Hyun Bin opens up about his bold transformation, physical commitment, and why his latest role pushed him further than ever before.
A Role That Continues to Spark Conversation
Even after its first season concluded, Disney+’s original series “Made in Korea” remains a hot topic among viewers. Set against the backdrop of 1970s Korea, the drama traces the escalating conflict between an obsessive prosecutor and a powerful intelligence official whose ambition knows few limits.
Among the cast, it was Hyun Bin’s portrayal of Baek Gi-tae that left a particularly strong impression, earning praise for revealing a darker and more commanding side of the actor.
“Even at Home, the Reaction Was Different”
During a recent interview, Hyun Bin shared that the response he found most meaningful came from his own family. According to the actor, his wife, fellow actress Son Ye-jin, remarked that she had witnessed an unfamiliar side of him through this performance.
“That comment stayed with me,” Hyun Bin said. “It made me feel more confident about taking risks and trying things I hadn’t done before.”
For an actor long associated with romantic leads, the role marked a clear departure and offered a renewed sense of artistic freedom.
Beyond the Label of a Villain
Although Baek Gi-tae is often described as an antagonist, Hyun Bin emphasized that he did not approach the character with that mindset. Instead, he focused on portraying a man shaped by relentless ambition and a desire for control.
Under the guidance of director Woo Min-ho, the character was built with layers, combining intimidation with moments of calm and subtle humor. Rather than drawing from traditional villain archetypes, Hyun Bin leaned into contrasts, showing warmth in unexpected situations and restraint in moments of power.
A Deliberate Physical Transformation
Preparing for the role required more than emotional depth. Hyun Bin revealed that he gained around 14 kilograms to visually express Baek Gi-tae’s authority. This decision came shortly after he had lost significant weight for the film “Harbin”, making the shift even more dramatic.
“The institution he belonged to carried immense power,” Hyun Bin explained. “I wanted that weight to be felt the moment he appeared on screen.”
Seeing the final result, he said, reassured him that the physical transformation supported the character exactly as intended.
A Story That Questions Success and Morality
To Hyun Bin, “Made in Korea” is not simply a period drama or crime thriller. He described it as a story that challenges viewers to think about ambition, conscience, and the true cost of success.
“The drama does not tell you who is right or wrong,” he said. “It leaves room for discomfort and reflection.”
While rooted in a specific historical era, the themes resonate beyond time and place, echoing dilemmas that remain relevant today.
What Lies Ahead
With Season 2 already confirmed and filming underway, the story of Baek Gi-tae is far from over. If the first season focused on setting the stage, the next is expected to dive deeper into open conflict and consequence.
For Hyun Bin, “Made in Korea” represents a turning point, not only in how audiences perceive him, but in how he approaches his craft moving forward.