an unusual story
Treating autism in Korea is a first for me. I was very curious to know how this subject is apprehended in Asia, even if I expected it to be difficult.In the West, we have already had several series that deal with the subject, MONK being my favorite. Even though this drama is unique for Korea, I don’t think it will be memorable for a westerner. As far as I’m concerned, it won’t be unforgettable.
But I had fun! This is a very good series that I recommend.
my drama's summary could be:
"my emotional support pet is a whale." yeah, and good luck with that...
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This review may contain spoilers
Worth the Hype
One of the best dramas I've ever seen! The concept was refreshing and the law cases were done in a really entertaining way. The episodic format of almost all the episodes helped it a lot. I don't usually like law dramas, but this one was able to mix all the law terms as well as the feels for the suspects and victims really well. I also like how it focused on the lawyer's jobs as a whole: how they have to decide between doing the "right" thing and the thing, which is the best for their client.Young Woo was an amazing character (kudos to Park Eun Bin, she played her so well!) and as a person, who is an (undiagnosed) autistic, I was able to see myself in some aspects of her: the way she moved her hands, having troubles with social interactions, finding certain noises hard to listen to, not liking some kinds of food because of unexpected taste or texture... I'm not an expert but I feel like the role was done well. If anything it offered me a representation I didn't know I needed.
Another character that I absolutely loved was Geurami. Everything about her was great, from her fashion sense to her unusual friendship with Young Woo.
The romance between Woo Young and Joon Ho was so sweet! He was like a walking green flag, not pressing her into a relationship, respecting her when she couldn't hold hands with him, letting her take her time with their first kiss... There were rocky parts of course but overall it was slow-burn and cute romance.
One thing I disliked about this drama (and most dramas in general, to be honest) is the need to pair all the side characters together. The attorney Myung Seok didn't need to get back to his ex-wife but I can live with that. And also with Geurami having crush on Min Woo because it was only one-sided and also funny to see how confused he was with her flirting. But why did Min Woo did a total 180° flip on the Jeju Island and Soo Yeon fall in love with him out of nowhere? Just no.
Because of that I was originally planning to deduce 0.5 point from the rating but the pros definitely outweighted this one small con, and this drama deserved the highest rating. Hopefully season 2 will live up to the first one.
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There’s characters development. It’s funny but deals with some serious and important issues. The main characters are the cutest and funniest, their relationships, their love and friendship, all are beautiful. I really loved this series, and I happy seeing some actors that I already know, and happy to get to know some amazing actors like Park Eun Bin.
I’m ready for the second season. WAITING FOR 2024!!!!
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Not a heavy law drama, but definitely heart warming
This is really a new type of drama, where the main character was an autistic person. I guess the author wanted to educate us from their point of views :" like, their feelings, struggles to fit into the society, etc.The cases that they faced were easy to follow even though many law terms came out, and all of it was interesting. Being a lawyer, it's kind of a dilemma when you have to defend a client who was clearly the bad guy.
The drama contained love, friendship, family, and teamwork.
I laughed, I cried, and I definitely enjoyed this drama. For me. it worth the hype. Also, the acting was phenomenal! Kudos to the actress who played Woo Young Woo. Can't wait for the season 2.
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This review may contain spoilers
When no one hears your sound, you begin to doubt whether you made one at all.
When no one hears your sound, you begin to doubt whether you made one at all. 52Hz isn’t the frequency of loneliness—it’s a fervent call to the vast, silent blue, not expecting an answer, only yearning to speak to the sea.Extraordinary Attorney Woo isn’t just the story of South Korea’s first autistic lawyer. It’s a story—or countless stories—about a whale with a singular, unreachable frequency. 52 Blue, the loneliest whale on Earth, whose call at such a unique pitch no creature can hear or answer. Woo Young-woo, a soul adrift in her own world, misunderstood by others who can’t grasp what she feels. But when no one understands you, do you lose yourself, too? Without others to see your essence, your individuality, your unique self, do you fade?
Yet, is there truly only one such whale on Earth? Or is 52 Blue merely a shadow cast by the ocean’s depths?
Woo Young-woo is special, singular, but never alone. Because everything human is like that—special, singular. That shared uniqueness binds us, even if no one fully understands another, even if we barely understand ourselves. When we dare to sing our song, we’re wrapped in a rare energy, no matter the frequency, melody, or tune. That song makes us exist, makes us swim, keeps us there, at the ocean’s floor. Young-woo, with her autism spectrum disorder, is unlike any of us. Even among others with autism, no two are alike—they don’t easily “connect” with shared struggles. They face discrimination, scorn, pity, and misconceptions. Yet she’s also like all of us— with her own voice, her own tone, daring to sing, to join the vibrant anthem of sea and sky, to dive into timeless love. She’s like us because we’re all different, because everyone is. This isn’t the first series to amplify a specific “minority” community’s voice. Like others in its genre, Extraordinary Attorney Woo carries the distinct flavor of its creators, its story, its characters—everything. That’s its greatest charm, its most lovable trait.
Extraordinary Attorney Woo isn’t merely a legal drama about a lawyer and her cases. It’s a story about humanity. What sets it apart is its deep dive into civil cases—stories that seem simple, relatable, yet burn with urgency and deserve more attention. Humans are flawed; the good aren’t always virtuous, the bad not always wicked. The heart of the 16 episodes revolves around this truth—humans and their choices, their consciousness, their actions. Justice and law are measured by conduct and moral compassion, but isn’t the law, created by humans, meant to protect them, too? Lawyers stand for people, regardless of their goodness or flaws. The law protects humanity, not just legal principles.
“Do you choose to be a lawyer who defends justice or your client?”
In the series, Woo Young-woo and her team, after many steps, choose justice. Sometimes that justice is their client, sometimes it’s their faith, sometimes it’s themselves. But justice isn’t perfection. Facing justice doesn’t always mean facing evil. A villain isn’t inherently bad—just opposed to the hero, sometimes standing on a different angle, not clashing, not converging, simply apart.
Ultimately, the law regulates human behavior, not a yardstick for right or wrong.
Because human actions aren’t dictated by reason alone—they’re the embodiment of the heart. Every character, whether central or fleeting, right or wrong, paired or merely stirred by a fleeting spark, has loved and been loved. Love in Extraordinary Attorney Woo isn’t just romantic—it’s a kaleidoscope of emotions, some named, others too vast for simple words. At the start, Young-woo mimics expressions from pictures; by the end, she feels her emotions without needing to label them. Each episode brings a new case, a new story, but the thread weaving them together is emotion—a distinct current of feeling. Marital bonds, neighborly ties, parent-child love, ambition, desire, kinship, or even a fiery devotion to personal ideals. Everyone has their own ideals, their own way of thinking. “Every action and thought stems from love or fear,” because humans love themselves, love others, love life—loving with reason, with adjusted behavior, fearing mistakes. Each episode illuminates these truths.
Beyond its profound, moving, and wonderfully strange story, a great series needs more. It’s the stellar acting—actors nailing their roles and connecting with the audience, conveying characters’ emotions with striking clarity while leaving room for interpretation. The performances are truly remarkable, whether portraying champions of justice or those defying it. Every tear, every smile, every message shines through meticulous care. The visuals and color palette are sweet, serene, and utterly lovable, fostering empathy. The pacing is neither rushed nor sluggish, never frustrating. The male lead, our beloved “green flag,” is a standout, and the supporting characters are well-crafted. (Though, perhaps because Jun-ho is Young-woo’s light, his individual arc feels a bit sparse beyond their shared moments.) Team Leader Jung is phenomenal, the colleague and Geu-ra-mi are fantastic, and the friends, passersby, or those who linger all fulfill their roles beautifully. The whale CGI is impressively magical. Overall, the series is meaningful, humane, healing, gentle, polished, and deserving of its high ratings.
(My nitpicks: it didn’t fully grip me, maybe because it’s slice-of-life. The twists and actions are sometimes great but occasionally predictable, which frustrated me when characters didn’t see them coming. I also longed for the surprise I craved—it didn’t quite hit that peak. Imperfect characters are a strength, but some felt too perfect. I wished for a more cohesive flow; at times, it felt a bit disjointed. The main and supporting couples’ chemistry is solid, but their wholesome vibe left me slightly restless—sorry!)
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Totally loved watching...
This is by far the best kdrama this year. Heres why: 1 -Plot - its really very good! Refreshing, for the first 3 episodes i have watched so far it has made me laugh, cry and heartfelt touched coz the scenes and the stories really happens in real life. Its reality! 2- Scriptwriting- kudos to u all for an exceptional down to earth scripts infused with quirky funny lines. Was never boring. 3-Actors- i am already familiar with the actors on this show and i know how good they are, yet they outperform themselves in each episodes and gave their best performances by far even from their previous tv series. FL - is exceptional! Its not easy to act ur role being a person with autism. Simply talented! The rest is also amazing in their roles. I just love the whale eureka moments🐋 …… will update this review as the succeeding episodes airs in the coming weeks…..i wont be surprised this will be adapted by other countries with their own adaptation of this series.. 🐋 🐳🐋🐋🐋🐬🐬🐬Was this review helpful to you?
More Than Just a Legal Drama
Woo to the Young to the Woo, Dong to the Geu to the Rami! 😂What I appreciated most about this drama was that it was more than just a series about lawyers and courtroom cases. It also gave viewers a glimpse into the everyday experiences of someone on the autism spectrum (although not as accurate). Watching the FL navigate both her personal and professional life was inspiring, and I liked that the drama portrayed her strengths alongside the challenges she faced.
The legal cases were interesting, but it was the characters and their relationships that kept me invested. The drama balanced heartfelt moments with lighthearted comedy, making it both entertaining and emotionally rewarding.
The only reason I did not rate it higher is because I felt that a few storylines lacked proper closure. I wanted to know more about the FL's mother, and I also hoped the romance would have been developed a little further by the end.
Overall, this was a warm, uplifting, and meaningful drama. It entertained me while also offering a different perspective, and that's something I truly appreciated.
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I know a lot about whales now!
I wasn’t going to write a review for this one, a lot irritated me about the show, but not so much that I wanted to stop watching, because it had a great precise.So, I’ll leave the comprehensive reviews to the real review writers and just jot down a few things I enjoyed, so I can remember in the future.
Lee Jun Ho had the patience of several saints and their skateboards. What a breath of fresh air he brought to the show.
Both girl friends of Woo Yeong U were a delight.
The dad! What a sweet, supportive man.
The standout character for me was Jung Myeong Seok. He was never overbearing or a scene stealer; he was just there. Quietly bringing a maturity or humor to the scene. And I loved the boss/employee relationship he had with Woo Yeong U.
All the whale facts were fascinating, and I was grateful to learn something, lol.
The things that irked me aren’t big enough that I won’t watch season 2, to see how the legal crew has progressed.
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Fantastic.
Amazing across all fronts. You really care about the characters and gives you plenty of sweet moments. It challenges character’s views and puts them in tough situations. It showcases the prejudice against her as a disabled person and how it affects her. Loved every second of it. The OST is GREAT as well, it fits the scenes perfectly and is simply beautiful. Park Eun-bin does a fantastic job in her role as well as the rest of the cast especially in those stressful scenes it really makes you feel what the characters do. All the awkward moments, the fun ones, the sad ones, it all culminates to this amazing experience.Was this review helpful to you?
Breaking down so much stigma
Extraordinary Attorney Woo is an easy 10 in my books. A legal drama with a hint of romance and comedy, the show also manages to break down so much stigma not only surrounding autism but also in relation to other issues (won't say more as this may be considered a minor spoiler).I absolutely loved Park Eun Bin's portrayal of Woo Young Woo ("whether it is read straight or flipped. Woo Young Woo. Kayak, deed, rotator, noon, racecar, Woo Young Woo."). Her research and dedication to the role is outstanding - from minor details like avoiding eye contact, to hand movements and ways of speech.
The supporting cast was also outstanding, although I wouldn't call it much a supporting cast when I think they 100% deserve to be called the main cast. I appreciate that they each had their own story, that was not directly tied to Woo Young Woo, their own character development and drama. Relationships were formed (or at least we are led to believe ) and many were mended.
The ending was left open to interpretation with a lot of unsolved issues popping up, however, now that I know the show was renewed for a second season I am really hoping these issues will be brought up.
I also wanted to say that I really liked Kang Tae Oh's portrayal of Lee Joon Ho, a young lawyer on the litigation team who was fascinated by Woo Young Woo from the moment he laid eyes on her in ep1. Kang Tae Oh has a knack for playing young likable characters (like his role in Run On) and it makes the audience root for him and swoon even more! Also, I love dramas where the male lead swoons for the female lead from the very first few episodes.
I knew this would be a good show as soon as I saw a cast I enjoyed watching in other shows (like Kang Tae Oh - was so excited to see him get a lead role too and Kang Ki Young who plays Attorney Jung Myung Seok, although I can't wait to see a drama where he is the lead romantic interest - finally).
Overall a great binge - a little tough when it comes to legal jargon, but if you enjoy watching legal k-drama's you get used to it quite quickly.
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This review may contain spoilers
Drama is not about autism
I'm no autistic and I have no full grasp about it. So I really can't dwell much on the autism coverage of the series but trust the people behind had done their research.What interest me in the drama is the characters, how each characters contributes/challenges Atty Woo. I admire how the characters were incorporated in the story, in the cases that I must say its a masterpiece so kudos to the writers, director, the people behind it. The actors/actresses didn't disappoint, well portrayed.
My only indifference is toward the development of the love story, it was cringy by the latter part.
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Successfully Woo-ed me
This was a drama that when watching really grabbed me by offering sth different to most of other Kdramas on offer. Woo Young Woo reminded me of Han Geu Roo (of Moving) in many different ways. Gifted, poorly understood by masses, loved by their dads, fixated on things, socially awkward but have so much to give.I was a champion of WYW even when I don't always agree with her decision and thought making process. I come to love her for who she is, faults and all, I attributed to Park Eun Bin's ability to make the awkward WYW so adorkable.
Society and its trials are present for every working person but more so for those special ones like WYW. They dont get the same opportunity and are expected to proof themselves even more. It's rather unfair but also the sad truth. We get that in the Good doctor too. I love that it's shown realistically in this aspect in the drama. Then there's Kang Ki Young's Jung Myung Seok, a fairy like character for WYW. He was more than just a comedic character, I love all the times he supported her and give her the leeway even when the stakes were against them. He was my 2nd fav character, on par with the ML.
ML, Lee Joon Ho, is characterised as a green flag character. He's so smitten and interested with WYW. He has a very open, and unjudgmental personality. Their scenes were all so fluttering, cute and romantic. And this is actually rather difficult, given that WYW is so awkward and clueless and has alot of restrictions. Case in point, girl hates hand holding. So she's not the easiest person to date.
The friendships were beautiful. WYW and her bestie and also the unexpected friendship with colleague Choi Soo Yeon. The episodic nature is nice, different cases based on different clients and their trials. We have a lot of range in their clients which was nice.
Lastly if I had rated and reviewed this earlier like immediately after watching, the rating probably would have been higher (but also more bias). Now in hindsight, this rating is more fitting. There are some issues with the plot. I dislike Kwon Min Woo's character and felt the last arc of him and Choi Soo Yeon was not believable nor acceptable. I also find WYW's mum hard to digest. There were just a lot of bits and pieces in the last quarter of the drama that didnt seem as good as the first three quarters.
I'm happy we have dramas like this. And I'm happy too for the recognition for Park Eun Bin, it was very well deserved.
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