Extraordinary Attorney Woo‘s popularity is skyrocketing. Since its premiere on June 29th, the show has drawn an upward curve in its viewer ratings, beating out other dramas aired on terrestrial networks in just four episodes and surpassing the 5% ratings mark.
In Korea, Extraordinary Attorney Woo has outstripped Money Heist: Korea �” Joint Economic Area and took first place. According to Flix Patrol, the show is currently ranked within the top 10 in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, etc, proving its popularity overseas.
At the premiere for the reporters held the day of the premiere, the cast and crew were met with a standing ovation. Though the lead role has an autism spectrum disorder, the prevailing opinion was that the drama presented “healing” with its not-difficult-to-follow storyline and overall cheerful mood.
However, not everyone expected Extraordinary Attorney Woo to be a huge hit from the start. The network on which it aired was somewhat unfamiliar to the public compared to the terrestrial network, and the series itself didn’t flaunt an A-list cast or a big budget.
Despite all that, the show is now enjoying craze-like popularity. One of the reasons for its popularity is the simple story structure. Attorney Woo Young Woo takes on a new case every episode, and she solves them with her unique perspective and brilliant ideas. Of course, the adorable directing also lightens up the mood.
But above all else, it is Park Eun Bin who’s carrying the weight. Playing the title role, the actress seems like she’s disappeared into the role, from the voice and eyes to even the way she walks. It’s only natural that people are saying there are no other actresses who could’ve shown a better performance.
The character Woo Young Woo is also very charming. Up until now, most of the characters with autism were depicted as people who have difficulty communicating, move differently, and don’t listen to others. The “unusualness” was stressed by highlighting the stubborn or violent and sensitive nature. On the other hand, Woo Young Woo is drawn as a lovely character no different from any other people in their 20s starting their first jobs.
Also, other works have “excluded” the characters with autism or portrayed them as those who need help all the time, but Extraordinary Attorney Woo is different. A lot of the characters in the drama recognize her as someone “different” but understand that “difference” as a personality or characteristic and accept her as one of their own.
Lastly, there are many responses that they’re getting healed by the story of Woo Young Woo and those around her in this tough time.
