Fans of Hyun Bin can anticipate an exciting holiday season as he makes his return to television in the new K-drama titled Made in Korea. This series marks his first appearance on-screen since the success of Crash Landing on You and his transition into family life as a husband and father. Set against the backdrop of the politically charged 1970s in Korea, Made in Korea promises a gripping narrative that intertwines power struggles and moral ambiguity.
Made in Korea is a political thriller available on Disney+, where Hyun Bin plays the role of Baek Gi-tae. Gi-tae is a complex antihero who poses as an agent for the country’s Central Intelligence Agency while secretly engaging in international drug trafficking. His illicit activities draw the attention of prosecutor Jang Geon-yeong, portrayed by Jung Sung-il, resulting in a riveting cat-and-mouse dynamic throughout the series.
Unpacking the Character Dynamics
In a recent interview with ScreenRant, the cast shared insights into their characters and the creative process behind the series. Hyun Bin noted the differences in working with director Woo Min-ho compared to their previous collaboration on Harbin. While Harbin was based on real events, Made in Korea allows for greater creative freedom with fictional narratives set against the historical backdrop.
“I had a lot more room to attempt different things and have a little bit more fun,” Hyun Bin explained. The actors immersed themselves in the 1970s setting by studying historical influences and relying on the authenticity of the production design. Roh Jae-won, who plays fellow KCIA agent Pyo Hak-su, emphasized the importance of the sets in helping him understand the era.
The complex dynamics between characters are a central aspect of the series. Jung Sung-il discussed the psychological tension between Gi-tae and Geon-yeong, highlighting the thrill of their interactions. “It’s thrilling to play with the doubt we feel about one another, and that chase as we play mind games,” he remarked.
Character Development and Future Prospects
As the narrative unfolds, character relationships evolve significantly. Hyun Bin elaborated on Gi-tae’s perspective on Geon-yeong, suggesting that beneath their adversarial relationship lies a begrudging respect. “Deep inside, he does have some kind of respect for Geon-yeong’s tenacity,” he stated. This complexity adds a rich layer to their rivalry.
The cast expressed enthusiasm for the script and their characters. Jung Sung-il found his character, Chief Secretary Cheon Seok-jeong, to be initially inexpressive but filled with underlying strength. Meanwhile, Roh Jae-won faced the challenge of portraying a character who frequently switches allegiances. He described his character as someone who is loyal to whoever is currently in front of him, reflecting a multifaceted personality.
As filming for a second season has already been confirmed, Jung Woo-sung acknowledged the pressure accompanying this early renewal. He emphasized the confidence the cast feels in their work, stating, “We believe in what we have created with season 1.”
In a light-hearted moment, Hyun Bin optimistically remarked, “I would like to cautiously say that I think season 2 is going to be even better than season 1.”
Made in Korea is set to premiere on December 24, 2025, and promises to deliver a compelling blend of drama, intrigue, and character exploration, appealing to fans of the genre and newcomers alike. The series not only showcases the talents of its cast but also highlights the rich historical context of Korea, making it a highly anticipated addition to the K-drama landscape.
