5 Most Heartwarming Quotes From 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo'

After 16 episodes, Netflix's hit K-Drama, "Extraordinary Attorney Woo," ended with flying colors. Being among the Top 10 shows since its pilot episode aired on the streaming platform, at least in the Philippines, it's no objection that the show has captured the hearts of many.

ASD awareness and representation

Several moms from our online community Smart Parenting Village also gave positive reviews about the latest K-Drama craze. During the first few episodes, parents applauded how the series is raising awareness about  Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and offers representation for their loved ones who are under the spectrum through its female protagonist, Atty. Woo Young-woo, played by Korean actress Park Eun-Bin.

“Bilang ausome parent, sobrang nagustuhan ko ito. Aside from this series giving us hope that ausome children can do wonders, it gives us a lesson din on how they feel, how to deal with them and the likes," one mom shared.

READ: Parents Of Children With Autism Are Finding Hope In Extraordinary Atty. Woo

And it's true. Personally, I also found the fictional drama eye-opening. Like those whale eureka moments whenever Young-woo finds a way to win a case, my mind bulb also lights up whenever a scene offers a clear view of how people with autism take in various scenarios that are usually normal for us. Like being sidetracked by their intense interests (that's whales in the case of Young-woo), feeling overwhelmed when entering a room, and being in a confrontational situation.

There's also that one scene where Young-woo puts into words how she views the world from the perspective of a person with autism. She says, "All my thoughts tend to center around me, so I make people close to me lonely. I don't know when or why I do that. And I don't know what I can do to stop it." 

The POV also extends to shedding light on parents' experiences with children under the spectrum. In episode three, Young-woo's dad gets real, saying, "Living with an autistic person is indeed quite lonely." The single dad continues, "it's you and me against the world. But you, my daughter, don't have any interest in me."

The scene was followed by a throwback scene when Young-woo was still a child, and her dad would yearn for that "lambing," which she can't easily do because of the emotional barrier. But her dad found a way for them to connect through their shared interest in the law. 

Throughout the series, however, her dad would display unconditional love for Young-woo. He is always wary of not crossing any boundary to respect Young-woo's autonomy but also does his best to act in her daughter's best interest.

5 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' quotes about parenting

Aside from the series' central mission to raise awareness about ASD, its success could also be attributed to the various cases that Young-Woo handled. Each case is rooted in social issues that would strike a chord with parents.

Below we list down seven quotes from some episodes of the series that moms and dads would pick up some lessons from. (Warning: spoilers ahead)

1. "When you reach my age, children feel like your report card for life." 

In episode three, a dad was in denial that his son, who has been a top student and a loving sibling to his brother with special needs, would commit suicide. 

Sometimes parents put so much pressure on their children to achieve success, thinking that would be a reflection of their success too. Although there's some truth in this, that it's fulfilling to see your children strive for excellence, the best scorecard parents can keep tab on is to ensure that their kids will grow happy and healthy.

2. "Staying here in [prison]? They feed me and put a roof over my head. This is like a hotel. I just miss my daughter, Ha-yun. That just breaks my heart. That's all."  -Gye Hyang-shim

In episode six, a mom is held in prison as she surrenders to authorities, and her trial begins.

Parents can endure almost anything, but the least thing they can handle is to be away from their children. This episode also shows the lengths parents can go to just for the sake of their kids.

3. "I'll just be the bad dad. No matter how much Young-woo resents me that's on me. Even if I have to collude with a bad friend who her in to use her. I want her to have the opportunity." -Woo Gwang-Ho

 

Talking about what parents are willing to do for their children, here's Young-woo's dad, taking the risk of taking the blame for letting her daughter be used as a pawn on her friend's scheme in exchange of giving Young-woo the experience of being a lawyer, which has been long denied to her in a society that discriminates against people with autism.

Parents wouldn't always make the best or perfect decision, but that wouldn't automatically make them bad. Raising a child in a challenging society will always be tricky. But this is also an excellent motivator for parents to raise a future generation who can make the world a better place. Sounds too ideal, but that's the ultimate goal, right?

4. "Children have to play right now. Later is too late. It's too late after getting into university, after getting a job, after getting married... In a life full of anxiety, it'll be too late to find the only way to happiness." -Bang Gu-ppong

 

Young-woo's team defends a man who's making a case about the importance of play and letting kids be kids, although using the wrong means.

READ: Stop Thinking That Poor Grades Mean Your Child Is Average

This is probably one of the most popular episodes among moms and dads from our Smart Parenting Village. While there's nothing wrong with setting our children up for success through academics, it shouldn't be at the expense of them having the time to play and interact with other kids. Ika nga nila, minsan lang sila bata.

Besides, there are many developmental benefits children can reap from playing. Read here.

5. "I wonder why I lived like that."

Woo Young-woo's team leader, Jung Myung-seok finds out that he's battling a severe illness. With time possibly ticking out for him, he reflects how he spent most of his time burying himself with work, putting others, including his ex-wife, at second priority.

This is a gentle nudge to parents never to lose sight of what matters most to them-family. No one wants to look back and realize that we have spent way less time with our loved ones than we should. 

READ: Pinay CEO Tells Employees to Choose Wife or Husband's Needs Over Hers

Have you watched this Korean series? What is your favorite episode? Share us in the comment section below!

Looking for what K-drama to watch next? See mom-recommended list here.