plot choice isn’t too unusual.)

I keep watching and notice her comfy, roomy outfits in comparison to the more fitted outfits of the other women. As someone who prioritizes comfort over other things, I appreciate the costume designer’s choices.

But wait…wait, why isn’t she masking around these new people in her new job? And WAIT is she stimming? In a professional setting?? I shake my head. This is not believable at all. (I pause the video to google the actress and learn she at first refused this role and the reason for her eventual approach to playing the character.

Hmm, I like her perspective. Alright, let’s keep watching.)

Author’s image. Screenshot of text to friends that says “Watching Extraordinary Attorney Woo and while there’s some stereotype stuff, I’m liking it.”

Woo doesn’t make direct eye contact with people. I just stopped forcing myself to make eye contact around family and friends. Is that what I look like now?

I finish episode one and text a second message to some friends:

Author’s image. Screenshot of text to friends that says “Finished episode 1 of extraordinary attorney woo and it’s official — I’m obsessed. It’s so good!”

Why this k-drama sometimes-fan loved the show
What kept me watching? This k-drama has a perfect blend of genres. I love a good mystery/law show but they can be too dark. Excessive drama can be overwhelmingly annoying. The show balances these characteristics to deliver seriousness, cuteness, and intrigue. Bonus points for delivering a story that baffles my trained pattern recognition and keeps me happily unable to predict what comes next.

I also see myself in Woo. She does an awkward walk that reminds me of my own awkward, happy walk that feels like I’m floating but looks the complete opposite. I see myself in her awkward eye contact and awkward hugs, in how deeply she cares about people. And my favorite part? She likes herself, stands up for herself, and she is herself in all situations.

That’s the kind of character I want to spend my time watching.

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