Fans of South Korean dramas are in for a treat this festive season, as Hyun Bin returns to television in the highly anticipated series, Made in Korea. Set to premiere on December 24, 2025, on Disney+, this political thriller transports viewers to the tumultuous 1970s in Korea. This marks Hyun Bin’s first return to the small screen since his acclaimed role in the 2019 Netflix series, Crash Landing on You, and his debut as a husband and father.
The narrative follows the character Baek Gi-tae, who operates under the guise of a Central Intelligence Agency agent while engaging in the illicit drug trade. His dual life unravels when he catches the attention of tenacious prosecutor Jang Geon-yeong, igniting a fierce rivalry that promises to captivate audiences.
Character Development and Historical Context
In a recent interview, the leading cast, including Jung Sung-il and Roh Jae-won, discussed their motivations for joining the project and how director Woo Min-ho enriched their performances. Hyun Bin reflected on his previous collaboration with Woo in the film Harbin, emphasizing the creative freedom he experienced in Made in Korea. He stated, “While Harbin required me to portray a historical figure, this series offers a fictional storyline that allows for more experimentation.”
The actors also immersed themselves in the period’s atmosphere. Roh Jae-won mentioned that he utilized various resources, including historical films like The Man Standing Next, to help him understand the essence of the era. He added, “The sets were so well constructed that they provided valuable insight into the time.”
Intriguing Character Dynamics
The show’s character interactions play a pivotal role in driving the plot. Jung Sung-il, who portrays Chief Secretary Cheon Seok-jeong, described the psychological tension between Ki-tae and Gun-yeong as a highlight of the series. “Maintaining that level of psychological tension allows for thrilling moments on screen,” he noted, emphasizing the complexity of their adversarial relationship.
In discussing Ki-tae’s feelings towards Gun-yeong, Hyun Bin hinted at a mixture of animosity and respect. “While they are fundamentally opposed, Ki-tae recognizes Gun-yeong‘s unwavering principles, which makes him someone Ki-tae secretly admires,” he explained.
As the series unfolds, the characters’ relationships evolve. Jung Sung-il noted that his character becomes increasingly dynamic as he forms a bond with Ki-tae. “Our chemistry developed both on and off screen, reflecting the evolving nature of our characters,” he said.
The cast expressed excitement about the prospects of a second season, which has already been greenlit. Jung Woo-sung acknowledged the pressure that comes with this early renewal but remained optimistic about the audience’s response to the first season. “We believe in what we’ve created and hope it resonates with viewers,” he stated.
As the interview concluded, Hyun Bin humorously remarked, “I would like to cautiously say that I think season 2 is going to be even better than season 1.”
With its rich storytelling, complex characters, and historical backdrop, Made in Korea promises to be a compelling addition to the K-drama landscape this holiday season.
