Leiden University Student Repository

Mulder, Jolijn (2023)

Extraordinary influence of ASD portrayals: how the ASD portrayal in the K-drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo affects public perceptions in South Korea

Bachelor thesis | Koreastudies (BA)

This thesis explores the influence of the portrayal of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the K-drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo on public perception and attitudes toward ASD in South Korean society. The study begins by examining the ASD portrayal in Extraordinary Attorney Woo, aiming to comprehend its positioning and characteristics in relation to general criticisms of ASD portrayals. Subsequently, interview videos featuring Korean individuals with ASD are analyzed to identify similarities and differences between their lived experiences and the drama's portrayal. An online survey is then conducted among South Koreans to investigate the impact of the ASD portrayal in Extraordinary Attorney Woo on public perceptions and attitudes toward individuals with ASD. The findings reveal that the drama presents an authentic character with ASD, fostering understanding and awareness of ASD as a spectrum disorder. However, certain aspects of the portrayal, such as romantic relationships and savant...Show moreThis thesis explores the influence of the portrayal of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the K-drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo on public perception and attitudes toward ASD in South Korean society. The study begins by examining the ASD portrayal in Extraordinary Attorney Woo, aiming to comprehend its positioning and characteristics in relation to general criticisms of ASD portrayals. Subsequently, interview videos featuring Korean individuals with ASD are analyzed to identify similarities and differences between their lived experiences and the drama's portrayal. An online survey is then conducted among South Koreans to investigate the impact of the ASD portrayal in Extraordinary Attorney Woo on public perceptions and attitudes toward individuals with ASD. The findings reveal that the drama presents an authentic character with ASD, fostering understanding and awareness of ASD as a spectrum disorder. However, certain aspects of the portrayal, such as romantic relationships and savant skills, do not accurately reflect the realities of individuals with ASD. Nonetheless, the portrayal of ASD in Extraordinary Attorney Woo positively influences public perception and promotes improved understanding and knowledge of ASD in South Korean society.Show less

autism spectrum disorder

K-drama

autism portrayal

public perception

South Korean society

Author

Mulder, Jolijn

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Supervisors

Jang, S.Y.

ECTS Credits

10

Language

en