Extraordinary Attorney Woo (Korean이상한 변호사 우영우) is a 2022 South Korean television series starring Park Eun-bin in the title role, along with Kang Tae-oh and Kang Ki-young. It follows Woo Young-woo, an autistic female rookie attorney hired by a major law firm in Seoul. Being different from her neurotypical peers, her manner of communication is seen by them as odd, awkward, and blunt. With each legal case and through her intelligence and photographic memory, she becomes an increasingly competent attorney and earns recognition from other legal professionals and appreciation from her clients.

Extraordinary Attorney Woo
Promotional poster for Extraordinary Attorney Woo
Promotional poster
Hangul
이상한 변호사 우영우
Hanja
異常한 辯護士 禹英禑
Literal meaningStrange Lawyer Woo Young-woo
Revised RomanizationIsanghan Byeonhosa U-yeong-u
McCune–ReischauerIsanghan Pyŏnhosa Uyŏngu
GenreLegal drama[1]
Written byMoon Ji-won[2]
Directed byYoo In-shik[2]
Starring
Music byNoh Young-shim
Country of originSouth Korea
Original languageKorean
No. of episodes16
Production
Executive producers
  • Lee Joo-ho
  • Lee Jeong-hwa (CP)
Producers
  • Lee Sang-baek
  • Kim Eun-soon
  • Kim Young-ha
Editors
  • Jo In-hyung
  • Lim Ho-cheol
Running time64–82 minutes
Production companies
Budget₩15 billion[3][4]
Original release
NetworkENA
ReleaseJune 29 (2022-06-29) –
August 18, 2022 (2022-08-18)

The show aired on ENA from June 29 to August 18, 2022, every Wednesday and Thursday at 21:00 Korean Standard Time (UTC+09:00), for sixteen episodes.[5] It is also available for streaming on Netflix in selected regions.[6]

Extraordinary Attorney Woo set the record for the highest ratings in ENA history.[7] It received audience acclaim, with its final episode recording 17.5% nationwide ratings, making it the eighth highest-rated drama in Korean cable television history and seventh highest-rated television drama by number of viewers.[8]

Synopsis

edit

Extraordinary Attorney Woo tells the story of Woo Young-woo, an autistic lawyer who is raised by her single father. She grows up with one friend at school, Dong Geu-ra-mi, an oddball girl who protects her from school bullies. She graduates at the top of her law school class at Seoul National University. Because she is autistic, law firms refuse to hire her. However, through a connection of her father's, she obtains her first job at Hanbada, a large Seoul law firm. Attorney Woo's intelligence and photographic memory help her to become an excellent lawyer, as she is able to recall laws and everything she reads, sees, or hears perfectly.

Being different from neurotypical peers, her manner of communication is initially seen as odd and awkward, and her strong emotional intelligence remains unrecognized. But as the series progresses, many of the people she meets, such as her supervising lawyer, Jung Myung-seok, her law school classmate and peer, Choi Su-yeon, and legal support staffer Lee Jun-ho adjust to her as she learns her craft as a rookie attorney. But she also encounters people who are prejudiced against her and others with disabilities, including her colleague Kwon Min-woo, who often tries to sabotage her.

Many of the legal cases in the series involve finely balanced legal issues and sometimes difficult ethical questions. Attorney Woo's approach is often unique and helps resolve cases in unexpected ways. One storyline about Young-woo's parents runs through the series and involves the rivalry between two major law firms, both chaired by female attorneys, Han Seon-young, CEO of Hanbada, and Tae Soo-mi, CEO of Taesan. Another storyline focuses on Attorney Woo's budding romance with Lee Jun-ho.

Another theme that runs through the series is Young-woo's special interest in whales. Her tendency to analogize situations she faces in her professional and private life with the lives and characteristics of whales and dolphins often surprises and confounds the people who surround her. Her eureka moments often coincide with fantasizing about marine animals.

Cast and characters

edit

Main

edit
  • Park Eun-bin as Woo Young-woo;[9] a rookie lawyer at Hanbada law firm, she is the first attorney with ASD in Korea.
    • Oh Ji-yul as young Woo Young-woo[10]
  • Kang Tae-oh as Lee Jun-ho;[11] an employee in the litigation team at Hanbada
  • Kang Ki-young as Jung Myung-seok;[12] a senior attorney at Hanbada and Woo Young-woo's mentor

Supporting

edit
  • Jeon Bae-soo as Woo Gwang-ho;[11] Woo Young-woo's single father
    • Jang Seong-beom as young Gwang-ho[13]
  • Baek Ji-won as Han Seon-young;[11] CEO of Hanbada
  • Jin Kyung as Tae Soo-mi;[14] CEO of Taesan law firm and biological mother of Young-woo
    • Jung Han-bit as young Tae Soo-mi[15]
  • Ha Yoon-kyung as Choi Su-yeon;[16] Woo Young-woo's law school classmate and colleague at Hanbada
  • Joo Jong-hyuk as Kwon Min-woo;[17] Woo Young-woo's colleague and rival at Hanbada
  • Joo Hyun-young as Dong Geu-ra-mi;[11] Woo Young-woo's close friend
  • Im Sung-jae as Kim Min-shik;[11] owner of the pub where Dong Geu-ra-mi works

Other characters

edit
  • Ha Young as Kim Hwa-young (ep. 2);[18] a client of Hanbada who has a wardrobe malfunction with her wedding dress.
  • Park Yu-rim as Kang Ji-hye (ep. 2);[19] a wedding hall employee
  • Yoon Joo-sang as Kim jong-gu (ep. 2);[18] Kim Hwa-young's father
  • Yoon Yoo-sun as Jeon Gyeong-hee (ep. 3);[20] Kim Jeong-hoon's mother
  • Choi Dae-hoon as Jang Seung-jun (eps. 3, 6, 15, 16);[21] an attorney at Hanbada, and Jung Myung-seok's rival
  • Lee Sung-wook as Hwang Doo-yong (ep. 5);[22] sales manager at Ihwa ATM.
  • Kim Hieora as Gye Hyang-shim (ep. 6);[23] a client of Hanbada who is a North Korean defector
  • Lee Ki-young as Ryu Myung-ha (eps. 6, 12);[24][25] judge sitting on Gye Hyang-shim's and Kim Hyun-jeong's cases
  • Kim Sung-bum as Jo Hyeon-woo (eps. 7–8);[26] a resident of Sodeokdong village
  • Park Kang-seop as Park Yoo-jin (eps. 7–8);[27] a civil servant at Gyeonghae provincial office
  • Park Yoon-hee as the judge in charge of Sodeok-dong hackberry case (eps. 7–8)[28]
  • Lee Doo-seok as Lee Jun-bum (eps. 8–10, 14, 16);[28] a reporter from Jungui Ilbo who is close to Hanbada
  • Koo Kyo-hwan as Bang Gu-ppong (ep. 9);[29][30] commander of the Children's Liberation Army
  • Oh Hye-soo as Shin Hye-yeong (ep. 10);[31] a woman with an intellectual disability
  • Lee Won-jung as Yang Jeong-il (ep. 10);[32] Shin Hye-yeong's boyfriend
  • Seo Hye-won as Choi Da-hae (ep. 11);[33] a coffee salesperson at the casino
  • Lee Bong-ryun as Ryu Jae-sook (ep. 12);[34] an attorney specializing in gender discrimination cases
  • Lee Yoon-ji as Choi Ji-soo (eps. 13–14, 16);[35] Jung Myung-seok's ex-wife
  • Yoon Na-moo as Jung-nam (ep. 13);[36] Lee Jun-ho's brother-in-law
  • Kim Joo-hun as Bae In-cheol (eps. 15–16);[37] CEO and founder of Raon
  • Ryu Kyung-hwan as Kim Chan-hong (eps. 15–16);[38] co-CEO and co-founder of Raon
  • Choi Hyun-jin as Choi Sang-hyeon (eps. 15–16);[39] son of Tae Soo-mi

Episodes

edit
No.TitleOriginal release dateSouth Korea viewers
(millions)
1"Extraordinary Attorney Woo"
Transliteration: "Isanghan Byeonhosa U-yeong-u" (Korean: 이상한 변호사 우영우)
June 29, 2022 (2022-06-29)N/A

In 2000, Woo Young-woo is a seemingly nonverbal child on the autism spectrum. When her father, Woo Gwang-ho, is attacked by a neighbor's jealous husband, she finally speaks—citing definitions of assault memorized from her father's legal library.

Twenty-two years later, Young-woo has graduated from Seoul National University at the top of her class and begins her first day at the Hanbada law firm. Senior attorney Jung Myung-seok does not want the awkward newcomer on his team, but CEO Han Seon-young agrees that he can dismiss Young-woo if she mishandles her first case: defending her childhood neighbor, charged with attempting to murder her husband. Though a plea bargain for attempted murder has been set, Young-woo realizes this would invalidate the defendant's pension and leave her homeless. The short-tempered husband dies after cross-examination from Young-woo, who extracts testimony from a medical expert that he could have suffered from an underlying subdural hematoma. The charge is reduced to assault, and the defendant receives probation, with her pension and home intact. Young-woo is aided in her new job by her colleague Lee Jun-ho, navigating everyday obstacles like their office building's revolving door.
2"The Wedding Dress That Slipped Off"
Transliteration: "Heulleonaerin Wedingdeureseu" (Korean: 흘러내린 웨딩드레스)
June 30, 2022 (2022-06-30)0.396

At her lavish wedding prepared by the Daehyeon Hotel, bride Kim Hwa-young trips on her dress, exposing herself and her tattoo of the Buddha. Humiliated, her father, Kim Jeong-gu, rejects his lawyers' advice to accept the hotel's generous refund and hires Hanbada instead. Determined to outdo rival law firm Taesan, Seon-young agrees to pursue ₩1 billion in compensation. A wedding gift to the bride's family of land worth ₩33.2 billion will not occur due to the botched wedding, which Young-woo suggests entitles Jeong-gu to special damages, despite his daughter's unhappiness with the arranged marriage.

Posing as a couple to investigate the hotel's wedding business, Jun-ho sees Young-woo in a different light after she tries on a wedding dress. He enlists a bridal assistant from the hotel to testify that Hwa-young's dress was switched for a looser-fitting version. As the actual aggrieved party, Hwa-young withdraws the lawsuit, telling her father she is in fact a Buddhist and revealing her true love, her girlfriend. Young-woo comes to the attention of Taesan's CEO, Tae Soo-mi.
3"This Is Pengsoo"
Transliteration: "Pengsuro Hagesseumnida" (Korean: 펭수로 하겠습니다)
July 6, 2022 (2022-07-06)1.069

Kim Jeong-hoon, a young severely autistic man, is discovered apparently attacking his older brother, a brilliant medical student who dies intoxicated with mysteriously broken ribs. Their father, a Hanbada client, asks the firm to handle Jeong-hoon's defense. Young-woo, following her father's advice on getting through to her as a child, tries to communicate with Jeong-hoon through his love of Pengsoo. Young-woo and Jun-ho find evidence that the older brother tried to hang himself, but his parents refuse to accept that he was suicidal.

The prosecution uses Young-woo's high-functioning autism to argue against the defendant's diminished capacity. Young-woo is removed from the case, despite Myung-seok's protests, and the case is reassigned to his rival. In her office, Young-woo appears to attempt to hang herself but is saved by Jun-ho. She realizes that Jeong-hoon attempted to save his brother in the same way, breaking the deceased's ribs in the fall and by trying to perform CPR. The charges are reduced to bodily injury, and Jeong-hoon is ruled mentally incompetent; a disenchanted Young-woo resigns from Hanbada.
4"The Strife of the Three Brothers"
Transliteration: "Samhyeongje-ui Nan" (Korean: 삼형제의 난)
July 7, 2022 (2022-07-07)1.391
Dong Dong-sam, the father of Young-woo's best friend, Dong Geu-ra-mi, inherits land from his late father worth ₩10 billion. His older brothers pressure and deceive him into signing an agreement giving him only 20% but making him solely responsible for all taxes, which leaves him ₩260 million in debt. Young-woo no longer considers herself an attorney but agrees to help as a personal favor. An eavesdropping neighbor overheard the brothers intimidate Dong-sam but changes his story in court. Young-woo advises Geu-ra-mi to create a drunken scene at her grandfather's memorial, leading her uncles to attack her and her father, which invokes a section of the civil code that invalidates the agreement. Dong-sam is entitled to the entire inheritance but, after apologies from his brothers, agrees to divide the inheritance equally. Geu-ra-mi urges Jun-ho to confess his feelings for Young-woo. Myung-seok kindly chooses "not to process" Young-woo's resignation, and she rejoins the firm.
5"Wild Card VS Tactician"
Transliteration: "Udangtangtang VS Gwonmosulsu" (Korean: 우당탕탕 VS 권모술수)
July 13, 2022 (2022-07-13)2.565

Hanbada is hired by ATM manufacturer Ihwa, who accuses rival company Geumgang of copying their technology, which Geumgang claims is an open-source design Ihwa is fraudulently trying to patent. "Wild card" Young-woo leads the case alongside her competitive colleague, "tactician" Kwon Min-woo, who openly sabotages her. Geu-ra-mi and Jun-ho advise Young-woo how to detect when people are lying. Imha's convincing false testimony results in an injunction against Geumgang.

Young-woo shows Min-woo a letter from the head of Geumgang begging her to pursue the truth as an honorable attorney, but he reminds her that their duty is to win for their client. Geumgang tracks down the last remaining ATM from a defunct company that used the same design, proving the technology pre-dated Imha's patent. The injunction is lifted, but Imha has already taken over Geumgang's contracts and ruined their business. Young-woo displays the letter on the wall of her office as a reminder to herself.

As a candidate for Minister of Justice, Tae Soo-mi denies rumors that she had a child out of wedlock.
6"If I Were a Whale.."
Transliteration: "Naega Gorae-yeotdamyeon.." (Korean: 내가 고래였다면..)
July 14, 2022 (2022-07-14)2.529

Young-woo and her colleague Choi Soo-yeon become emotionally invested in defending Gye Hyang-sim, a North Korean defector. Five years earlier, she was arrested after demanding money from a badly beaten debtor but fled to care for her young daughter and has now come forward to accept punishment. A drunken miscommunication leads Min-woo to mistakenly tell Soo-yeon that Jun-ho has feelings for her. Arguing that the victim's wounds were caused by her abusive husband, Young-woo questions the doctor who examined her, who admits his bias against defectors.

Young-woo argues that under North Korean law, the defendant would be guilty of a lesser crime, but Hyang-sim confesses that she intended to get the money at any cost. While the jury deliberates, Young-woo and Soo-yeon sneak into the judge's chambers with a final plea for leniency. Telling Soo-yeon about mother whales' bond with their children, Young-woo struggles with her own mother's abandonment. The jury unanimously sentences Hyang-sim to four years in prison, but the judge imposes probation instead, in light of her honest confession.

Shopping with Soo-yeon, Young-woo nearly crosses paths with Tae Soo-mi.
7"A Tale About Sodeok-Dong I"
Transliteration: "Sodeokdong I-yagi I" (Korean: 소덕동 이야기 I)
July 20, 2022 (2022-07-20)2.971
The villagers of Sodeok-dong are distressed by plans for a highway that would cut through town. The head of Sodeok-dong convinces Myung-seok's team to handle the lawsuit against the construction after bringing them to see the colorful village. Taesan is hired as opposing counsel, led by Tae Soo-mi herself. She and Young-woo are impressed by each other, upsetting Young-woo's father. He accuses Han Seon-young of hiring Young-woo as a pawn in her rivalry with Soo-mi, who Young-woo is unaware is her mother. Despite Soo-mi's flashy presentations, Young-woo's eidetic memory proves that the highway plans were finalized before a required environmental impact study, and the judge is persuaded to visit Sodeok-dong himself. Soo-yeon urges Young-woo and Jun-ho to face their feelings for each other. Young-woo's father tells her that he and Seon-young were friends in law school, and that she hired Young-woo at his request. Deeply hurt, Young-woo leaves home. Min-woo, frustrated by what he perceives as Young-woo's "special treatment", writes an anonymous post on Hanbada's website about the company's "corrupt hiring practices".
8"A Tale About Sodeok-Dong II"
Transliteration: "Sodeokdong I-yagi II" (Korean: 소덕동 이야기 II)
July 21, 2022 (2022-07-21)3.404
Despite gossip about Young-woo and nepotism, Soo-yeon defends her to Min-woo and the rest of the firm. At the judge's on-site verification, Sodeok-dong's appeal is dampened by rain. Taesan has already convinced residents to sign consent forms for construction by suggesting potentially higher compensation. The judge will dismiss the lawsuit if most of the residents consent, leading Taesan to flood the village with interns collecting signatures. Soo-mi offers Young-woo a job with Taesan, further frustrating Min-woo. Young-woo tells her father that she has decided to move out and join Taesan, and he reveals that Soo-mi is her mother. Overwhelmed, Young-woo collapses, and her father tells her the truth: he and Soo-mi met in law school, but she rejected him when she became pregnant. After she gave birth, he dropped out to raise Young-woo by himself. Learning that Sodeok-dong's prized hackberry tree was prevented from being considered a natural monument, Young-woo secures the tree's protected status, ending construction and uniting the village. Revealing to Soo-mi that she is her daughter, Young-woo declines her offer.
9"The Pied Piper"
Transliteration: "Piribuneun Sana-i" (Korean: 피리부는 사나이)
July 27, 2022 (2022-07-27)4.068

Young-woo defends an eccentric young man who has adopted the humorous name "Bang Gu-ppong" (which can be translated as "fart") and is charged with kidnapping a busload of children who were supposed to attend his mother's hagwon. Instead, Gu-ppong—self-declared leader of the "Children's Liberation Army"— took them into the woods to play. Jun-ho and Young-woo learn the children are forced to study all day and night, prompting Gu-ppong to try to free them of the intense pressure from parents and schools.

A heartfelt plea from Gu-ppong's mother convinces the children's mothers not to pursue a lawsuit. Abandoning her team's plan to deem Gu-ppong mentally unfit, Young-woo helps him declare his philosophy of play as a "political offender". Myung-seok chastises Min-woo for antagonizing Young-woo. The mothers agree to let their children attend the trial, where Gu-ppong leads them in a joyous recitation of his motto: play, be healthy, and be happy. Young-woo struggles to demonstrate her affection for Jun-ho, and they finally confess their feelings for each other, but she runs away.

Visiting Gwang-ho, Soo-mi is secretly photographed by a reporter who connects her to Young-woo.
10"Holding Hands Can Wait"
Transliteration: "Sonjapgineun Da-eum-e" (Korean: 손잡기는 다음에)
July 28, 2022 (2022-07-28)4.030

Young-woo intervenes when a young man, Yang Jeong-il, is arrested on the subway. Charged with quasi-rape of Shin Hye-yeong, a woman with intellectual disabilities, Jeong-il claims that he and Hye-yeong are in a loving relationship, and Young-woo agrees to defend him. Jeong-il's affectionate texts with Hye-yeong are contradicted by her statement to the police. After meeting Young-woo without her overprotective mother, Hye-yeong testifies that the relationship was consensual, but the prosecution asserts that the sexual encounter drove her to self-harm. The jury finds Jeong-il not guilty of sexual assault, but the judge sentences him to two years in prison as a sex offender.

Young-woo sets Soo-yeon up on an unsuccessful date with Kim Min-shik, Geu-ra-mi's boss. Young-woo and Jun-ho work toward becoming an official couple, an endeavor complicated by Young-woo's aversion to touch and judgement from Jun-ho's friends, and they share their first kiss. Soo-mi presents Gwang-ho with an offer for Young-woo to join Taesan's Boston branch, near numerous autism specialists, but he angrily throws her out.
11"Mr. Salt, Ms. Pepper, and Attorney Soy Sauce"
Transliteration: "Sogeumgun Huchu-yang Ganjangbyeonhosa" (Korean: 소금군 후추양 간장변호사)
August 3, 2022 (2022-08-03)3.788

Hanbada is hired by Shin Il-soo, who bought lottery tickets with two gambling buddies, one of whom reneged on their promise to split the winnings after his ticket won the ₩6 billion jackpot. A casino employee witnessed their agreement to share the prize but is unwilling to testify as an undocumented immigrant. Il-soo persuades employee Choi Da-hae to testify about the agreement instead, and the judge rules that the prize must be shared between the three men.

Young-woo realizes Il-soo is having an affair with Da-hae and plans to divorce his wife, Sung Soo-ji. Young-woo and Jun-ho try to warn Soo-ji without violating attorney-client privilege, but her abusive husband is killed in a car accident, and she inherits his prize money. Soo-yeon's new boyfriend is revealed to be a con artist preying on women with elite jobs, and Young-woo finds herself thinking about Jun-ho as often as she does about whales.

Deducing the truth about Young-woo's mother, Min-woo blackmails Soo-mi, who agrees to hire him at Taesan if he can force Young-woo out of Hanbada.
12"Yangtze River Dolphin[A]"
Transliteration: "Yangjjeugang Dolgorae" (Korean: 양쯔강 돌고래)
August 4, 2022 (2022-08-04)4.103

Myung-seok's team defends an insurance company in a gender discrimination case. Faced with downsizing, the company had employed 112 married couples and threatened the husbands' jobs if their wives did not resign instead, persuading most married women to quit. Activist attorney Ryu Jae-sook represents the only two women willing to take on the company, and her belief in an attorney's duty to protect vulnerable people leaves Young-woo conflicted.

Exploiting this, Min-woo tries to frame Young-woo by sending Jae-sook damaging Hanbada documents, but she is protected by Jae-sook's goodwill. Jae-sook submits evidence that the company's human resources manager was directly ordered to force female employees to resign; nevertheless, the judge dismisses the plaintiffs' claims of discrimination. Undeterred, Jae-sook invites Young-woo and Soo-yeon to a rooftop party with her and the plaintiffs, and returns the documents.

Gwang-ho confronts Young-woo after seeing her kiss Jun-ho, who is hurt that she does not already consider them to be a couple. Myung-seok grows paranoid when a murderer he defended is on the loose. The man is caught, but Myung-seok finds himself coughing up blood.
13"The Blue Night of Jeju I"
Transliteration: "Jejudo-ui Pureunbam I" (Korean: 제주도의 푸른밤 I)
August 10, 2022 (2022-08-10)3.634

Myung-seok decides to visit a doctor after the events of the previous episode. The Hanbada team soon head to Jeju Island, along with Dong Geu-ra-mi and Kim Min-sik, after Young-woo accepts a case involving her landlady's father being charged an admission fee for being in the area of a local heritage site there, a temple called Hwangjisa, even though he had no intention to visit.

As the case develops, Myung-seok is saddened to see that his beloved Haengbok Noodle shop has closed down and later reveals to his coworkers how his overworking nature, typified by his honeymoon on Jeju Island, eventually caused his wife, Ji-su, to leave him. The team visits the temple, guided by the cheerful abbot. Jun-ho and Young-woo also visit the former's sister, Seung-hui, and her husband, with Seung-hui expressing disapproval over Young-woo. During the second day of court proceedings, Myung-seok clutches his stomach in pain and collapses on the floor, to everyone's shock.
14"The Blue Night of Jeju II"
Transliteration: "Jejudo-ui Pureunbam II" (Korean: 제주도의 푸른밤 II)
August 11, 2022 (2022-08-11)3.885

At the hospital, the other lawyers learn that Myung-seok has been diagnosed with stage III stomach cancer. The Hanbada team decides to find the owner of Haengbok Noodles at Young-woo's suggestion but are unable to make meaningful progress. Ji-su visits Myung-seok in the hospital, exasperated that he has not changed despite not seeing her in five years. After speaking with Ji-su, Young-woo doubts that she would be able to make Jun-ho happy and initiates a breakup. The trial concludes with Hanbada's victory and the closure of the admission fee booth.

The team visits the abbot again at Hwangjisa, who bears Hanbada no grudges and prays for Myung-seok's well-being. They accept the abbot's invitation for lunch and find out that Haengbok's owner has taken up residence at Hwangjisa as their gongyangju (cook). The team helps him reopen Haengbok via the proper legal channels, before returning to Seoul. Back in her office, Han Seon-young meets reporter Lee Jun-beom and confirms his suspicions of Young-woo of being Tae Soo-mi's daughter. She promises to tell him everything he wants to know, under the condition that he publishes the article right before Soo-mi's confirmation hearing as minister of justice.
15"Saying and Doing Things Not Asked"
Transliteration: "Mutji Anh-eun Mal, Sikiji Anh-eun Il" (Korean: 묻지 않은 말, 시키지 않은 일)
August 17, 2022 (2022-08-17)3.722

An employee working at Raon becomes the victim of spear phishing from an unknown hacker. As a result, millions of users' financial records are compromised. Jang Seung-jun takes the place of Myung-seok as leading attorney on the case, as the latter recuperates from surgery. However, he is dismissive of Young-woo and proves incompetent on the first day of court proceedings to the point of displeasing Han Seon-young. The CEO of Raon, In-cheol, tries to bribe the judge with Seung-jun, but the move backfires. Visiting Myeong-seok in the hospital, Young-woo is advised by him to lie low and confide in her peers.

The next day, In-cheol ingests cyanide and is rushed to the hospital. The Hanbada team is swarmed by reporters. Seung-jun abandons his coworkers and flees. Without him, they regroup at Hairy's Pub, where Young-woo realizes a crucial fact about the hacking. The team brings new information to Seung-jun, who loses his temper at Young-woo, kicking her off the case. However, Su-yeon keeps what Young-woo said in mind and goes against Seung-jun's arguments. Min-woo follows up, leaving a good impression on the judge. Raon wins the first lawsuit.

In the ending scene, it is revealed that the hacker is Tae Soo-mi's son, Choi Sang-hyeon.
16"Though Unusual and Peculiar"
Transliteration: "Isanghago Byeollajiman" (Korean: 이상하고 별나지만)
August 18, 2022 (2022-08-18)4.449

Sang-hyeon confesses to Tae Soo-mi that he was behind the Raon hacking but is told to keep everything a secret. During In-cheol's absence, Kim Chan-hong became Raon's CEO. In conversation with his ex-wife, Ji-su, a recuperating Myung-seok considers quitting Hanbada. Sang-hyeon feels guilty for In-cheol's hospitalization and meets Young-woo, revealing that Chan-hong requested that he do the hacking to convince In-cheol to spend more money on security. He gives her a flash drive containing his confession video. He also reveals that they are siblings. Han Seon-yeong wants to use the confession video against Soo-mi, but Young-woo proposes another solution, as the hacked data remains encrypted.

In court, the judge does not accept the video as evidence. Raon's board fires Chan-hong. Sang-hyeon is unable to testify in person, as Soo-mi is sending him to the United States. Mending her relationship with Jun-ho, Young-woo meets Soo-mi at the National Assembly right before Soo-mi's hearing, giving an emotional plea requesting her to do the right thing for her son as a mother. After Sang-hyeon testifies, Soo-mi apologizes to the media for her son's misdeeds and steps down from her candidacy for minister of justice.

The Hanbada team celebrates their victory. Young-woo is given a full-time contract at the firm and feels a sense of accomplishment in her life.

Production

edit

Filming of the series wrapped up on July 14, 2022.[40]

On August 17, 2022, president Lee Sang-baek of AStory, the production company for Extraordinary Attorney Woo, confirmed that the drama would be renewed for a second season. Season 2 is expected to premiere in 2024.[41]

Original soundtrack

edit
Extraordinary Attorney Woo (Original Television Soundtrack) Special
Soundtrack album by
Various Artists
ReleasedAugust 19, 2022
GenreSoundtrack
Length1:45:46
Language
  • Korean
  • English
Label

The show's soundtrack album peaked at number twelve on the weekly Circle Album Chart, and as of September 2022, 12,198 copies had been sold.[42]

Disc 1
No.TitleArtistLength
1."Brave" (용기)Kim Jong-wan (Nell)4:21
2."Beyond My Dreams" (상상)Sunwoo Jung-a3:05
3."Better Than Birthday"O3ohn3:46
4."Tuning in to You" (기울이면)Wonstein3:00
5."Inevitable" (안하기가 쉽지 않아요)Suzy3:51
6."The Blue Night of Jeju Island" (제주도의 푸른 밤)Park Eun-bin4:09
7."Flash"Maytree1:05
8."Overture"Noh Young Shim5:18
9."Woo Young-woo, the Same Backwards and Forwards"Noh Young Shim1:55
10."Prom Dance"Noh Young Shim2:53
11."Revolving Door Invites You to Dance"Noh Young Shim1:44
12."Dance with the Best Friend"Noh Young Shim2:16
13."Growing Pains"Noh Young Shim3:22
14."Young-woo's Heart (It's Hard to Read Your Mind)"Noh Young Shim2:55
15."Junho Being Brave (Let Me Be Your Hug Chair)"Noh Young Shim2:19
16."Girl Dad (It Takes Such a Long Time)"Noh Young Shim1:51
17."Ordinary Attorney"Noh Young Shim3:35
18."Spring Sunshine"Noh Young Shim2:02
19."Hackberry"Noh Young Shim2:21
20."From Whale"Noh Young Shim2:32
21."A Whale in a Frame"Noh Young Shim2:05
22."Whale Is"Noh Young Shim2:31
Total length:1:02:56
Disc 2
No.TitleArtistLength
1."Brave" (용기; Inst.)Kim Jong-wan (Nell)4:21
2."Beyond My Dreams" (상상; Inst.)Sunwoo Jung-a3:05
3."Better Than Birthday" (Inst.)O3ohn3:46
4."Tuning in to You" (기울이면; Inst.)Wonstein3:00
5."Inevitable" (안하기가 쉽지 않아요; Inst.)Suzy3:51
6."The Blue Night of Jeju Island" (제주도의 푸른 밤; Inst.)Park Eun-bin3:43
7."Unanswered Questions"KOOW1:59
8."Whale Quiz"Yoo Jong-hyun1:49
9."We Are the Hanbada Crew"Daniel Lee1:33
10."Young-woo Baragi Junho"Jo Nam-wook2:13
11."Lovely W.Y.W"Cho Byung-hyun1:41
12."Do You Have Evidence?"KOOW1:54
13."Pitch W.Y.W"Yoo Jong-hyun1:56
14."Spring Love"Jo Nam-wook2:42
15."Cunning Min-woo"Daniel Lee2:40
16."One Two Three Woo Young-woo"Cho Byung-hyun2:37
Total length:42:50
Original Soundtrack Parts 1–7
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Brave" (용기)Noh Young-shim
  • Noh Young-shim
  • Kim Jeong-bae
Kim Jong-wan (Nell)4:21
2."Beyond My Dreams" (상상)Noh Young-shim
  • Noh Young-shim
  • Kim Jeong-bae
Sunwoo Jung-a3:05
3."Better Than Birthday"
  • Noh Young-shim
  • O3ohn
  • Joonie
  • Noh Young-shim
  • O3ohn
  • Joonie
O3ohn3:46
4."Tuning in to You" (기울이면)
  • Noh Young-shim
  • Wonstein
  • Noh Young-shim
  • Wonstein
Wonstein3:00
5."Inevitable" (안하기가 쉽지 않아요)Noh Young-shimNoh Young-shimSuzy3:51
6."The Blue Night of Jeju Island" (제주도의 푸른 밤)Choi Sung-wonChoi Sung-wonPark Eun-bin4:09
7."Flash" Noh Young-shimMaytree1:05

Reception

edit

Viewership

edit

The first episode of Extraordinary Attorney Woo recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 0.9%. By the third episode, which reached 4.0%, it set the record for the highest rating in ENA's history.[7]

The series was the most viewed non-English show globally on Netflix for the weeks of July 4–10 and July 11–17, logging 23.9 million and 45.5 million hours viewed and ranking in the top ten in 12 and 22 countries, respectively.[43][44] For the week of July 18–24, it was the second most-watched non-English show, gathering 55 million of viewing hours. It was also the most-watched series in eight countries and appeared in the top ten in 27 others.[45] The series returned to the top of the chart for the week of July 25–31, with 65.5 million viewing hours, and was the most-watched show in nineteen countries, while ranking among the top ten in 25 more.[46] Extraordinary Attorney Woo continued to top the charts for another six consecutive weeks after its finale, garnering 348.15 million viewing hours.[47][48]

The series became the "sixth most popular non-English show of all time" on Netflix, spent "20 weeks on the Global Non-English Top 10 list",[49] and marked 21 weeks in the list for November 28 – December 4, 2022.[50]

Extraordinary Attorney Woo : South Korea viewers per episode (millions)
SeasonEpisode numberAverage
12345678910111213141516
1N/A0.3961.0691.3912.5652.5292.9753.4044.0684.0303.7884.1033.6343.8853.7224.4493.067
Source: Audience measurement performed nationwide by Nielsen Korea.[51][B]
Average TV viewership ratings
Ep. Original broadcast date Average audience share
(Nielsen Korea)[51]
Nationwide Seoul
1 June 29, 2022 0.948% (32nd) N/A
2 June 30, 2022 1.805% (4th) 1.987% (4th)
3 July 6, 2022 4.032% (2nd) 4.369% (2nd)
4 July 7, 2022 5.190% (1st) 5.703% (1st)
5 July 13, 2022 9.138% (1st) 10.297% (1st)
6 July 14, 2022 9.569% (1st) 10.364% (1st)
7 July 20, 2022 11.690% (1st) 12.960% (1st)
8 July 21, 2022 13.093% (1st) 14.970% (1st)
9 July 27, 2022 15.780% (1st) 18.078% (1st)
10 July 28, 2022 15.157% (1st) 17.178% (1st)
11 August 3, 2022 14.173% (1st) 15.384% (1st)
12 August 4, 2022 14.937% (1st) 16.253% (1st)
13 August 10, 2022 13.515% (1st) 14.796% (1st)
14 August 11, 2022 14.646% (1st) 16.075% (1st)
15 August 17, 2022 13.779% (1st) 15.506% (1st)
16 August 18, 2022 17.534% (1st) 19.210% (1st)
Average 10.937% 12.875%[C]
  • In the table above, the blue numbers represent the lowest published ratings and the red numbers represent the highest published ratings.
  • N/A denotes ratings that were not released.
  • This series aired on a cable channel/pay TV which normally has a relatively smaller audience compared to free-to-air TV/public broadcasters (KBS, SBS, MBC and EBS).

Critical reception

edit

On Review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the series has an approval rating of 100%, based on 11 reviews.[52] The drama and Park Eun-bin's performance garnered acclaim from critics for creating awareness about an array of contemporary socio-legal issues affecting Korean society and many other countries.[53] The Korean-American therapist Jeanie Chang praised the series for its representation of mental health and how autism is portrayed.[54] Haley Moss, a neurodiversity expert, found Eun-bin's character to be endearing and relatable while also lauding the show as groundbreaking in Korea, where the perception of autism and available services are very different than in the United States.[55] Saloni Gajjar, of The A.V. Club, praised the show for humanely portraying the range of people on the autism spectrum and challenging the subtle types of discrimination against them.[56] In his review for NME, Carmen Chin wrote, "the show spurs an overarching storyline to allow for the characterisation of Young-woo's adaptability to each episodic case and client of various circumstances to take centre stage.[57] Writing for The Korea Times, David A. Tizzard praised the show for raising awareness about issues affecting Korean society and mental health.[58] Teen Vogue named it one of the best K-dramas of all time.[59]

Themes and analysis

edit

The representation of the titular character in popular culture sparked a debate around autism in South Korea and internationally, with some applauding it and others deeming it unrealistic.[60] Karla Miller, writing for The Washington Post, said the show does many things right to bring the audience into Young-woo's corner: "Woo is sweet, likable and ultimately relatable. Because she can't really mask her autistic tendencies, we see her struggle when she tries to follow neurotypical rules for fitting in.[61] In contrast, Lee Dong Ju, the mother of an autistic child, told a local broadcaster that the show is a pure fantasy, as for many on the spectrum, Young-woo's success would be equivalent to a kid winning an Olympic medal for cycling without being able to walk yet.[62] Writer Tammy Kim made a dig at the drama's portrayal of feminism, saying it set unrealistic expectations in a professional sphere replete with gender inequalities.[63]

Impact

edit

The show became a cultural phenomenon in South Korea and sparked a number of trends.[64] Due to its global success, including becoming the sixth most-viewed non-English drama of all time on Netflix, the series is considered one of the K-dramas spreading the so-called Korean wave internationally.[65] Gimbap sales saw a drastic surge globally, which has been attributed to it being Young-woo's favorite food.[66] The 500-year-old hackberry tree featured in the drama was designated a natural monument by the Cultural Heritage Administration after reportedly receiving a surge in daily visitors.[67] The show has also contributed to an increase in the number of female protagonists in Korean dramas.[68] Bloomberg reported that boosted by the instant success of the drama, its production company AStory's stock increased by 82%.[69]

Awards and nominations

edit
Name of the award ceremony, year presented, category, nominee(s) of the award, and the result of the nomination
Award ceremony Year Category Nominee / Work Result Ref.
APAN Star Awards 2022 Best Supporting Actress Baek Ji-won Won [70]
Best Writer Moon Ji-won Won [71]
Popularity Star Award, Actress Park Eun-bin Won [71]
Best Couple Park Eun-bin and Kang Tae-oh Nominated [72]
Best Director Yoo In-shik Nominated [73]
Best Original Soundtrack Wonstein — "Tuning in to You" Nominated [72]
Drama of the Year Extraordinary Attorney Woo Nominated [73]
Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries Park Eun-bin Nominated [73]
Baeksang Arts Awards 2023 Grand Prize – Television Won [74]
Best Director Yoo In-shik Won [75]
Best Drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo Nominated [76][77]
Best Actress Park Eun-bin Nominated
Best Supporting Actor Kang Ki-young Nominated
Best New Actor Joo Jong-hyuk Nominated
Best New Actress Joo Hyun-young Nominated
Ha Yoon-kyung Nominated
Best Screenplay Moon Ji-won Nominated
Best Technical Award Noh Young-sim (Music direction) Nominated
Hwang Jin-hye (Visual effects) Nominated
Busan International Film FestivalAsia Contents Awards & Global OTT Awards 2022 Best Actress Park Eun-bin Won [78][79]
Best Content Extraordinary Attorney Woo Won
Best Writer Moon Ji-won Nominated
Content that Changed the World 2022 Content Against Discrimination Extraordinary Attorney Woo Won [80]
Critics Choice Association – Asian Pacific Cinema & Television 2022 Rising Star Award for TV Park Eun-bin Won [81][82]
Critics' Choice Television Awards 2023 Best Foreign Language Series Extraordinary Attorney Woo Nominated [83]
Dorian Awards 2023 Best Non-English Show Nominated [84]
International Emmy Awards 2023 Best Drama Series Nominated [85]
Korea Advertisers Contest 2022 Advertiser's Choice Program Awards Won [86]
Korea Drama Awards 2022 Best Picture Won [87]
Grand Prize (Daesang) Park Eun-bin Nominated [88]
Global Excellence Award Kang Ki-young Nominated [89]
Kim Soo-hyun Drama Art Hall
(Cheongju Cultural Industry Promotion Foundation)
2022 Serial Drama Category – Good Drama of the Year Extraordinary Attorney Woo Won [90]
Kinolights Awards 2022 Korean Drama of the Year Won [91]
Korean Actress of the Year Park Eun-bin Won [91]
Seoul International Drama Awards 2023 Best Drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo Won[D] [92]
Outstanding Asian Star Park Eun-bin Won [93]

Adaptation

edit

On July 6, 2022, AStory announced that the series would be adapted into a webtoon of the same name. Serialized into sixty episodes, drawn by illustrator HwaUmJo, and written by Yuil, it was planned to be available in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese.[94]

On July 14, 2022, it was reported that the possibility of a US remake was being discussed.[95]

On August 17, 2022, it was confirmed that a musical remake was planned in 2024.[96]

On September 6, 2022, it was confirmed that a remake was being proposed in approximately ten countries.[97]

Notes

edit
  1. ^ The title of the episode is a reference to the endangered species of dolphins called the Yangtze River Dolphin, which is used as a metaphor for attorneys fighting for people's rights.
  2. ^ This average audience measurement is calculated based on published figures; the exact average audience measurement is unknown due to multiple audience measurements not published.
  3. ^ This average rating is calculated based on published ratings; the exact average rating is unknown due to multiple ratings not published.
  4. ^ Tied with The Glory

References

edit
  1. ^ Conran, Pierce (July 11, 2022). "Netflix K-drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo: heartwarming legal drama starring Park Eun-bin really is extraordinary". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on July 21, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022.
  2. ^ a b c d e Jang, Woo-young (June 2, 2022). '이상한 변호사 우영우' 박은빈, 호기심 '반짝반짝' 메인 포스터 공개 ['Strange Lawyer Woo Young-woo' Park Eun-bin, curious 'Twinkle Twinkle' main poster released] (in Korean). OSEN [ko]. Archived from the original on June 2, 2022. Retrieved June 2, 2022 – via Naver.
  3. ^ Im, Soo-yeon (August 4, 2022). '이상한 변호사 우영우' 제작한 이상백 에이스토리 대표 "스타 캐스팅보다 대본에 집중해야" (in Korean). Cine21. Archived from the original on August 12, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2022. 제작비는 알려진 것의 4분의 3 정도다.
  4. ^ Seo, Jeong-min (August 21, 2022). '오징어 게임'과 '우영우'의 성공...OTT 플랫폼 전략이 달랐다 (in Korean). The Hankyoreh. Archived from the original on August 21, 2022. Retrieved August 22, 2022. <우영우>에 150억원이라는 거액의 제작비를 먼저 들이고 아이피를 확보할 수 있었던 것도 자금과 인력을 갖춘 대형 제작사이기에 가능했다.
  5. ^ Kim, Hyun-seo (June 29, 2022). '이상한 변호사 우영우' 인물관계도 보니?...원작에도 쏠린 관심 [Did you see the relationship between the characters of 'Strange Lawyer Woo Young-woo'? Attention focused on the original]. Top Star News (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 29, 2022. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
  6. ^ Hong, Se-young (June 2, 2022). 박은빈 로펌 생존기, '이상한 변호사 우영우' 메인포스터 [Park Eun-bin's Law Firm Survival Story, 'Strange Lawyer Woo Young-woo' Main Poster] (in Korean). Sports Donga. Archived from the original on June 2, 2022. Retrieved June 2, 2022 – via Naver.
  7. ^ a b Yoon, Hyo-jeong (July 7, 2022). 세상 편견 깨는 '이상한 변호사 우영우' 4% 수직 상승...ENA 최고 시청률 ['Strange lawyer Woo Young-woo' that breaks the world's prejudices rises 4%... ENA highest ratings] (in Korean). News 1. Archived from the original on July 18, 2022. Retrieved July 18, 2022 – via Naver.
  8. ^ Jang, Woo-young (August 31, 2022). 박은빈, '우영우' 흥행에 겹경사! "4연속 블루레이 코멘터리" [Park Eun-bin, 'Woo Young-woo' box office success! "4 Blu-ray Commentary"]. OSEN [ko]. Archived from the original on September 8, 2022. Retrieved September 7, 2022 – via Naver.
  9. ^ Moon, Ji-yeon (October 26, 2021). [공식] 박은빈 주연 '이상한 변호사 우영우' 넷플릭스行 확정..11월 촬영 시작 [[Official] 'Strange Lawyer Woo Young-woo' starring Park Eun-bin confirmed on Netflix.. Filming begins in November] (in Korean). Sports Chosun. Archived from the original on May 29, 2022. Retrieved May 30, 2022 – via Naver.
  10. ^ Jo, Jun-woo (July 15, 2022). "[TEN 포토] 오지율 '우영우 아역 기억하시죠?'(우영우 종방연)" [[TEN Photo] Oh Ji-yul 'Do you remember Woo Young-woo's child role?' (Woo Young-woo Jong Bang-yeon)] (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on July 15, 2022. Retrieved July 15, 2022 – via Naver.
  11. ^ a b c d e Hong, Se-young (April 8, 2022). 박은빈·강태오·강기영→주종혁 '이상한 변호사 우영우' 출연확정 [공식] [Park Eun-bin·Kang Tae-oh·Kang Ki-young → Joo Jong-hyuk's 'Strange Lawyer Woo Young-woo' Appearance Confirmed [Official]] (in Korean). Sports Donga. Archived from the original on May 29, 2022. Retrieved May 30, 2022 – via Naver.
  12. ^ Moon, Ji-yeon (October 7, 2021). [단독] 강기영, 박은빈 멘토 된다..'이상한 변호사 우영우' 주연 [[Exclusive] Kang Ki-young, Park Eun-bin become mentors..Starring in 'Strange Lawyer Woo Young-woo'] (in Korean). Sports Chosun. Archived from the original on May 29, 2022. Retrieved May 30, 2022 – via Naver.
  13. ^ Jeong, Bit (July 22, 2022). 우영우' 장성범, 특별출연에도 존재감...시청자 눈물샘 자극 ['Woo Young-woo' Jang Seong-beom, a presence even in a special appearance... viewers tear duct stimulation] (in Korean). Sports Chosun. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022 – via Naver.
  14. ^ Kang, Hyo-jin (November 29, 2021). [단독]진경, '이상한 변호사 우영우' 합류...박은빈과 호흡 [[Exclusive] Jin Kyung joins 'Strange Lawyer Woo Young-woo'...Breathing with Park Eun-bin] (in Korean). SpoTV News. Archived from the original on December 1, 2021. Retrieved May 30, 2022 – via Naver.
  15. ^ Lee, Ye-ji (July 28, 2022). 우영우' 정한빛, 이러니 박은빈 父가 반했지..."알아봐주셔서 놀라 [Woo Young-woo' Jeonghan-bit, this is why Park Eun-bin and 父 fell in love... "I'm surprised you noticed] (in Korean). X-ports News. Archived from the original on July 28, 2022. Retrieved July 28, 2022 – via Naver.
  16. ^ Park, Pan-seok (April 8, 2022). '대세 신인' 하윤경, '이상한 변호사 우영우' 출연..변호사 변신 ['Rookie of the Year' Ha Yoon-kyung to appear in 'Strange Lawyer Woo Young-woo'..Transformed into a lawyer] (in Korean). OSEN [ko]. Archived from the original on May 29, 2022. Retrieved May 30, 2022 – via Naver.
  17. ^ Kim, Ye-eun (April 11, 2022). 신예 주종혁, '이상한 변호사 우영우' 출연...신입 변호사 변신 [Rookie Jong-hyuk Joo to appear in 'Strange Lawyer Woo Young-woo'...new lawyer transformation] (in Korean). X-port News. Archived from the original on May 29, 2022. Retrieved May 30, 2022 – via Naver.
  18. ^ a b Lee, Seul-bi (July 1, 2022). 하영, 웨딩드레스 사이 드러난 문신 '강렬' (이상한 변호사) [Ha-young, tattoo 'gang-ryeol' revealed between wedding dresses (strange lawyer)] (in Korean). Sports Donga. Archived from the original on July 1, 2022. Retrieved July 1, 2022 – via Naver.
  19. ^ Park, Jin-young (August 24, 2022). [단독] 박유림, '기적의 형제' 여주인공...정우·배현성과 호흡 [[Exclusive] Park Yoo-rim, the heroine of 'Mythical Brother'...Jungwoo·Bae Hyun-sung and Breath]. 아이뉴스24 (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 14, 2023. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
  20. ^ Choi, Na-young (July 7, 2022). 박은빈, 한바다 떠났다..거센 '우영우 열풍' 최고 5.4% [Park Eun-bin, left the Hanbada.. Strong 'Woo Young-woo craze', highest 5.4%] (in Korean). OSEN [ko]. Archived from the original on July 7, 2022. Retrieved July 7, 2022 – via Naver.
  21. ^ Park, Jin-young (July 6, 2022). 최대훈, 오늘(6일) '이상한 변호사 우영우' 첫 등장...변호사 변신 [Choi Dae-hoon, first appearance in 'Strange Lawyer Woo Young-woo' today (6th)... lawyer transformation] (in Korean). Joy News. Archived from the original on August 19, 2022. Retrieved July 7, 2022.
  22. ^ Hwang, Hyo-yi (July 14, 2022). 우영우' 이성욱, 표절 피해자인 척 박은빈 도움받았다...반전 선사 [Woo Young-woo' Lee Seong-wook received help from Chuck Park Eun-bin, a victim of plagiarism... reverse line] (in Korean). Sports Kyunghyang. Archived from the original on July 14, 2022. Retrieved July 14, 2022 – via Naver.
  23. ^ Hwang, Hye-jin (July 14, 2022). 김히어라 '우영우' 뜬다, 탈북자 피고인 계향심 변신[오늘TV] [Kim Heera 'Woo Young-woo' Floats, North Korean Defector Defendant Gye Hyang-shim Transformation [Today's TV]] (in Korean). Newsen. Archived from the original on July 14, 2022. Retrieved July 14, 2022 – via Naver.
  24. ^ Kim, Min-ji (July 15, 2022). '우영우' 신드롬...호평 속 9.6%로 또 자체 최고 경신 [N시청률] ['Woo Young-woo' syndrome... Another record high with 9.6% in favorable reviews [N ratings]] (in Korean). News 1. Archived from the original on July 25, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022 – via Naver.
  25. ^ Kim, Eun-jung (August 4, 2022). 우영우' 박은빈, ♥강태오와 데이트→정의로운 변호사 이봉련 "멸종되지 않았으면" [종합] [Woo Young-woo' Park Eun-bin, ♥ Date with Kang Tae-oh → Justice lawyer Lee Bong-ryun "If not extinct" [General]] (in Korean). TV Report. Archived from the original on August 5, 2022. Retrieved August 4, 2022 – via Naver.
  26. ^ Beak, Seung-hoon (July 21, 2022). 우영우' 박은빈, 친엄마 진경에 한 방 날렸다 [Woo Young-woo' Park Eun-bin blew a shot at Jin-kyung's mother] (in Korean). iMBC. Archived from the original on July 21, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Naver.
  27. ^ Ha, Ji-won (July 22, 2022). 우영우' 박강섭, 소덕동 사건 핵심 인물...반전 선사 [Woo Young-woo' Park Kang-seop, a key figure in the So Deok-dong case... reverse line] (in Korean). X-ports News. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022 – via Naver.
  28. ^ a b Go, Jae-wan (March 22, 2023). 더 글로리 우영우 평행이론?...김히어라 뿐만 아니다 두작품 성공 이끈 배우들 [The Glory and Woo Young-woo parallel theory?... It's not just Kim Hee-ra Actors who led the success of the two films] (in Korean). Sports Chosun. Archived from the original on March 22, 2023. Retrieved March 22, 2023 – via Naver.
  29. ^ Shin, Young-eun (June 30, 2022). 구교환, '이상한 변호사 우영우' 특별 출연 [Koo Kyo-hwan, Special Appearance in 'Strange Lawyer Woo Young-woo] (in Korean). Maeil Business Newspaper. Archived from the original on June 30, 2022. Retrieved June 30, 2022 – via Naver.
  30. ^ Seo, Jin-ju (July 22, 2022). 구교환, '이상한 변호사 우영우' 특별 출연 ["What's your name?"... Koo Kyo-hwan, 'Woo Young-woo' Special Appearance 'Excited'] (in Korean). Money S. Archived from the original on July 25, 2022. Retrieved July 24, 2022 – via Naver.
  31. ^ Kim, Hye-young (July 28, 2022). 이상한 변호사 우영우' 박은빈 "장애인도 사랑에 빠질 자유 있어 [Strange Lawyer Woo Young-woo' Park Eun-bin "Even the disabled have the freedom to fall in love] (in Korean). iMBC. Archived from the original on July 28, 2022. Retrieved July 28, 2022 – via Naver.
  32. ^ '이상한 변호사 우영우' 이원정, 모호한 경계에 선 캐릭터 완벽 소화 '의심 유발자'. Economic TV (in Korean). August 6, 2022. Archived from the original on May 12, 2023. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
  33. ^ Kim, Eun-jung (August 3, 2022). 우영우' 박은빈♥강태오 "자꾸 보고 싶어"...로또 당첨금 분배 '권선징악' 엔딩 [종합] ['Woo Young-woo' Park Eun-bin ♥ Kang Tae-oh "I miss you"... Lotto winnings distribution 'Kwon Seon Jin-eak' ending [Comprehensive]] (in Korean). TV Report. Archived from the original on August 3, 2022. Retrieved August 3, 2022 – via Naver.
  34. ^ Kim, Hyun-rok (August 4, 2022). 이봉련, 한바다와 대립각...'이상한 변호사 우영우' 12회 투입[공식] [Lee Bong-ryun, Han Bada and the opposite angle... 'Strange Lawyer Woo Young-woo' 12 times [Official]] (in Korean). spoTV News. Archived from the original on August 4, 2022. Retrieved August 4, 2022 – via Naver.
  35. ^ Kang, Min-kyung (July 20, 2022). [단독] 이윤지, '이상한 변호사 우영우' 특별 출연...박은빈·강태오·강기영과 호흡 [[Exclusive] Lee Yoon-ji, special appearance in 'Strange Lawyer Woo Young-woo'... Breathing with Park Eun-bin, Kang Tae-oh, and Kang Ki-young] (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on July 20, 2022. Retrieved July 20, 2022 – via Naver.
  36. ^ Kim, Eun-jung (August 10, 2022). 우영우' 박은빈♥강태오, 사귀기 전 이별하나→'이혼' 강기영, 쓰러졌다 [종합] [Woo Young-woo' Park Eun-bin ♥ Kang Tae-oh, parting before dating → 'Divorce' Kang Ki-young, collapsed [General]] (in Korean). TV Report. Archived from the original on August 10, 2022. Retrieved August 10, 2022 – via Naver.
  37. ^ Yeon, Hwi-seon (August 10, 2022). 우영우' 측 "김주헌, 마지막회 특별출연...유인식 감독 '낭만닥터2' 인연" [공식입장] ['Woo Young-woo' side "Kim Joo-heon makes a special appearance in the last episode... relationship with director Yoo In-sik in 'Romantic Doctor 2'" [Official position]] (in Korean). OSEN [ko]. Archived from the original on August 10, 2022. Retrieved August 10, 2022 – via Naver.
  38. ^ Seo, Yu-na (August 18, 2022). 박은빈, ♥강태오와 재결합→진경 사퇴 후 정규직 변호사 계약 '우영우' 종영(종합) [Park Eun-bin, reunited with ♥ Kang Tae-oh → Jin-kyung resigned and the contract with a full-time lawyer 'Woo Young-woo' ended (comprehensive)] (in Korean). Newsen. Archived from the original on August 19, 2022. Retrieved August 18, 2022 – via Naver.
  39. ^ Gong, Yeo-ju (August 18, 2022). 우영우' 오늘(18일) 최종회...박은빈, 선택의 기로 선다 [Woo Young-woo' today (18th) final episode... Park Eun-bin stands at the crossroads of choice] (in Korean). YTN. Archived from the original on August 19, 2022. Retrieved August 18, 2022 – via Naver.
  40. ^ Oh, Se-rin (July 8, 2022). 마지막 촬영 맞다"...'이상한 변호사 우영우', 14일 마지막 촬영 예정 (공식입장) ["It's the last filming right"... 'Strange Lawyer Woo Young-woo' to be filmed for the last time on the 14th (official position)] (in Korean). TopNews. Archived from the original on July 10, 2022. Retrieved July 10, 2022.
  41. ^ "Second season of hit drama series 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' confirmed". Korea JoongAng Daily. August 17, 2022. Archived from the original on August 20, 2022. Retrieved August 20, 2022.
  42. ^ "Circle Album Chart – Week 37 of 2022". Circle Music Chart (in Korean). September 4–10, 2022. Archived from the original on September 29, 2022. Retrieved September 16, 2022.
  43. ^ Suacillo, Angela Patricia (July 13, 2022). "'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' becomes Netflix's most-watched non-English TV show". NME. Archived from the original on July 18, 2022. Retrieved July 18, 2022.
  44. ^ Toh, Michelle (July 20, 2022). "Next 'Squid Game?' Big ratings on Netflix boosts hope for next Korean hit". CNN Business. Archived from the original on July 28, 2022. Retrieved July 28, 2022.
  45. ^ Hailu, Selome (July 26, 2022). "Netflix Top 10: 'The Gray Man' Premiere Viewed for 88 Million Hours, 'Stranger Things' Dethroned by 'Virgin River'". Variety. Archived from the original on July 28, 2022. Retrieved July 28, 2022.
  46. ^ Hailu, Selome (August 2, 2022). "'Stranger Things 4' Fails to Break 'Squid Game' Record as Most Popular Netflix TV Season Ever". Variety. Archived from the original on August 2, 2022. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
  47. ^ Netflix Global Top 10-TV (Non-English) Charts:
  48. ^ Ahn, Taehyun (September 7, 2022). '우영우', 6주째 전세계 넷플릭스 비영어권 작품 주간차트 1위 ['Woo Young-Woo' tops the weekly charts for non-English-speaking works on Netflix worldwide for 6 weeks]. News1. Archived from the original on September 8, 2022. Retrieved September 7, 2022.
  49. ^ de Guzman, Chad (December 16, 2022). "The 10 Best Korean Dramas of 2022 to Watch on Netflix". Time. Archived from the original on December 16, 2022. Retrieved December 29, 2022.
  50. ^ "Global Top 10 – TV (Non-English): November 28 – December 4, 2022". Netflix. 2022. Archived from the original on December 29, 2022. Retrieved December 29, 2022.
  51. ^ a b Nielsen Korea ratings:
    • "Ep. 1" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. Archived from the original on June 30, 2022. Retrieved June 30, 2022 – via Daum.
    • "Ep. 2". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). June 30, 2022. Archived from the original on July 1, 2022. Retrieved July 1, 2022.
    • "Ep. 3". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). July 6, 2022. Archived from the original on July 6, 2022. Retrieved July 7, 2022.
    • "Ep. 4". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). July 7, 2022. Archived from the original on July 7, 2022. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
    • "Ep. 5". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). July 13, 2022. Archived from the original on July 14, 2022. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
    • "Ep. 6". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). July 14, 2022. Archived from the original on July 14, 2022. Retrieved July 15, 2022.
    • "Ep. 7". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). July 20, 2022. Archived from the original on July 21, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022.
    • "Ep. 8". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). July 21, 2022. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022.
    • "Ep. 9". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). July 27, 2022. Archived from the original on July 28, 2022. Retrieved July 28, 2022.
    • "Ep. 10". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). July 28, 2022. Archived from the original on July 29, 2022. Retrieved July 29, 2022.
    • "Ep. 11". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). August 3, 2022. Archived from the original on August 4, 2022. Retrieved August 4, 2022.
    • "Ep. 12". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). August 4, 2022. Archived from the original on August 4, 2022. Retrieved August 5, 2022.
    • "Ep. 13". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). August 10, 2022. Archived from the original on August 12, 2022. Retrieved August 11, 2022.
    • "Ep. 14". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). August 11, 2022. Archived from the original on August 12, 2022. Retrieved August 12, 2022.
    • "Ep. 15". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). August 17, 2022. Archived from the original on August 17, 2022. Retrieved August 18, 2022.
    • "Ep. 16". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). August 18, 2022. Archived from the original on August 19, 2022. Retrieved August 19, 2022.
  52. ^ "Extraordinary Attorney Woo Rotten Tomatoes". Rotten tomatoes. December 26, 2023. Retrieved December 26, 2023.
  53. ^ Choi Bo-yun (July 16, 2021). "Park Eun-bin Lavishly Praised for 'Extraordinary' Performance in New TV Series". The Chosun Ilbo. Naver. Archived from the original on July 27, 2022. Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  54. ^ "US-based therapist gauges realism of hit legal drama 'Woo'". Korea.net. September 6, 2022. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  55. ^ "Lawyer with autism explores Netflix series 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo'". American Bar Association. October 27, 2022. Archived from the original on November 29, 2023. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
  56. ^ "Extraordinary Attorney Woo has rightfully become the global show of the summer". The A.V. Club. August 24, 2022. Archived from the original on August 29, 2023. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
  57. ^ "'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' review: a simple but heartwarming representation of autism". NME. July 5, 2022. Archived from the original on February 12, 2023. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
  58. ^ "Extraordinary attorney Woo is about more than mental health". The Korea Times. August 6, 2022. Retrieved January 29, 2024.
  59. ^ "32 Best K-Dramas of All Time". Teen Vogue. November 24, 2023. Archived from the original on November 24, 2023. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  60. ^ "Extraordinary Attorney Woo sparks autism debate in South Korea". South China Morning Post. September 4, 2022. Archived from the original on November 29, 2023. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
  61. ^ "Work Advice: Autism acceptance at work starts in the mental space". The Washington Post. April 13, 2023. Archived from the original on April 13, 2023. Retrieved November 28, 2023.(subscription required)
  62. ^ "South Korea Netflix Hit Sparks Autism Debate". The guardian Nigeria. September 1, 2022. Archived from the original on November 29, 2023. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
  63. ^ "The rise of the K-drama heroine". CNN. January 14, 2023. Archived from the original on October 11, 2023. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  64. ^ "'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' Comes to an end but the drama has made a mark". Koreanjoonang daily. August 21, 2022. Archived from the original on June 13, 2023. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  65. ^ "What's the secret behind the K-drama wave – and will it crash". Al Jazeera. May 23, 2023. Archived from the original on November 29, 2023. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
  66. ^ "Gimbap sales surge because of Korean drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo". The Straits Times. August 20, 2022. Archived from the original on August 28, 2022. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  67. ^ "Tree Featured in 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' to Be Designated Natural Monument; Show Spurs Visitor Traffic". Deadline Hollywood. August 25, 2022. Archived from the original on March 25, 2023. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  68. ^ "Female Forward: Korean Dramas Evolve with More Women Screenwriters and Complex Protagonists". Variety. February 24, 2023. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
  69. ^ "Netflix's New Hit Stokes K-Drama Maker's Stock with 82% Rally". Bloomberg. July 19, 2022. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
  70. ^ Myung, Hee-sook (September 29, 2022). 윤병희·허성태·김신록· 백지원, 남녀연기상 [에이판스타어워즈] [Yoon Byung-hee, Heo Seong-tae, Kim Shin-rok, Baek Ji-won, Best Actor and Actress [Apan Star Awards]] (in Korean). My Daily. Archived from the original on September 29, 2022. Retrieved September 29, 2022 – via Naver.
  71. ^ a b Myung, Hee-sook (September 29, 2022). 송중기, '빈센조'로 이견없는 대상...'옷소매' 3관왕 저력 [에이판스 타어워즈](종합) [Song Joong- ki, 'Vincenzo' as the undisputed winner... 'Clothes Sleeve' 3-Win Power [Apan Star Awards] (Comprehensive)] (in Korean). My Daily. Archived from the original on October 4, 2022. Retrieved September 29, 2022 – via Naver.
  72. ^ a b Hwang, Hyo-yi (September 6, 2022). 강태오-박 은빈'·'손석구-김지원'·'이준호-이세영' 베스트커 플상은? [Best Couple Award for 'Kang Tae-oh – Park Eun-bin', 'Son Seok-gu-Kim Ji-won', 'Lee Jun-ho- Lee Se-young'?] (in Korean). Sports Kyunghyang. Archived from the original on September 6, 2022. Retrieved September 6, 2022 – via Naver.
  73. ^ a b c Lee, Seul-bi (August 31, 2022). 김혜수→이준호 '2022 APAN STAR AWARDS' 수상 후보 공개 [Kim Hye-soo → Lee Jun-ho's '2022 APAN STAR AWARDS' nominees revealed] (in Korean). Sports Donga. Archived from the original on August 31, 2022. Retrieved August 31, 2022 – via Naver.
  74. ^ Jung, Hee-yeon (April 28, 2023). 박은빈 대상 (백상예술대상) (in Korean). Sports DongA. Archived from the original on April 28, 2023. Retrieved April 28, 2023 – via Naver.
  75. ^ Lee, Ye-jin (April 28, 2023). '우영우' 유인 식 PD, 연출상 수상...박은빈 눈물 "연기력에 큰 박수" [백상예술대상] (in Korean). Xports News. Archived from the original on April 28, 2023. Retrieved April 28, 2023 – via Naver.
  76. ^ Oh, Seung-hyun (April 7, 2023). '더 글로리'·'우영우' 박 터졌네...59 회 백상예술대상 후보 공개 ['The Glory' and 'Woo Young-woo' exploded... Candidates for the 59th Baeksang Arts Awards revealed] (in Korean). Xports News. Archived from the original on May 6, 2023. Retrieved April 7, 2023 – via Naver.
  77. ^ Park Soo-in (April 29, 2023). '헤어질 결심' 대상→더 글로리' 3관왕, 이변 없는 수상[백상예 술대상①] ['Decision to break up' Daesang→The Glory' 3 crowns, no surprises [Baeksang Arts Awards ①]] (in Korean). Newsen. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved April 29, 2023 – via Naver.
  78. ^ Lee, Nam-kyung (October 8, 2022). '이상한 변호사 우영우' 베스트 콘텐츠상→박은빈 배우상 영예(종합) [ACA 2022] ['Strange Lawyer Woo Young-woo' Best Content Award → Park Eun-bin Actor Award (Comprehensive) [ACA 2022]] (in Korean). Maeil Broadcasting Network. Archived from the original on October 8, 2022. Retrieved October 8, 2022 – via Naver.
  79. ^ Shackleton, Liz (October 9, 2022). "'Extraordinary Attorney Woo', 'Squid Game' Win Big at Busan's Asia Contents Awards". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved December 29, 2022.
  80. ^ Kim, Ji-woo (December 13, 2022). 우영우'부터 위근우까 지, 2022년을 바꾼 콘텐츠 되짚기 [From 'Woo Young-woo' to Wi Geun-woo, revisiting the contents that changed 2022] (in Korean). Sports Kyunghyang. Archived from the original on December 21, 2022. Retrieved December 14, 2022 – via Naver.
  81. ^ Yoon, Ki-baek (October 1, 2022). 박은빈·박찬욱·황동혁, 美 비평가협회 주관행사서 나란히 수상 [Park Eun-bin, Park Chan-wook, and Hwang Dong-hyuk won side-by-side awards at the American Critics Association] (in Korean). E-Daily. Archived from the original on October 1, 2022. Retrieved October 1, 2022 – via Naver.
  82. ^ Hicap, Jonathan (September 30, 2022). "Critics Choice Association to honor Park Eun-bin, Hwang Dong-hyuk, 14 others". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on October 1, 2022. Retrieved December 29, 2022.
  83. ^ Emlyn, Travis (December 6, 2022). "Leslie Jordan, Ray Liotta receive posthumous Critics' Choice Award TV nominations". THE AWARDIST (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 14, 2023. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
  84. ^ Petski, Denise (June 26, 2023). "'Succession', 'Abbott Elementary' Top 2023 Dorian TV Awards Winners List". Deadline. Archived from the original on June 26, 2023. Retrieved June 28, 2023.
  85. ^ "Programs & performances from 20 countries nominated for 2023 International Emmy® Awards – International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences". Archived from the original on September 26, 2023. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  86. ^ Park, Ah-reum (October 21, 2022). 우영우' 광고주가 뽑은 프로그램상 수상 "초심 잃지 않을 것 [Woo Young-woo' won the program award chosen by advertisers "I will not lose my original mind] (in Korean). Newsen. Archived from the original on October 23, 2022. Retrieved October 21, 2022 – via Naver.
  87. ^ Yoon, Sang-geun (October 8, 2022). 수리남' 하정우, 2022 코리아드라마어워즈 대상 "드라마 대상 처 음"[종합] [Suriname' Ha Jung-woo, the 2022 Korea Drama Awards Grand Prize "Drama Grand Prize for the first time" [General]] (in Korean). MT Star News. Archived from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved October 8, 2022 – via Naver.
  88. ^ Kim, Dong-soo (October 8, 2022). 진주에서 열리는 '코리아드라마페스티벌' ...3년 만에 팡파 레 ['Korea Drama Festival' held in Jinju... Fanfare after 3 years] (in Korean). Pressian. Archived from the original on December 1, 2022. Retrieved October 8, 2022 – via Naver.
  89. ^ "2022 코리아 드라마 페스티벌 (8일, 오 후 5시~)" [2022 Korea Drama Festival (8th, 5pm~)] (in Korean). October 8, 2022. Archived from the original on October 12, 2022. Retrieved October 8, 2022 – via YouTube.
  90. ^ Kim, Jung-ae (December 8, 2022). 올해의 좋은 드라마는 '이상한 변호사 우영우' [This year's good drama is 'Woo Young-woo, a strange lawyer']. 충청매일 (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 12, 2023. Retrieved April 12, 2023.
  91. ^ a b Kim, Ji-Woo (December 21, 2022). '뜨거웠다' 박해일, 박은 빈 그리고 손석구 ['It was hot' Park Hae-il, Park Eun-bin and Son Seok-gu] (in Korean). Sports Kyunghyang. Archived from the original on December 22, 2022. Retrieved September 12, 2023 – via Naver.
  92. ^ Kang, Da-yoon (September 21, 2023). '이상한 변 호사 우영우'·'더 글로리', 작품상 공 동 수상 [서울드라마어워즈] ['Mysterious Lawyer Woo Young-woo' · 'The Glory' Co-Winner of the Best Picture Award [Seoul Drama Awards]]. 마이데일 리 (in Korean). Archived from the original on September 26, 2023. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  93. ^ Jonathan Hicap (September 6, 2023). "Park Eun-bin, Kathryn Bernardo, Thai star Gun, 'The Glory' win at Seoul Int'l Drama Awards 2023". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on October 22, 2023. Retrieved September 22, 2023 – via MB.
  94. ^ "ENA's 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' to become webtoon series". The Korea Herald. July 6, 2022. Archived from the original on July 7, 2022. Retrieved July 7, 2022 – via Naver.
  95. ^ Lee, Jae-lim (July 14, 2022). "'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' could be set for a US remake". Korea JoongAng Daily. Archived from the original on July 19, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022 – via Naver.
  96. ^ Kang, Min-kyung (August 17, 2022). [공식] 박은빈♥강태오 '이상한 변호사 우영우', 뮤지컬로 제작...2024년 초연 [[Official] Park Eun-bin ♥ Kang Tae-oh 'Strange Lawyer Woo Young-woo' to be made into a musical... premiere in 2024] (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on August 17, 2022. Retrieved August 17, 2022 – via Naver.
  97. ^ Ahn, Eun-jae (September 6, 2022). '우영우' 2022 BCWW 최고의 화제작...전세계 수십개국 리메이크 제안 ['Woo Young-woo' is the most talked-about work in 2022 BCWW... Remake proposals in dozens of countries around the world] (in Korean). News1. Archived from the original on September 7, 2022. Retrieved September 6, 2022 – via Naver.
edit