Even as recently as five years ago, there weren’t many Autistic (now more commonly referred to as Neurodivergent) characters in K-Dramas. And when we did see them, they were usually side characters like the “village nuisance” or used for comedic relief. But recently, there has been a surge of Autistic characters, and most of them are actually leads! We’re seeing Neurodivergent characters in a way we’ve never seen them before: nuanced, skilled, flawed, and relatable. Many of them have captured our hearts in the last few years, so below are some of the most memorable.
Woo Young Woo (Extraordinary Attorney Woo)
Perhaps the most famous Autistic character in K-Drama Land, Woo Young Woo stole our hearts over the summer. As previously stated, Neurodivergent people lack representation, but Neurodivergent women even more so. That’s why it was a breath of fresh air to see Young Woo on screen. She was passionate about her career in law and determined to solve the cases that came her way. Despite the people in her law firm not initially thinking she was capable, she’d often see details they overlooked and helped them win cases. The screenwriter could’ve easily made her a two-dimensional character who was always right and always solved the case, but Woo Young felt like a real person. Sometimes she didn’t make the right call, and learned something new.
I also love that the screenwriter gave her a life outside of her job. She had hobbies (now I know way too many facts about whales and other aquatic life) and friends! She wasn’t some unfeeling loner like a lot of Neurodivergent characters are made out to be, and I thought that was really special. Apparently, the rest of the world did too, which is why Extraordinary Attorney Woo was one of the most popular K-Dramas of 2022.
Moon Sang Tae (It’s Okay To Not Be Okay)
It’s Okay To Not Be Okay is one of my favorite dramas and Moon Sang Tae is one of my favorite characters of all time. Neurodivergent people are often shown as being practical and clinical, but Sang Tae showed they can be artistic as well with his beautiful drawings and love of children’s books. I like that It’s Okay To Not Be Okay also showed us his journey of overcoming trauma. In addition to that, the drama focused on Sang Tae’s relationship with his younger brother Kang Tae. Kang Tae was more obviously caring and protective, but by the end of the show we see that Sang Tae is caring and protective in his own way. Eventually, Sang Tae wants freedom and to live his life on his own terms. I thought it was very important for an Autistic character to assert something like that on TV.
I also like that Sang Tae got to be the hero, and essentially was the one who saved the day. Oh Sung Se’s performance was a revelation, so I’m glad he won awards for this portrayal.
Han Geu Roo (Move to Heaven)
Since Move to Heaven was released around the same time as It’s Okay To Not Be Okay, it truly felt like a shift in K-Drama Land. While there are some people who feel like Geu Roo was a “step backward” and too similar to stereotypes of people with Asperger’s, there are people who appreciated the representation and felt seen. Geu Roo may feel “robotic” at first, but as the drama goes on you see the depth of feeling and the bond he develops with his estranged uncle Cho Sang Gu.
Move to Heaven is a heavy drama, so I appreciate the screenwriter being willing to depict how Neurodivergent people deal with grief and loss. For being so young, Tang Jun Sang is extremely talented and nailed the role.
Park Si On (Good Doctor)
Park Si On is such an important character, because before Good Doctor I can’t remember an Autistic character being the lead of a K-Drama at the time. Korean movies may have been a little more diverse, but the closest I’d seen in dramas was the supporting character Eun Woo in Shining Inheritance (honorable mention). So, in a way Park Si On walked so the rest of these characters could walk.
I loved Park Si On’s passion for medicine and how he gradually won over the rest of the doctors at his hospital. He was also cheeky and kind, and preserved despite his rough childhood. The story is so good it even spawned an American remake by the same name. I remember being so impressed with Joo Won’s acting, he shot up to the top of my favorite actors list. He did an amazing job and managed to be so emotive, he swept the awards that year. If you want to see just how amazing he did, Good Doctor is available to stream on KOCOWA.
There you have it! Four Autistic characters everyone knows and loves. I’m glad we’re starting to see more Neurodivergent characters in K-Dramas, but do you know what would make me even happier? Seeing an actual Autistic person play an autistic character! Autistic actors exist, so I want to see them get roles.
