Park Eun Bin’s Approach To Her Character In “Extraordinary Attorney Woo” Reveals Her True Personality
Actress Park Eun Bin has become known for her range as she portrays different characters. Yet, her latest role is her most unique yet.
ENA‘s first K-Drama, Extraordinary Attorney Woo, has the industry shook as the drama’s first episode had a 0.9% rating and has grown by 10x in only three weeks (The drama releases two episodes per week). It’s already in talks for a U.S. remake, although you can watch Extraordinary Attorney Woo on Netflix internationally. Viewers, including the hottest K-Pop idols, have fallen in love with the brilliant attorney on the Autism Spectrum, the show’s heartwarming storylines, and its charming cast, including Park Eun Bin, Kang Tae Oh, and Kang Ki Young.
About an autistic 27-year-old lawyer. Due to her high IQ of 164, impressive memory, and creative thought process, the brilliant Woo Young Woo graduated at the top of her class from a prestigious law school.
— IMDb’s plot description
Now, Park Eun Bin is sharing the process behind her now iconic character as she appeared in a “10 Questions” interview with Netflix‘s The Swoon to promote the K-Drama internationally.
One of the first questions was about her role as the titular character. Specifically, she was asked, “What were some worries you had while preparing for this character?”
Naturally, actors will have some worries with any role. Yet, the role of Woo Young Woo especially would be concerning for an actor considering that she is on the Autism Spectrum. Park Eun Bin expressed that she wanted to be mindful of her portrayal.
When I got this role, I felt a sense of responsibility. Without hurting anyone’s feelings, will I be able to embrace everything and act naturally in this role? That was my biggest concern.
— Park Eun Bin
Initially, with the release of Extraordinary Attorney Woo, netizens on the Autistic Spectrum themselves expressed mixed feelings regarding the K-Drama. One major concern that many have, especially with a non Autistic actor portraying Woo Young Woo, is that the character could be a caricature filled with stereotypes.
@goodbyeapathy #stitch with @intr8vert And please be MINDFUL when you post about shows like this if you have no idea what it’s like for autistic people & the discrimination + struggles we face in society. This isn’t it. It really isn’t the representation we want. #autism #autistic #autistiktok #autisticadult #neurodivergent #neurodiverse #stereotypes #koreandrama #representation #dobetter
Park Eun Bin made a great effort to prevent such a thing from happening. So rather than imitate others, Woo Young Woo would just be original, which is for the best, considering Autism is a spectrum, and not everyone is the same as was communicated in the K-Drama.
I thought I should make my own version of Young Woo, so no one would feel unpleasant or offended. I decided not to imitate a real person or a character that already exists.
— Park Eun Bin
So, Park Eun Bin studied via books instead. She educated herself in preparation for the role.
I referred to books and played the role in my own way. There is a diagnostic criteria that doctors use. There were a few things I should keep in mind. So I imagined and acted them out.
— Park Eun Bin
Additionally, the director and writer had researched and consulted with professors. So, that also helped her in the role.
The director and the writer also wrote the answers they got after careful research and consideration in the script. So I tried to express the text in detail. There were also professors to ask about Autism Spectrum disorder. The conversations with the professors were very helpful.
— Park Eun Bin
Park Eun Bin’s approach to the complex role showcases her true personality as a caring actress, and her efforts are not unnoticed. Recently, a viewer with an Autistic son and Florida’s first practicing lawyer with Autism have both weighed in, revealing what the K-Drama has got right.
A Mother With An Autistic Son Weighs In On “Extraordinary Attorney Woo” — Here’s What She Said
Watch Park Eun Bin’s full interview below.
