Disney+ original series ‘Made in Korea’ has emerged as the platform’s most-watched Korean original across the Asia-Pacific region, signaling a rare crossover success that extends well beyond the domestic market.
According to official Disney+ data released in January, ‘Made in Korea’ ranked No. 1 in total viewership among all Korean originals in the Asia-Pacific region. The series outperformed other high profile titles, including ‘Trigger,’ ‘Hyper Knife,’ and ‘Fine: Country Bumpkins,’ cementing its position as one of Disney+’s strongest regional performers to date.
A Political Thriller Rooted in Korean History
Set in 1970s South Korea, ‘Made in Korea’ unfolds against the backdrop of rapid industrialization and political turbulence. The series follows a man who turns the nation itself into a profit engine and the prosecutor determined to expose him. Actor Hyun Bin stars as Baek Ki-tae, a Central Intelligence Agency officer living a double life while navigating power, secrecy, and ambition. Jung Woo-sung plays Jang Geon-young, a relentless prosecutor whose pursuit of the truth drives the narrative into increasingly dangerous territory.
The pairing of two of Korea’s most recognizable film stars added immediate weight to the project, but the series’ reception suggests its success was driven as much by storytelling as by star power.
Strong Global Response Beyond Korea
While ‘Made in Korea’ topped domestic charts upon release, its Asia-Pacific performance marked a significant milestone for Disney+ Korea originals. The platform noted particularly strong engagement in multiple territories, indicating sustained viewer interest rather than a short-term spike.
The series premiered on December 24 and concluded its first season with the release of its final episode on January 14. Since then, viewership has continued to trend upward, fueled by word of mouth and critical discussion surrounding its themes of power, morality, and national identity.
Season 2 Already in Production
Following the strong performance of Season 1, Disney+ has confirmed that Season 2 is currently in production, with a release planned for the second half of 2026. Industry observers note that ‘Made in Korea’ represents a growing shift in global appetite for Korean content that goes beyond romance and genre spectacle, instead spotlighting politically charged narratives grounded in historical context.
As Disney+ continues to expand its Asian originals slate, ‘Made in Korea’ now stands as a benchmark demonstrating how locally rooted stories can achieve wide regional resonance when executed with scale, precision, and narrative depth.