We often find stories that center on powerful character journeys in Korean dramas or films. Among these, characters with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have drawn particular attention, prompting many Korean actors to take on these challenging roles to showcase their sensitivity and to prove their remarkable versatility. However, portraying characters with autism is more than just acting; it is a great responsibility and requires profound empathy. In addition to excellent acting skills, they must perform thorough research and show deep empathy to create authentic and emotionally evocative performances. Let’s meet the talented Korean actors who have taken on these complex roles of characters with Autism Spectrum Disorder roles in various dramas and films.
10 Korean Actors with Autism Spectrum Roles in Dramas & Movies
1. Cho Seung-woo
- Film Title: Film “Marathon” (말아톤) – 2005
- Character: Yoon Cho-won
The Korean movie “Marathon” is an inspiring story based on the real-life experiences of autistic marathon runner Bae Hyeong-jin. The story follows a young man with autism, Yoon Cho-won. When his mother found out that he was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), she helped him relentlessly in discovering his passion. He then found his passion in running. Cho-won got full support from his mother, a former marathon champion, who saw potential in him and became his coach. He trained hard to complete a full marathon and challenge societal perceptions.
Korean actor Cho Seung-woo went beyond simple research to ensure an authentic performance of Bae Hyeong-jin. The actor spent time with him by observing Bae at home, at school, and even running with him to understand his world and personality firsthand. For his sensitivity, authenticity, and avoidance of caricature, the actor gained immense praise from the audience. Cho Seung-woo’s best performance in the film sets a high standard for such roles in Korean cinema.
2. Joo Won
- K-Drama Title: “Good Doctor” (굿 닥터) – 2013
- Character: Park Shi-on
“Good Doctor” centers on Park Shi-on, a pediatric surgical resident with savant syndrome and autism, who struggles to become a respected surgeon. Despite having extraordinary medical skills, he must face social prejudice from coworkers and patients at the hospital.
Joo Won embodied Shi-on’s physical tics, unique speech patterns, and emotional vulnerability. His portrayal was truly outstanding, detailed, and emotionally resonant, successfully bringing a complex, sympathetic autistic character to the show.
3. David Lee
- Film Title: “Split” (스플릿) – 2016
- Character: Park Young-hoon
In the movie “Split,” David Lee portrays the character of Park Young-hoon. He is an autistic young man who has a great passion for blowing and mastering it like a pro. He meets a former bowling champion who turns to a gambling hustler. Young-hoon joins him to conquer the underground bowling scene, forming an unlikely but powerful partnership.
David Lee’s stunning performance as Young-hoon feels real. Besides showing Young-hoon’s traits and social difficulties, he also highlights his incredible passion and talent for bowling.
4. Park Jung-min
- Film Title: “Keys to the Heart” / “That’s My World” (그것만이 내 세상) – 2018
- Character: Oh Jin-tae
A down-and-out boxer reunites with his estranged mother and discovers he has a younger brother, Jin-tae, an autistic genius with a prodigious talent for the piano. They then learn to understand and support one another, making their unique bond change each other’s worlds.
In “Keys to the Heart”, Park Jung-min even learned to play the piano in order to depict Jin-tae authentically and delivered a touching performance. Not only did he portray autistic traits, but he also showcased Jin-tae’s extraordinary abilities and conveyed Jin-tae’s inner world with sensitivity and warmth.
5. Kim Hyang-gi
- Film Title: “Innocent Witness” (증인) – 2019
- Character: Im Ji Woo
In this thriller, Kim Hyang-gi earned praise for her subtle performance in bringing the character Ji-woo to life. She delivers Ji-woo’s unique way of communicating and understanding the world with remarkable accuracy and empathy.
The movie tells about a lawyer defending a murder suspect who must get testimony from the only witness, Ji-woo, a teenage girl with asperger. He attempts to befriend her in order to gain her trust. This led to a journey of understanding and challenging his own biases.
6. Moon Geun-young
- K-drama Title: “Catch the Ghost” (유령을 잡아라) – 2019
- Character: Yoo Jin (Yoo Ryeong’s autistic twin sister)
In the Korean drama “Catch the Ghost,” Moon Geun-young plays two characters. The first character is Yoo Ryeong, a determined rookie detective who is searching for her missing autistic twin sister. At the same time, she plays as Yoo Jin, Yoo Ryeong’s twin sister with autism.
The character of Yoo Jin is mostly seen in Yoo Ryeong’s flashbacks or imagined scenarios. However, Moon Geun-young’s portrayal of Yoo Jin has a substantial impact on the entire story. Meanwhile, as Yoo Ryeong, Geun-young showcases a profound understanding and empathy stemming from her bond with Yoo Jin, influencing her actions and detective style.
7. Lee Kwang-soo
- Film Title: “Inseparable Bros”/“My Special Brother” (나의 특별한 형제) – 2019
- Character: Park Dong Goo
Two men who are not biologically related but have been inseparable for 20 years, face being torn apart. Se-ha is physically disabled but brilliant; Dong-goo has an intellectual disability (often interpreted/portrayed with autistic traits) and is physically strong. They complement each other perfectly.
In the film, Lee Kwang-soo plays the character of Park Dong-goo. He vividly portrayed his character’s childlike innocence, distinct behavioral traits, and unwavering loyalty to his ‘brother.’ He delivered a heartfelt performance to the audience, highlighting his emotional depth.
8. Oh Jung-se
- K-drama Title: “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” (사이코지만 괜찮아) – 2020
- Character: Moon Sang Tae
“It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” explores trauma, healing, and unconventional family bonds, and Moon Sang-tae’s unique perspective at its core. Moon Sang-tae, an aspiring illustrator with autism, was portrayed by veteran actor Oh Jung-se. In the story, Sang-tae lives with his younger brother, who works as a caregiver in the psychiatric ward. Their lives intertwine with a female author for children who has a dark past.
Korean actor Oh Jung-se meticulously portrays Sang-tae. It reflected in his portrayal of the character’s unique routines, anxieties, and genuine affection for his younger brother. The actor’s portrayal of Moon Sang-tae is remembered as one of the most compelling models of autism. For his outstanding performance, the actor received numerous awards.
9. Tang Jun-sang
- Film Title: “Move to Heaven” (무브 투 헤븐: 나는 유품정리사입니다) – 2021
- Character: Han Geu Ru
Korean young actor, Tang Jun-sang, received recognition for his portrayal of Geu-ru, a young man with Asperger’s syndrome (a form of ASD) in the 2021 movie “Move to Heaven.”
Geu-ru works as a trauma cleaner with his father. And after his father’s death, his uncle, a former convict, steps into his life and becomes his guardian. Together, they work as trauma cleaners, uncovering the stories of the deceased, learning about life, death, and complex family issues.
He skillfully brought Geu-ru’s thorough routines, authentic communication style, difficulty with social cues, literal interpretations, and deep empathy, creating a memorable and genuine character that resonated with many.
10. Park Eun-bin
- K-drama Title: “Extraordinary Attorney Woo” (이상한 변호사 우영우) – 2022
- Character: Woo Young Woo
Remember that amazing hit K-drama, “Extraordinary Attorney Woo?” The story explores Woo Young-woo, a rookie lawyer with autism and an exceptionally high IQ, as she navigates personal growth, relationships, and the societal prejudices she faces.
Park Eun-bin’s portrayal as Woo Young-woo was fantastic, as she really brought Woo Young-woo to life. She studied her mannerisms, speech patterns, and emotions so much that her character felt both unique and relatable to everyone. Her performance also helped people understand autism better and start having more positive conversations about it. For her outstanding performance in “Extraordinary Attorney Woo,” Park Eun-bin won her first Daesang at the 2023 Baeksang Arts Awards.
What are your thoughts on these Korean actors who play the characters with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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