Why Can is Autistic, the full rewatch turned into a vaguely organized powerpoint. Please enjoy!
All of the text is also going RIGHT below this, for those who would prefer Walls Of Text
In which I will be rewatching the entire series in one day and putting together all the reasons I headcanon him as autistic, how it affects his relationships, and why I consider it to be one of the most important aspects of his romance with Tin. I just really wanted to try to do a deeper dive on this, okay? Because I find it fascinating and fantastic. Do I think it was deliberate on the part of the writers? Nope. Not in the slightest. I think they genuinely were just writing a 'stupid' character. Did the somehow turn into a fantastic autistic character? Yes. I am as shocked as you! Also, yes, I can easily watch a 13 episode show in one day. Heck, I'll probably watch this AND something else today. Hyperfixations, wheeee.
Autism/ADHD Symptoms and Can
RSD: the reaction to the soccer game, his focus on being 'stupid' and 'ugly' Perserveration: repeats the same statement, especially about emotions. No sense of time: constantly running late Struggles with emotions: especially of others, doesn't 'read the room', often asks for things to be spelled out for him Stimming: Messing his own hair up, shakes his whole body regularly, makes sounds that don't always connect to what he's doing/saying Expresses his emotions with his whole body: often moves or shifts or stands/sits when feeling strongly
Lacks a sense of social norms: Admitting he forgets to shower/brush his teeth, rubbing himself all over Tin and his car Externalizes his internal dialog: always speaks his thoughts and doesn't know when it's appropriate/inappropriate Lacks a sense of personal space Easily frustrated and frustrated that he gets gets easily frustrated Lack of executive function: rarely remembers to eat, regularly forgets important dates/times Black/white thinking: filial piety, love causes pain The worst liar ever, no literally
Struggles to label his own emotions: often admits he doesn't know what he's feeling or doesn't know why he's feeling that way This actually drives a lot of his character and his relationship, especially in later parts. Literal thinker: takes everything at face value and assumes that people are telling the truth, also very direct and straightforward Sensory: hates sunscreen in the last episode and has mixed reactions to being touched Also, the way he squeezes his own arms reminds me of deep pressure that we literally use to help kids with sensory issues Often doesn't recognize his bodily needs until they're at extremes Responds to strong emotions through obsessive actions: practicing for soccer when he's upset about Tin
I Don't Understand/Know
Can uses this phrase all the time. He uses it with feelings, situations, when he's struggling and sometimes just because. It's so important. Please let more characters just not know. This is also huge in his autism/ADHD. It's such a common feeling. He expresses it so openly and so beautifully. It's why many people consider him stupid. They're all wrong. Screw them.
Can and his friends
This is the biggest change from LBC because we lost Good, his closest friend. And that changes all his dynamics with his other friends as well as changing the nature of his friendships. In LBC2, most of his friends are jerks. They make fun of him, ignore him, call him stupid and ugly and generally don't show a lot of caring. PSA: Job is the worst. Honestly, his lack of friends really shows in this version. Most scenes with them involve them mocking him, ignoring him or rejecting him. This does not apply to Ae. Ae is good. He does his best. “Him not understanding it, doesn't mean he doesn't feel it.”
Can and Tin's Love and Autism
I truly think that their relationship would never have progressed if Can hadn't been autistic. They start talking because of Can's clumsiness and inability to let go on an issue. Can's difficulties with emotions forces Tin to be more upfront about his own as well as be more observant about Can's emotions. Can doesn't care about most social norms, doesn't have any real understanding about social class and status and all of that makes it easier for Tin and his relationship in the end. Can's constant honesty and trust is a game changer for Tin in terms of relationships both within his family and with others.
In Conclusion
Can is a surprisingly good and accurate case of an adult autistic character. I still don't think they did all of this on purpose. All credit goes to the actor (Plan) for his fantastic portrayal and interpretation.