Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022)

이상한 변호사 우영우 (Extraordinary Attorney Woo, 2022) is a legal drama that follows Woo Young-woo (played by Park Eun-bin), a brilliant rookie attorney with autism spectrum disorder (자폐 스펙트럼 장애). With her exceptional memory and love for whales and the law, Young-woo joins a top law firm, where she must navigate the challenges of courtroom battles, office politics, and social dynamics. While she often faces misunderstanding and prejudice, her distinct way of seeing the world leads to insightful, and sometimes unconventional, legal breakthroughs. The series thoughtfully weaves together moments of growth, quiet humor, and emotional depth, offering a nuanced portrayal of neurodiversity.

In Episode 5, Young-woo shares a meal with Choi Su-yeon, her former law school classmate and current colleague, at the company cafeteria (구내식당). On that day, 김밥 (gimbap) is on the menu. 김밥—rice rolled with vegetables, egg, and sometimes meat or seafood, then wrapped in seaweed—is a dish that resonates with Young-woo. Its neat, organized form and visual clarity appeal to her preference for structure and predictability.

As they eat together, their conversation reveals more than casual chatter. Young-woo’s perceptiveness and quiet insight come through—traits that allow her to approach legal cases from angles others overlook. Though often underestimated, she is acutely aware of her surroundings and of people’s actions and intentions.

An Ordinary Dinner, an Extraordinary Connection

During their talk, Young-woo gives Su-yeon a nickname (별명): 봄날의 햇살 (“Spring Sunshine”). In contrast to the way nicknames are often used to tease or poke fun, hers is sincere and carefully chosen. It reflects Su-yeon’s kind and steady presence—someone who has stood by Young-woo since law school, gently pushing back against the biases and assumptions of others. The moment captures the mutual respect growing between them, not out of pity, but out of shared trust and understanding.

김밥 itself holds a meaningful place in Korean food culture. While it may resemble sushi at first glance, 김밥 is distinct in its ingredients, seasoning, and cultural roots. It’s commonly packed for school lunches, picnics, road trips, or quick meals, making it a go-to choice for many Korean families. Its portability and balance of flavors make it practical, but it also reflects a sense of care—something prepared thoughtfully, often for someone else.

The arrangement of colorful ingredients in each slice mirrors the Korean value of harmony, and gimbap’s versatility allows for countless variations that reflect personal or regional tastes. It’s a dish that feels both everyday and personal, shaped by the hands of whoever prepares it.

In the show, Young-woo becomes known for consistently eating 김밥. Its order, symmetry, and familiar taste offer her a sense of comfort in an unpredictable world. Her preference isn’t just a character quirk—it quietly expresses how she creates a space of clarity and calm for herself amid daily challenges.

Following the show’s rise in popularity, Young-woo’s gimbap routine sparked new interest in Korean cuisine, especially among international audiences. In the U.S., this even led to a rush on frozen gimbap at Trader Joe’s, where the product sold out quickly. Some stores posted limits—two packages per customer—as demand soared, with restock notices and long lines becoming common. The unexpected craze speaks to how storytelling can spark global interest in cultural traditions, even through something as simple as a lunch dish.

If you're curious to try making 김밥 at home, here's a video that walks you through the process: 김밥 만드는 법