Disney+’s latest Korean original is gaining global traction as Hyun Bin delivers one of the most intense performances of his career.
Disney+’s new original series Made in Korea is already making waves just days after its release, climbing to No. 3 on global OTT rankings shortly after premiere. Set against the political and criminal underworld of 1970s Korea, the series has drawn attention not only for its cinematic atmosphere, but especially for Hyun Bin’s striking departure from his long-standing romantic hero image.
Released on December 24, Made in Korea centers on a dangerous power struggle between Baek Gi-tae, a high-ranking intelligence officer driven by ambition, and prosecutor Jang Geon-young, who relentlessly hunts him down. The two men stand on opposite sides of law and morality, forming the dramatic core of the six-episode series.
A Familiar Era, Elevated by Performance
Directed by Woo Min-ho, known for politically charged works such as Inside Men and The Man Standing Next, the series carries a visual and thematic DNA familiar to fans of Korean political thrillers. The smoky interiors, period costumes, and tense dialogue successfully recreate the atmosphere of 1970s Korea, even as some viewers note echoes of earlier films set in the same era.
Despite these similarities, Made in Korea distinguishes itself through character-driven storytelling rather than spectacle. The first two episodes unfold deliberately, prioritizing psychological buildup over immediate confrontation. While some audiences may find the pacing restrained, the slow burn allows the characters’ inner conflicts to surface.
Hyun Bin’s Coldest Role Yet
What truly anchors the series is Hyun Bin’s portrayal of Baek Gi-tae. Gone is the warm gaze often associated with his melodrama roles. Instead, he delivers a chilling performance marked by restraint, calculation, and barely concealed desire for power. His controlled expressions and icy composure have led many viewers to label this as the best performance of his career.
Opposite him, Jung Woo-sung plays prosecutor Jang Geon-young, a man fueled by obsession and moral certainty. While some critics feel his performance lacks the nuance of Hyun Bin’s, the contrast between the two characters reinforces the central conflict of ambition versus justice.
Mixed Reactions to a Real-Life Incident
One of the more debated elements is the inclusion of a storyline inspired by the real-life Yodo-go hijacking incident. While it helps establish Baek Gi-tae’s influence and reach, some viewers question whether it slows the narrative before the main drug-related conflict fully takes shape. Comparisons have also been drawn to Netflix’s recent film Good News, which explored a similar historical event, reducing the sense of novelty.
That said, audiences have found interest in how the two productions interpret the same incident from different perspectives, offering an unexpected point of comparison.
A Cast That Raises Expectations
Anticipation is also building for characters yet to take center stage. The supporting cast includes a powerful lineup featuring Woo Do-hwan, Park Yong-woo, Jo Yeo-jeong, Sung Sung-il, and Squid Game actors Roh Jae-won and Won Ji-an, alongside rising actress Seo Eun-soo. Japanese actor Lily Franky also joins the ensemble, adding an international dimension to the series.
Director Woo Min-ho has described Made in Korea as a “pure character drama,” emphasizing that the true tension lies in watching which man ultimately prevails.
The remaining episodes will roll out in stages, with episodes 3 and 4 premiering on December 31, followed by episode 5 on January 7 and the finale on January 14. With global attention already secured, all eyes are now on whether Made in Korea can maintain its momentum and fully deliver on its ambitious premise.