A gritty face-off set in 1970s South Korea
Disney+ is closing the year with a heavy-hitting Korean crime drama. Made in Korea, a dark noir thriller set in the politically charged 1970s, brings two of Korean cinema’s biggest stars — Hyun Bin and Jung Woo-sung — into a high-stakes battle of power, morality, and survival.
The series launches on December 24 with a two-episode premiere, setting the tone for what promises to be a tense, morally complex ride.
Hyun Bin’s double life at the centre of the story
Hyun Bin stars as Baek Kitae, an ambitious KCIA agent navigating a dangerous double life. By day, he’s a government operative serving the state. By night, he runs an illegal operation, using his underworld connections to consolidate influence, protect his younger brother, and quietly funnel money back to the agency.
It’s a role that pushes Hyun Bin into darker territory — blending political power, crime, and personal loyalty in an era defined by secrecy and corruption.
Jung Woo-sung plays the man who won’t bend
Standing in his way is Jung Woo-sung as Jang Geonyoung, an incorruptible prosecutor determined to bring Kitae down. While others compromise, Geonyoung refuses to bend — setting up a classic clash between ambition and principle.
Adding another emotional layer is Woo Dohwan, who plays Kitae’s brother Baek Kihyun, a character caught between family loyalty and the fallout of his brother’s choices.
Strong creative backing behind the series
Made in Korea boasts a solid creative lineup:
- Writers: Park Eunkyo (Mother, The Silent Sea) and Park Joonseok
- Director: Woo Minho (Inside Men, The Man Standing Next, Harbin)
- Production: Hive Media Corp
With Woo Minho at the helm, expectations are high for a grounded, politically sharp narrative rather than a glossy thriller.
Release schedule and Season 2 confirmation
After the two-episode debut on December 24, the rollout continues as follows:
- December 31: Two more episodes
- Weekly releases until January 14: Final episodes
Disney+ has already renewed the series for Season 2, which is currently in production — signaling strong confidence in the project even before its premiere.
Part of Disney+’s expanding K-drama push
Made in Korea joins Disney+’s growing Korean content slate, which includes 2025 titles like Unmasked, Nine Puzzles, Hyper Knife, Low Life, The Murky Stream, and Tempest.
Looking ahead, the platform has also lined up major 2026 releases such as Gold Land (Park Boyoung), Perfect Crown (IU and Byeon Wooseok), and the return of A Shop for Killers with Lee Dongwook and Kim Hyejun.
Final words
With its noir setting, political intrigue, and heavyweight cast, Made in Korea looks positioned to be one of Disney+’s most ambitious Korean dramas yet. The Hyun Bin–Jung Woo-sung showdown alone makes it a must-watch — and with a second season already locked in, this story is clearly just getting started.
