From Extroridinary Minami Minami to Marry My Husband to She Was Pretty, here is a look at some of the Korean dramas that have already made the journey from South Korea to Japan.

From Extroridinary Minami Minami to Marry My Husband to She Was Pretty, here is a look at some of the Korean dramas that have already made the journey from South Korea to Japan.

Before Extraordinary Minami Minami, these popular K-dramas got Japanese versions

Extraordinary Attorney Woo became a global favourite with its warm story and memorable characters after its 2022 release. Now, the much-loved Korean drama is getting a Japanese adaptation, with actress Mana Ashida stepping into the lead role. The first trailer has arrived, giving viewers a closer look at the new version and prompting fans to share their reactions online.<h2>Japanese remake of Extraordinary Attorney Woo gets a first look</h2>The Japanese adaptation of Extraordinary Attorney Woo has given fans their first substantial look at the new version. Titled Minami Minami, Attorney at Law, the series stars Mana Ashida as Minami Minami, an autistic rookie lawyer who enters the legal world armed with an exceptional memory and a distinctive way of looking at problems.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/taylor-swift-tom-cruise-to-star-in-a-film-together-digger-actor-reveals-what-they-discussed-at-chiefs-game-1789817728927">Taylor Swift-Tom Cruise to star in a film together? Digger actor reveals what they discussed at Chiefs game</a>&nbsp;Finding a job proves difficult because of prejudice surrounding her autism. She eventually joins the prominent Hirokawa Howard Law Firm, where she begins handling cases while learning how to navigate a workplace that does not always understand her.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/netflix-closes-sweet-magnolias-chapter-after-5-seasons-sets-up-ladies-of-the-house-1789820727532">Netflix closes Sweet Magnolias after 5 seasons, sets up Ladies of the House</a>&nbsp;The Japanese remake of Extraordinary Attorney Woo, titled Extraordinary Attorney Minami, will premiere on October 19, 2026. The series will broadcast on Japan's Fuji TV and stream globally on Netflix. It stars Japanese actress Mana Ashida as Minami Minamida, a rookie lawyer with autism spectrum disorder.<h2>Fans react to trailer of Japanese remake of Extraordinary Attorney Woo</h2>The trailer has prompted a range of reactions from viewers familiar with the Korean original. Some fans on social media said they were excited to see how the Japanese cast approaches the beloved story, while others immediately compared the new version with Park Eun-bin's performance.&nbsp;One user wrote, "I was super obsessed with Uyongu, so I was a bit worried about the remake and wondering how it would turn out, but the fidelity is insanely high. I'm starting to look forward to how Mana Ashida will portray Minami Minami."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/extraordinary-attorney-woo-season-2-park-eun-bin-s-show-officially-in-development-here-s-what-we-know-1769768165911">Extraordinary Attorney Woo Season 2: Park Eun Bin's show officially in development? Here's what we know</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">ウヨンウにめちゃくちゃどハマりしてたからリメイクちょっと心配だったしどうなるかと思ったけど再現度めっちゃ高い😭芦田愛菜が南田南をどう演じるのか楽しみになってきた🥹<a href="https://x.com/hashtag/%E5%8D%97%E7%94%B0%E5%8D%97%E5%BC%81%E8%AD%B7%E5%A3%AB%E3%81%AF%E5%A4%A9%E6%89%8D%E8%82%8C?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#南田南弁護士は天才肌</a> <a href="https://t.co/rbbSzxBWS5">pic.twitter.com/rbbSzxBWS5</a>&mdash; 미우ᴹᴵᵁ (@miu_kdr_room) <a href="https://x.com/miu_kdr_room/status/2101251083557646510?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Another user wrote, "For those who haven’t seen attorney woo these are the leads park eunbin and kang taeoh— I must say the Japanese version did a great job with the casting because the resemblance is so uncanny."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/agent-kim-reactivated-s-ahjussi-effect-revisit-these-k-dramas-starring-choi-dae-hoon-1784982409162">Agent Kim Reactivated's ahjussi effect? Revisit these K-dramas starring Choi Dae Hoon</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">For those who haven’t seen attorney woo these are the leads park eunbin and kang taeoh— I must say the Japanese version did a great job with the casting because the resemblance is so uncanny. <a href="https://t.co/1i7Yuk5z4Y">https://t.co/1i7Yuk5z4Y</a> <a href="https://t.co/d96dbSLndf">pic.twitter.com/d96dbSLndf</a>&mdash; Age (@Victoriazuhv) <a href="https://x.com/Victoriazuhv/status/2101205690572312721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"Somehow that gentle feeling when laughing? A soft vibe? I feel like they really resemble Kang Tae-oh and Takayashii Fumiya-kun! I'm way too excited for this remake", wrote the third user.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">なんか笑うときの優しい感じ？柔らかい雰囲気？すごくカンテオと高橋文哉くん似てる気がする！このリメイクはすごく楽しみすぎる<a href="https://x.com/hashtag/%E3%82%A6%E3%83%A8%E3%83%B3%E3%82%A6%E5%BC%81%E8%AD%B7%E5%A3%AB%E3%81%AF%E5%A4%A9%E6%89%8D%E8%82%8C?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ウヨンウ弁護士は天才肌</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/%E5%8D%97%E7%94%B0%E5%8D%97%E5%BC%81%E8%AD%B7%E5%A3%AB%E3%81%AF%E5%A4%A9%E6%89%8D%E8%82%8C?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#南田南弁護士は天才肌</a> <a href="https://t.co/ib5OuZKO7j">pic.twitter.com/ib5OuZKO7j</a>&mdash; あん (@__an__222) <a href="https://x.com/__an__222/status/2101219581931163744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Another social media user wrote, “I'm not surprised that a remake can always be made. Because the source material is what it is. It's a work that doesn't necessarily need a remake. But art is about re-creation. However, the most important thing is whether the actor in the Japanese version creates a character that's entirely their own, or takes the traits from the Korean Woo Young-woo and uses them for themselves. From the trailer, it doesn't seem like the Japanese actor has created a completely unique character, which makes me a bit puzzled. I have no idea what results that choice will bring. With any work, you can only praise or criticize it after it's released and you've seen it. We'll only know once the episodes are out. Please! I hope they didn't just straight-up copy the Korean Woo Young-woo. If they did, there'd be no reason to watch the Japanese version at all.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">언제나 리메이크는 만들어질 수 있기에 놀라지는 않지만. 소재가 소재이기에. 굳이 리메이크를 하지 않아도 되는 작품이기는해요. 하지만 예술이란 재창조 되는거니까... 다만 일본판에서 배우가 자신만에 캐릭터를 만들지 아니면 한국 우영우에 캐릭터가 가진걸 가져가 자신이 쓸지가 가장… <a href="https://t.co/dvkxhR1fQO">https://t.co/dvkxhR1fQO</a>&mdash; best of Jung Se-ok 🍉🕯 (@Sun_glitter96) <a href="https://x.com/Sun_glitter96/status/2101241652014932307?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

For the unversed, the original Korean drama starred Park Eun-bin as Woo Young-woo and became an international success after its 2022 release. It follows an autistic lawyer as she navigates complicated cases while dealing with workplace relationships, family and society's perceptions of autism.

The Japanese adaptation of Extraordinary Attorney Woo has given fans their first substantial look at the new version. Giving a closer look has prompted fans to react to the clip.

Extraordinary Attorney Woo became a global favourite with its warm story and memorable characters after its 2022 release. Now, the much-loved Korean drama is getting a Japanese adaptation, with actress Mana Ashida stepping into the lead role. The first trailer has arrived, giving viewers a closer look at the new version and prompting fans to share their reactions online. Japanese remake of Extraordinary Attorney Woo gets a first look The Japanese adaptation of Extraordinary Attorney Woo has given fans their first substantial look at the new version. Titled Minami Minami, Attorney at Law, the series stars Mana Ashida as Minami Minami, an autistic rookie lawyer who enters the legal world armed with an exceptional memory and a distinctive way of looking at problems. Also Read: Taylor Swift-Tom Cruise to star in a film together? Digger actor reveals what they discussed at Chiefs game Finding a job proves difficult because of prejudice surrounding her autism. She eventually joins the prominent Hirokawa Howard Law Firm, where she begins handling cases while learning how to navigate a workplace that does not always understand her. Also Read: Netflix closes Sweet Magnolias after 5 seasons, sets up Ladies of the House The Japanese remake of Extraordinary Attorney Woo, titled Extraordinary Attorney Minami, will premiere on October 19, 2026. The series will broadcast on Japan's Fuji TV and stream globally on Netflix. It stars Japanese actress Mana Ashida as Minami Minamida, a rookie lawyer with autism spectrum disorder. Fans react to trailer of Japanese remake of Extraordinary Attorney Woo The trailer has prompted a range of reactions from viewers familiar with the Korean original. Some fans on social media said they were excited to see how the Japanese cast approaches the beloved story, while others immediately compared the new version with Park Eun-bin's performance. One user wrote, "I was super obsessed with Uyongu, so I was a bit worried about the remake and wondering how it would turn out, but the fidelity is insanely high. I'm starting to look forward to how Mana Ashida will portray Minami Minami." Also Read: Extraordinary Attorney Woo Season 2: Park Eun Bin's show officially in development? Here's what we know

The Japanese adaptation of Extraordinary Attorney Woo has given fans their first substantial look at the new version. Giving a closer look has prompted fans to react to the clip.

Extraordinary Attorney Woo Japanese remake gets first trailer, sparks debate on internet

A hit Netflix K-drama about a high-functioning autistic lawyer is prompting soul-searching in South Korea, where some on the spectrum say they can feel invisible. The endearing 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo', featuring a neurodivergent attorney, has been Netflix's most-watched non-English show for over a month, following a path blazed by fellow Korean smash 'Squid Game'.

Even K-pop sensation BTS are fans of the global hit, with band members posting a video performing the signature greeting between Woo and her best friend -- a dance step-slash-dab that is tearing across social media.

But the 16-episode series, which follows a rookie lawyer whose condition helps her find brilliant solutions to legal conundrums but often leaves her socially isolated, has gone beyond memes to trigger a serious debate in South Korea about autism.

Star lawyer Woo Young-woo is fiercely intelligent, with an IQ of 164, but also has visible autistic traits such as echolalia -- the precise repetition of words or sentences, often out of context.

Lead actress Park Eun-bin, 29, who has received rave reviews, said she initially hesitated to accept the role, aware of the power of the story to impact perceptions of autistic people in South Korea and beyond.

"I felt I had a moral responsibility as an actor," she told AFP.&nbsp;"I knew (the show) was inevitably going to have an influence on people with autism and their families," she said, adding that she had questioned whether she would be able to pull off the complex character.

"It was the first time that I had absolutely no idea what to do, when it came to how to express things, while I was reading the script," she added.

'Erased' in South Korea&nbsp;

But in South Korea, some families of autistic people have described the show as pure "fantasy", saying her character is unrealistic. For many on the spectrum, achieving like Woo would be equivalent to "a kid winning an Olympic medal for cycling without being able to walk yet", Lee Dong-ju, the mother of an autistic child, told a local broadcaster.

But while Woo is clearly "a fictional character that has been created to maximise the dramatic effect", there is actually more truth to her story than many South Koreans realise, said psychiatry professor Kim Eui-jung of the Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital.

About a third of people on the spectrum have average or above-average intelligence, she said, and may not have any noticeable autistic characteristics -- or even realise they have the condition.

This was the case for Lee Da-bin, who is on the spectrum but was not diagnosed until later in life.

"People don't recognize the mild forms of autism at all," she said. "I feel that I'm being erased."

Lee shares many traits with the fictional Woo, from hypersensitivity to taste to academic excellence despite suffering from bullying. She grew up knowing she was different but blamed herself for not being able to fit in.

It was only after she had dropped out of school and began seeing a psychiatrist for depression that she was diagnosed with autism and her teenage struggles to connect with others began to make sense.

"It was a life where you would not even speak 10 words a day," Lee told AFP of her time at school.

"I'd lived my whole life thinking that I'm just a weird person... and it's my fault that I can't get along with other people."

Limited understanding

"Public awareness or understanding of high-functioning autism is still very limited in South Korea," said Kim Hee-jin, professor in psychiatry at Chung-Ang University Hospital in Seoul.

The general public views autism as "a condition that involves severe intellectual disability", she said, adding this contributed to broader failures to diagnose and offer support early on.

Early interventions can help prevent those on the spectrum "from blaming themselves for the challenges they face due to autism, such as difficulty making and maintaining friendships."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-cate-blanchett-im-not-making-female-or-lesbian-propaganda-512250" hreflang="en">Cate Blanchett: I'm not making female or lesbian propaganda</a>

For Lee Da-bin, knowing her condition earlier in life could have helped her avoid enormous hurt and pain.

Since receiving her diagnosis, she has been able to restart her studies with the ultimate goal of a career in medicine.&nbsp;

And, like the fictional Attorney Woo -- whose struggles with dating and dreams of living fully independently are touchingly portrayed in the hit show -- Lee said she wants a life with a sense of agency and connection.

"I want to make enough money to support myself and afford my own place, where I can live with someone I love."

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A hit Netflix K-drama about a high-functioning autistic lawyer is prompting soul-searching in South Korea, where some on the spectrum say they can feel invisible.

A hit Netflix K-drama about a high-functioning autistic lawyer is prompting soul-searching in South Korea, where some on the spectrum say they can feel invisible. The endearing 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo', featuring a neurodivergent attorney, has been Netflix's most-watched non-English show for over a month, following a path blazed by fellow Korean smash 'Squid Game'. Even K-pop sensation BTS are fans of the global hit, with band members posting a video performing the signature greeting between Woo and her best friend -- a dance step-slash-dab that is tearing across social media. But the 16-episode series, which follows a rookie lawyer whose condition helps her find brilliant solutions to legal conundrums but often leaves her socially isolated, has gone beyond memes to trigger a serious debate in South Korea about autism. Star lawyer Woo Young-woo is fiercely intelligent, with an IQ of 164, but also has visible autistic traits such as echolalia -- the precise repetition of words or sentences, often out of context. Lead actress Park Eun-bin, 29, who has received rave reviews, said she initially hesitated to accept the role, aware of the power of the story to impact perceptions of autistic people in South Korea and beyond. "I felt I had a moral responsibility as an actor," she told AFP. "I knew (the show) was inevitably going to have an influence on people with autism and their families," she said, adding that she had questioned whether she would be able to pull off the complex character. "It was the first time that I had absolutely no idea what to do, when it came to how to express things, while I was reading the script," she added. 'Erased' in South Korea But in South Korea, some families of autistic people have described the show as pure "fantasy", saying her character is unrealistic. For many on the spectrum, achieving like Woo would be equivalent to "a kid winning an Olympic medal for cycling without being able to walk yet", Lee Dong-ju, the mother of an autistic child, told a local broadcaster. But while Woo is clearly "a fictional character that has been created to maximise the dramatic effect", there is actually more truth to her story than many South Koreans realise, said psychiatry professor Kim Eui-jung of the Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital. About a third of people on the spectrum have average or above-average intelligence, she said, and may not have any noticeable autistic characteristics -- or even realise they have the condition. This was the case for Lee Da-bin, who is on the spectrum but was not diagnosed until later in life. "People don't recognize the mild forms of autism at all," she said. "I feel that I'm being erased." Lee shares many traits with the fictional Woo, from hypersensitivity to taste to academic excellence despite suffering from bullying. She grew up knowing she was different but blamed herself for not being able to fit in. It was only after she had dropped out of school and began seeing a psychiatrist for depression that she was diagnosed with autism and her teenage struggles to connect with others began to make sense. "It was a life where you would not even speak 10 words a day," Lee told AFP of her time at school. "I'd lived my whole life thinking that I'm just a weird person... and it's my fault that I can't get along with other people." Limited understanding "Public awareness or understanding of high-functioning autism is still very limited in South Korea," said Kim Hee-jin, professor in psychiatry at Chung-Ang University Hospital in Seoul. The general public views autism as "a condition that involves severe intellectual disability", she said, adding this contributed to broader failures to diagnose and offer support early on. Early interventions can help prevent those on the spectrum "from blaming themselves for the challenges they face due to autism, such as difficulty making and maintaining friendships." Also read: Cate Blanchett: I'm not making female or lesbian propaganda For Lee Da-bin, knowing her condition earlier in life could have helped her avoid enormous hurt and pain. Since receiving her diagnosis, she has been able to restart her studies with the ultimate goal of a career in medicine. And, like the fictional Attorney Woo -- whose struggles with dating and dreams of living fully independently are touchingly portrayed in the hit show -- Lee said she wants a life with a sense of agency and connection. "I want to make enough money to support myself and afford my own place, where I can live with someone I love." WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Park Eun-bin's 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' sparks autism debate

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Before Extraordinary Minami Minami, these popular K-dramas got Japanese versions

Extraordinary Attorney Woo Japanese remake gets first trailer, sparks debate

Park Eun-bin's 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' sparks autism debate