Thoughts on Extraordinary Attorney Woo

Fair warning: may still contain spoilers.

Watching Extraordinary Attorney Woo reminded me once again just how amazing it is that Koreans are able to weave such excellent stories that not only keep people eagerly waiting for the next episode, but also showcase characters that simply leap out of the screens and endear themselves to the audience.

Compared to other shows where the people’s actions are mostly dictated by whatever circumstance they are in, Extraordinary Attorney Woo is largely driven by the supporting characters’ behaviour towards the lead.

The show features a person with autism and how she navigates a world that is not all that understanding of people within the autism spectrum. I’m no expert, but I believe that the crew and cast did a wonderful job in this show that tackles a sensitive topic. The time they spent on careful research to get the show to where it is really paid off.

Through simple and straightforward storytelling, it also showcases the fact that Woo Young-woo is still very much human like everyone else. She has her likes and dislikes, a job, family and friends who love her, and very human emotions that needed to be spelled out for her when the need arose. Things did not always go her way even with the best of intentions.

And despite experiencing discrimination in almost every aspect of her life, Young-woo always managed to get through them with her no-nonsense, yet awkward perspective towards living. These combined with Young-woo’s off the charts intelligence and obsession with whales make for a charming and light-hearted show that’s delightful to watch.

And let me just say, Park Eun-bin is simply brilliant as Woo Young-woo. It’s no wonder that she won several awards already this year for the role.

Here are a few of my favourite things about Extraordinary Attorney Woo, listed at random: (Fangirl mode activated)

1. Choi Su-yeon. At the beginning of the series I thought she was going to be the antagonist. Yet as the show went on, she proved this viewer wrong as she is a really kindhearted person who looked out for Young-woo in every way and did not treat her differently.

Su-yeon has no problems in speaking her mind. She scolds Young-woo whenever she needed it, and does not think twice about defending Young-woo like when she was accused of benefiting from nepotism. The disappointment is definitely there when Su-yeon realised that the Hanbada Law Firm cutie Lee Jun-ho liked Young-woo instead of her. She could have been petty towards Young-woo because of it but surprise, surprise, she actually made sure that Jun-ho is not playing around with her friend’s feelings. Su-yeon is the friend that everyone should have.

2. One scene I particularly love with Young-woo and Su-yeon together is in episode 5: Young-woo seeing Su-yeon as something more than how the latter sees herself.

“You’re like the spring sunshine… You’re a bright, warm, kind, and sweet person. You’re Spring Sunshine Su-yeon.” – Woo Young Woo

Ah, my sappy, sentimental heart. We really never know how kindness impacts others unless they verbalise it. Here’s a clip of that scene.

3. Attorney Jung Myung-seok. He is everything that I look for in a boss. Haha. Anyway. While he did not appreciate having Young-woo on his team at the beginning, Attorney Jung eventually had the grace to acknowledge Young-woo as an asset to the team. He knew when to allow Young-woo to unleash her brilliance in court, and when to rein it in when the situation called for it (“Whoa, whoa.”). He is the very mentor that Young-woo needed to succeed in their field, and Young-woo knew that. I could relate a lot to Young-woo’s concern when it was uncertain that Attorney Jung would return to Hanbada after his stomach cancer surgery.

4. Attorney Kwon Min-woo being the guy version of vicious female antagonists. I was quite surprised that this character is the one that really came off as jealous and petty. He saw Young-woo as a rival professionally, but his jealousy had driven him to sabotage Young-woo’s law career through most of the show. This guy however is full of surprises especially towards the end. The second season may be kinder to our favourite (or not) tactician.

5. Han Seon-young and Tae Soo-mi. While not exactly antagonists, they are definitely vicious in an underhanded way when it comes to their rivalry. Having watched shows that have female characters with extreme, nearly unrealistic behaviour, these two are refreshing to watch. Same thing with Kwon Min-woo who is really good at being annoying.

6. Young-woo and Dong Geu-rami’s friendship. They were dubbed as the loser and the psycho back in high school. Geu-rami was quick to defend Young-woo against the bullies even if they weren’t friends then. It’s this act of kindness that drew Young-woo to her against her will at the beginning lol.

7. Young-woo fully trusting Su-yeon and Jun-ho during overwhelming situations that cause her to have panic attacks in episodes 6 and 11, respectively.

8. The Pied Piper case, episode 9. Let’s just say, I’m with Gu-ppong on his quest. Hehehe.

9. The dreamy, serene atmosphere in episodes 13 and 14: The Blue Night of Jeju I and II. It is lovely to see our attorneys in a more relaxed setting despite being in Jeju Island on business. I think I even cheered with the rookies when Atty. Jung told them to stop working and just relax. The episodes are named after the song The Blue Night of Jeju Island by Soyou. It has a nice, groovy beat to it, made even dreamier by Park Eun-bin in the OST version.

Noteworthy things about these episodes:

• The way the meat noodles served at Haengbok Noodles are described that it made my mouth water. (I’m happy to note that meat noodles is really a specialty on the island called Gogi Guksu.)
• Tactician Kwon Min-woo and Spring Sunshine Su-yeon’s budding romance (?)
• Su-yeon’s “Christian name”, Saint Jennie of BLACKPINK.
• The great lengths Young-woo had gone to find the son of Haengbok Noodles’ owner so that Atty. Jung would be able to eat a bowl of the noodles once more. (She really, really loves her boss. Ah, there goes my sappy, sentimental heart again.)
• The way Young-woo tried her best to make a good impression on Jun-ho’s family and the consequences thereafter.

10. Inevitable by Bae Suzy. This song for me is the best among all the songs in the OST. Suzy’s warm, soothing vocals and the sweet melody combined give an innocent quality to the song. It is very much like a cosy, fuzzy blanket on a rainy day. A creamy, comforting cup of hot chocolate topped with just the right amount of marshmallows. Or, a pair of arms slowly wrapping around you lovingly just because.

If the English lyrics translated by Google is at least ninety percent accurate, I’d say it perfectly describes Young-woo and Jun-ho’s romance: the hesitation at the beginning, and then finally finding the courage to reach out despite the challenges. Inevitable is the perfect accompaniment to Young-woo and Jun-ho’s scenes in episodes 7 (“Can I touch you?”), 10 (their first kiss), and 11 (Jun-ho’s declaration that he’ll be her personal hug chair, and their second kiss).

It’s great that a second season for Extraordinary Attorney Woo is announced. Here’s to hoping that all the characters will still be in the show in 2024.

Review: Crash Landing on You

Missris24 and I just realised that we’re about to post our review of CLOY on this very day that Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin are to be married. Congratulations guys, and we wish you all the best!

*Warning: Contains a lot of spoilers

First episode, first impressions

Missris24 : A bratty, rich woman (Yoon Se-ri) flies over to accidentally to North Korea and chased by funny NK soldiers sure is interesting.

Misstranger: I read the synopsis first before watching so that I would already know what to expect. Call me a spoiler lover hehehe. That said, I found the first episode too hilarious for words, loved the show then and there.

What got you hooked?

Missris24 : When she lived with the quiet but thoughtful Capt. Ri Jeong Hyeok and was involved with the lives of the village people, and the scary villain who plots against Capt. Ri, you can’t help but get hooked.

Misstranger: Reading first about the premise which is all about a woman accidentally landing in North Korea and subsequently finds herself in situations she never expected to happen to her.

Favorite scenes

Missris24 : The discourse with the NK soldiers with different personalities – a Kdrama fan, a bickering one who feels handsome, a young innocent lad, a good-looking quiet type, makes for a great laugh and interesting scenes.

When Yoon Se-ri fixes the head village woman’s dress and gains the admiration of most. This starts their friendship.

All the kilig scenes of Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin especially in North Korea – the candle in the market, the bicycle in the dark, their kiss on the boat, the hospital scenes.

Misstranger: There are so many favourites but if I were to choose, they would be the following:

All the scenes of Yoon Se-ri with the village ajummas—especially the scenes where the ajummas read Se-ri’s letter to them when she finally succeeded going home to South Korea, and when Seo Dan’s mum gave them Seri’s Choice limited edition products for spring. My heart just about broke when they saw the boxes with their portraits and names on each, which assured all of them of Seri’s safe return. And then it shattered to a zillion more when I found the meaning of the product’s line name: 그리움/geurium/ (Saudade in Netflix translation)

All the scenes of Yoon Se-ri with Captain Ri’s soldiers—especially those in Seoul when they tried their best to fit in and then those heart-rending million farewells.

When Ju-meok (the soldier who loves Kdramas particularly Stairway to Heaven) finally met Choi Ji-woo in person.

The investigation at NIS where all the agents could find were purchases to game items, Kdrama downloads, and other ordinary stuff. These scenes provided such comic relief towards the end of the series.

Scenes where Captain Ri looks like a lost little boy whenever something bad happens to Se-ri. Especially those in the hospital. It just makes me want to fluff his soft and fluffy-looking hair. (Sorry Pyo Chi-su, you may have the most fragrant hair award but Captain Ri’s looks fluffy AND fragrant.)

Favorite characters

Missris24 : Yoon Se-ri, Capt. Ri Jeong Hyeok, all the NK soldiers, the military villain (coz he was so damn good at being the antagonist), the village ahjummas, Seo Dan’s mom

Misstranger: Yoon Se-ri, Capt. Ri Jeong Hyeok, all the NK soldiers, the village ajummas, Se-ri’s staff Hong Chang-sik and insurance agent Park Su-chan.

Things you can relate to

Missris24 :

Reminiscing kilig with my husband during our dating stage. I actually watched this series with him which makes it the more special 😊

Being in a different place makes you scared as you don’t know who to turn to or trust so you learn to make friends.

Feeling like an outsider at times in the family. I too am the youngest in the family and my siblings are a decade older so sometimes they “boss” it over me.

Misstranger:

Su-chan’s tenacity in finding the truth about what happened to Se-ri.

Saying “I’m ok” when things are not ok like Captain Ri.

Being a lone wolf like Se-ri.

Saudade.

Lessons

Missris24 :

 Love conquers all. (Or at least they made us believe so)

 Power is nothing when you are outside your comfort zone.

 Sometimes, strangers can feel more like family.

To succeed in business, know and promote your own products (like Yoon Se-ri)

Misstranger:

Sometimes, you’ll just have to go with your instincts when you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place.

The most unlikely people will make for the best of friends.

Favorite songs in the soundtrack

Missris24 :

Like You by So Soo Bin (played in the scene where they first drank soju and grilled clams in NK)

Let Us Go by Crush (played when Capt Ri hugged Se-ri when she wept on her birthday; and, when they drank soju and he poured out his dreams and wishes about building a life with her)

Give Me Your Heart by IU (played when they exchanged couple rings)

Flower by Yoon Mirae (played on multiple scenes and the tune that most stuck with me)

Misstranger:

Photo of My Mind by Song Ga In. Usually played during NK scenes with the ajummas and the soldiers. If saudade were to be a song, Photo of My Mind would be it.

Seri’s Choice. Upbeat, and describes Yoon Se-ri perfectly in a song: confident, focused, sassy, poised. This instrumental also perfectly balances out the melancholic vibes that Photo of My Mind exudes.

Picnic. The last few bars of this instrumental is mostly used just after the recap of the previous episode which made me notice it. Love how the full song gives the listener such warm fuzzies. Could totally picture Ri Jeong Hyeok and Yoon Se-ri waltzing in the Swiss mountains to this.

Runners-up (songs):

Missris24 :

The Photo of my Mind by Song Ga In and The Hill of Yearning by April 2^nd – These are actually sad songs so I did not include them in my favorites but they have this melancholic feels of the scenes in North Korea.

Misstranger:

Sigriswil – Opening Title Version.

The Hill of Yearning by April 2^nd. First few lines and melody are practically the same with Photo of My Mind. Also played in NK village scenes.

Summary Review

Missris24 :

Crash Landing on You is not your typical Kdrama romcom as first, the characters are in their 30s (most romcom Kdramas are teens or 20-somethings), and the setting is very different and controversial – a South Korean going to North Korea and falling in love with a North Korean soldier. Both the protagonists are mature enough to marry but the boundary of North and South Korea keeps them apart.

The electrifying chemistry of Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin was the best element that made this a hit. (Their Behind the scenes gave a lot of hints that this chemistry transcends even off-screen).

It also ended in January 2020 and made a buzz, afterwards, the global pandemic hit and this became a comfort show for most as no new shows were shown from March to May 2020 due to lockdowns.

The show gained more following when Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin announced they were officially dating, and when they announced their engagement. I actually rewatched the romantic scenes when they announced their engagement.

The issue of separation of North and South Korea also gained interest from the viewers and understood more of the sadness of this separation of Koreans in a way.

The scenic settings of Mongolia, Switzerland, the camaraderie in the NK village, the soldiers who became Seri’s brothers, and the love that would dodge a bullet, all make up the elements that made this show a super hit and highly recommended Kdrama.

The second love team’s story was also interesting but I felt their chemistry was not as powerful as those of the main stars so I did not really write about them. But their acting was good and their story had a sad ending so better to leave it at that.

Misstranger:

I let two years pass before making up my mind to watch Crash Landing on You. A different Kdrama however actually made me decide to finally look it up on Google just a couple of weeks ago: Thirty Nine, which also stars Son Ye Jin.

Now, if I loved Son Ye Jin’s character in Thirty Nine, what are the odds that I would also love her character in CLOY? Definitely a thousand and more. Couple that with the fact that she’s partnered up with Hyun Bin who I last watched on My Lovely Sam Soon. I’m not much on love teams but I could see how those who have watched CLOY before could love the pair so much. Their chemistry is just so amazing and real which contributed greatly to the show’s success.

Crash Landing on You is about a woman literally crash landing on a guy due to a paragliding accident. Plot twist: she landed in North Korea. Thank the heavens, the main characters in this romcom are in their 30s as Missris24 said, so there really weren’t any mushy or cringey scenes that are quite prevalent in any love story that involves younger characters.

In short, there’s very minimal drama when it came to tackling the budding romance of a stoic North Korean soldier and a confidently fierce chaebol heiress from the South. Less is more, as a popular saying goes. This cannot be more true than in CLOY.

The show is comprised of an ensemble of characters with complex themes and elements involved. It took exceptionally skillful writers, researchers, and crew to interweave each storyline to go where they are supposed to. It really draws the viewer into Captain Ri and Se-ri’s world without any thought that the show is getting longer by the episode.

One main element tackled in the show would be the separation of North and South Korea, and how it affects their respective citizens. A layer of this particular element was explored throughout the show: geurium or saudade.

Defined as an extreme longing for the familiar or for what could have been, geurium could be seen plainly in the divide that kept Captain Ri and Se-ri apart despite their obvious love for each other. It could also be seen in how the word “reunification” was mentioned several times throughout the series. Lastly, it could be especially felt in all the other characters’ imaginings about what life is like on both sides of the DMZ; in all the wonderings if Se-ri made it home safely; how the ajummas, the soldiers, and Captain Ri are doing back in NK; and in all the goodbyes that were said.

The storytelling is excellent, with subplots about the other characters tying up seamlessly with the main storyline. There are no questions left unanswered because the writers laid bare the reality of Captain Ri and Se-ri’s situation. It is also nice that they did not sugarcoat their relationship despite the fantastical coincidences that occurred in Switzerland before Se-ri’s fateful landing on the other side of the DMZ.