User reviews

It is very rare for me to review a series before finishing it, but this was so darn delightful that I could not stop myself sharing the good news. After 3 episodes I wrote that if you are not watching this you are missing out. Also that Eun-bin Park is simply wonderful as the autistic attorney at the centre of this drama, coping so movingly with the challenges she faces.

Having now watched the whole series my opinion has not changed. This is a joy to watch. All the usual elements of good K drama are here: fine acting, well drawn characters, believable relationships, deft plotting. I could go on: K dramas do so many things well.

But the absolute clincher is the performance of Eun-bin Park. She makes us believe in her character's difficulties. But she also makes us believe in her ability to find a path through that does not contradict her autism. You are on her side the whole series through. She managed to convey a character that struggled with emotions but also gave us those emotions. Remarkable. Utterly believable.

I am no expert on autism. I have read reviews here from those with experience of the condition both decrying and lauding the accuracy of the portrayal. Perhaps another reviewer got it right when he/she said that the condition is a spectrum, so those with experience can find that it varies considerably.

Drama itself is excellent. I loved it. But if you watched this subtitled, then you missed at least 30% of the story.

Most Koreans wouldn't use English subtitle so they wouldn't know. Most English speaking audience don't understand the audio so they wouldn't know. But I'm Korean-American who lived 25 years in each country. I'm equally fluent in both languages but we turn the subtitle on for our daughter who isn't very good with Korean. And the amount of mistakes I notice is ridiculous. I am 100% certain it was translated by a Korean who never lived in English speaking country.

One example is the nickname of Kwon. They translated it to "Tactician Kwon". Which is actually a compliment. But the original Korean word used was negative. It should've been "Plotting Kwon". Because he always plotting something against someone. There are literally dozens of these wrong translations per episode.

Bong Joon-Ho's movies such as Parasite on the other hand are much better. I can tell he spends extra effort making sure translations are perfect. But Netflix Korean shows including Squid Game are horrible.

Come on Netflix, there are 1.4 million Korean-Americans who can do better job.

Not sure what's better the Autism theme or the acting by the main lead, she is just so cute and funny in her delivering of this character, we will see how this plays out but so far its fantastic.

With 8 episodes in have to say this is the best most enjoyable KD ive seen to date. This makes good KD look average at best.

Only two hours left and a lot to sew up this should have a great finish, come on writers dont blow it now.

Good new 2nd season announced,

If there was ever a KD series that warranted 20 episodes it's this one but we only get 16.

It's really interesting how Korean drama always know how to hit our heart with laughter and emotional moments.

Many series came and went but this will definitely remain with me for rest of my life.

• kudos to the team who made this possible for us to enjoy.

What a fantastic show, a heart-warming tale of a girl that sees the world in a unique way. She is brilliant, quirky and sweet. The legal issues in the first two episodes are puzzles of love presented in intricate stories with memorable characters that remind me of the work of Jean-Pierre Jeunet (Amélie). I'm not a fan of drama let alone Korean drama but this show I loved. Can't wait for the next episodes on Netflix.

So in a nutshell; One to watch, you won't be disappointed!

Tired of superheroes? South Korean stuff. Bored to death by old and overused tropes? South Korean stuff. Cringing at awful acting? South Korean stuff. Vomited in your own mouth again thanks to a sophomoric script? South Korean stuff.

Weird Lawyer Woo Young Woo is the umpteenth example that South Korean TV regularly gets right the myriad things that Hollywood can't or won't do. Treat yourself to this all-around awesome series.

This drama has to be one of the most enjoyable ones I've seen in a while since It's Okay To Not Be Okay. Just basing from the first two episodes, the drama already has so much potential with the theme. The casting is amazing, and I especially love the choices for the female and male lead (who is such a green flag by the way). While it could be said that there were some instances of exaggeration and pacing issues, it still remained as a positive and honest depiction of how autism really is for many who are on the spectrum. Another thing I like about this drama is the honesty. Instead of depicting her as some sort of detached white male savant, her intelligence seems very realistic and according to how human intelligence really does function in real life, unlike some certain depictions of autism in western media. In other words, she's smart and tops her class, but she isn't unrealistically smart.

I really hope the creators do this drama much more justice in the rest of the episodes, especially since this drama has so much potential to be on the hall of good K-dramas, especially with the Netflix promo, but with the quality we've seen in the first two episodes, I don't doubt it.

Aside from the high quality production/editing/sound mixing/visuals at all times, excellent delivery (by the entire cast) of well-written and memorable lines, interesting cases/developments/topics, and personalities that you probably won't forget after watching.. This show does something very well : Visibility. Not only do you learn a vulgar amount of Whale and Dolphin facts! But it presents a topic that is covered appropriately with the intent to even educate the viewers (autism, amongst other) with a lot of thought and care put into it.. while maintaining the viewer entranced. Still, the way everyone has a role to play and actually matters (as well as some being very likeable, and in the case of the lead, mesmerizing) is what made the show for me.. setting the bar high for any other production of this type. I specially like that even the "romance" is well founded/introduced/formed.

Although, I have to say that I enjoyed the first 5 episodes the most. After that, there are some slower moments with expected cliches/tropes that (frankly) the series could have done without. Knowing now that there will be a season 2 also helps, because the ending isn't particularly satisfactory and made the story feel a tad incomplete.. or more appropriately, capable of giving more.

Can't give it enough praises.. but it would be a shame not to tell others to give this a chance.

Easy recommendation! And now, one of my favorite Korean Dramas to date.

Hollywood can take a lesson or two from KD.

If only they can put down the hammer, not use green man, take off their capes, spandex, not wear their underwear outside, not have wings, shoot arrows, wear red amour, then maybe just maybe they can match KD shows.

Hollywood has lost touch of any human interest story since that movie about meeting at the top of the Empire State building, not since Tom Hanks looks like an adolescent. The British also lost their edge in human interest story, since Jane Austin era.

Back to this show. Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed another wonderful KD series. Since Soft Landing, KD shows have skyrocketed with fantastic shows, like It's ok not to be ok, that coffee shop guy, Business proposal, my first something something, sorry I can't remember those titles. I also fall behind on Korean actors names, their movies etc. Their names all sound the same to me, lol, also I can't tell if they are male or female from their names. That's my bad. Not like I can rattle off names of Hollywood stars dating back to Spencer Tracy, Audrey Hepburn, to Tom Hanks, Arnold, etc.

My only criticism is that when I was getting all worked up, enjoying a feast, having almost my fill, the show just cuts off. What? Uh? Please say there is a season 2. Imagine you're enjoying your meal, getting your palate all worked up, then the waiter comes and yanks your plate away. What????

So many loose ends. So many endings to close.

Help. Season Two.... pleeeeeeez....pleeez.

So the lead declined the part of the extraordinary lawyer Woo Young Woo because she felt she wasn't ready. And filmed another drama.

As a result they didn't seek out another actor but decided to wait and ask again.. this time she accepted.

She did her homework on what autism is. Met with a bunch of people and found out how she would portray her And I don't know if it because of that some scenes were altered or if it was there allready but the whole script comes across as genuine, kind and thoughtful.

I have seen one other series with her that I know of and the lead is almost unrecognizable. So all I can say is give her the highest international possible for her performance. It puts the majority of performances of people with autism to shame.

In the first few episodes a big effort is made to make the viewer aware of autism in general . And the preconceptions they still have to face.

So far this has been done in a respectful manner and I hope they continue to do so.

I am not a big fan of some of the special effects. Like the thundering steps of the younger son of a family and some other stuff.

That is why I can't give it a 10. But I will gladly put that aside while watching the stellar performance of the lead. I am in awe of her appearance.

She describes a friend / colleague like the spring sun or was it autumn, the episode with nicknames, a similar strong description befits her.

Some cases don't have a happy end. And some do.

So I like that. While it feels random, maybe it is. At least I felt that the writers tried their best and maybe that is what life is ... random at times.. sometimes you need luck, or an understanding judge.

At the moment I am a bit fearful of the mother daughter storyline.. It has yet to unfold, if the writers did an extraordinarily great job I will adjust my ranking to 10. The reason I am fearful is because of how the father reacted to her when she asked about a customers behavior.. This action is defendable but one I am very conflicted with , so I hope this gets further explored later on.

If they botch it up I will lower the current 9.. But even if they messed it up I will gladly continue watching this character grow.

Goes into top recommendations together with sky castle.

As an episodic show, Woo was charming and funny; the semi-improvised courtroom scenes were often a highlight.

Halfway in, the show changes -- there are long-term plot threads and romantic drama and other nonsense that gets in the way of the jokes (without providing much in the way of serious commentary -- frankly, I think the first half did a better job there too). We lose our wacky clients, and all the courtroom scenes start to repeat whatever our characters were just talking about. I'm not sure I laughed at any point during the last four episodes.

As a complete package, Woo is still worth trying -- there's a lot to like, and you might find the second-half transition less jarring than I did. But I wouldn't call it a top-tier K-drama.

This movie interprets autism incredibly wrongly. Almost to say, it hurts our community. They show us as the people who they think people on the autistic spectrum are. This movie is full of "cliche" people imagine when someone talks about autistic people.

One-sided note: we can recognise emotions and feel them as well. We have problems with showing them on us / our faces.

Also, they are showing a case of Asperger's syndrome. Not all of us have such "genius" talents. And even if we do, for example, I am pretty good with languages we do not represent since childhood.

They really just mixed all cliches.

Overall this movie is more of a kid's story than any interpretation of autism. Disappointed but not surprised.

This is one of my favorite kdramas!

This story is amazing, the characters, the funny aspects and everything! Although I think there's too much whales in it XD.

I absolutely love this story. The episodes are insightful, warm and funny. Autism is presented so honestly and real. The main actress is incredible. I love the character development of those around her.

The other women are presented as intelligent and educated and accepted for their credentials.

I have watched the 3 first episodes, and think this serie should be in the top 10 Korean dramas. Eun-bin Park does a good job in reflection on Autism.

This serie and the work Eun-bin Park does gives a good reflection on Autism and the challenges people with this diagnosis have.

Too many people look down on people with Autism, and thats wrong.

I recommend this serie.

Totally captivated by this wonderful show! The lead, Park Eun-bin, is pitch-perfect. You will fall in love with the entire cast as every single actor is worthy of their own stories. I've never had the opportunity to visit South Korea, although I did live in Okinawa for several years. I am enjoying this look into South Korean life with it's marvelous scenery. I'm hoping whoever is responsible for this show is writing more episodes right now!!!

I rate a lot of shows but I can't be bothered writing a review. So it airs twice a week . I just finished episode 8. I love it so much that I'm sad every time an episode ends. It's really this good. Thus I'm compelled to write a review . I love K Dramas nowadays and South Korea has been killing it with wonderful shows. This is again a unique show , story's main character is focused around brilliant Autistic young rookie lawyer . I'm know expert with Autism in general but I'm sold on the character . She's adorable to watch. The cases thus far are entertaining and It's pure joy to watch . So I'll resume episode 9 and 10 next week and sit back and enjoy. A 10 rating might be a bit high, but Its just fantastic all around. So for me , it would be remiss to give it a lesser rating. Highly recommend for everyone!

I have read the books, watched the shows and personally have met and worked with autistic people but I can not say she "nailed" the depiction of a person with Asperger's. I can say, howerver, that she nailed it for me and in my opinion it is perfect. She did a exceptionally good job of being a male in King's Affection but in this one she could not be more impressive. Perhaps, she is scripted on how to act but she does it perfect. The show is a relatively solid 8/10 with the same scripts, storyline and great actors but Park Eun-bin genius is what makes this amazing. Again, my opinion but Korean actors are just better overall but she is another level.

The drama is by no means as provocative, flashy or trendy as the recent entertainments, but still relates so well to the people around the world, how? Because it does that by emphasizing universal value and common sense which, by the way, is the very strength of Korean entertainments in general, I believe. It is not unusual you feel weird when you experience another culture but Korean culture somehow shares a lot with other countries' much more naturally with little resistance. Regardless of its becoming global success like ever popular Squid game, this drama is the perfect example of the country's influential culture nowadays.

This is a good and entertaining show if you can ignore some of the more cheesy parts. The supporting cast is great. The side character storylines are well done. The main character is a high functioning autistic and some of the ticks and mannerisms seem dead on. It gets very repetitive and frustrating to watch at times. There is a central love story which is written with care and kindness however in general, it glosses over the more difficult aspects of dealing with a relationship with an autistic person. As someone who has immediate family members who are high functioning, I do feel like this show is not realistic in treating the particulars of the disorder. If you can look past that among other things, it can be quite entertaining and sweet.

I am from India. I don't know. Korean language, I understood it through subtitles. Decided to watch for few minutes but totally got hooked by one of the best story, acting, direction of series & needed up watch all available episodes.

One of the best art i viewed after some time. Acting by all are good but lead character acting is class ahead. I become the fan of Korean films, series. I hope in India they do such series.

This is honestly a below average show. It has a unique quality in that one of the characters has autism, but that by itself does not a good show make.

We have the hyper inteligent autistic attorney, who while the series wants us to take seriously despite her disability, at the same time is used as a comedy vehicle throughout the series with her 'silly' antics.

Either law in Korea is at the level of a cartoon show, or what happens in the court room is not portrayed realistically. I just saw the episode where a doctor is asked to prove which injuries were sustained during which particular attack, and his answer is literally "well I am a doctor" and everybody went "well he sure got us there".....no. Just no.

A grown man who falls in love with a person who as a person has only shown herself to be at the level of a 6 year old kid and acts like it to boot. Let's put this one in the highly disturbing bracket.

Halfway through the show I couldn't take it any more and quit.

As a court room tv show, EAW is not that good. The cases are original, but the way they are handled just are not satisfying in a realistic sense. As a comedy it's not working unless you find laughing at autistic tendencies funny. As a drama I honestly don't care if the adult man gets into a relationship with somebody who mentally acts like a toddler.

I probably went into this show with too high expectations considering all those tens being handed here, but damn what a dissapointment.

I have never seen a person with autism act like this. Why walk like that?

The usual big-eyed innocence is well in play here.

I couldn't watch more than one episode - it was painfully predictable.

I expected her "genius" of course - but most anybody could have figured out those simplistic cases.

Poor writing skills - this was supposed to be a legal drama - but it didn't give me the impression that they had a real lawyer in attendance.

It was a pull your heartstrings production with no real depth.

I have seen this actress before - and she is a good enough performer - but she didn't give me the impression that she had studied the condition or spent time with those affected by it. In series of this sort this is an essential prerequisite.

This storyline needs to be shown more often so people realize that autism does not keep you from having an occupation or a good life This actress should receive the highest award she can get, she is absolutely perfect in this role enjoying all the other actors as well the storyline and the whales :-). If you haven't watched it you need to.