Disney Plus has released a handful of hits this year. From action-packed crime thrillers to mysterious period pieces, the dramas carried Disney to the top. Now, K-Drama lovers can indulge in one more suspenseful storyline before the year ends through Made In Korea.
Featuring top stars like Hyun Bin, Jung Woo Sung, Jung Sung Il and Roh Jae Won, Made In Korea is a series worth binge-watching into the new year, especially now that there is a confirmed season 2 on the way. Baek Ki Tae (played by Hyun Bin) is a man determined to turn the nation into his own cash cow with his greed at the forefront. However, he is met with his biggest hurdle, Prosecutor Jang Geon Yeong (Jung Woo Sung), a tenacious man who hunts Baek Ki Tae down with relentless resolve.
Based on episodes one and two alone, Hyun Bin puts on an impressive performance as Baek Ki Tae, juggling between Japanese, English and Korean dialogue. His bold, calculated and powerful character is a force to be reckoned with on-screen and pulls in viewers. Despite his greedy nature, we can’t help but enjoy his character’s story. Alongside veteran actor Jung Woo Sung, the two have a great cat-and-mouse chemistry that is engaging to watch. Jung Woo Sung’s character can be frustrating at times as he always seems to be drawn towards the next big clue or plot twist, only to be suddenly stripped away from it, toying with viewers’ emotions.
The drama highlights historical events with heavy accuracy and dialogue between characters. It might not be for everyone, but that doesn’t make it dull, and the series doesn’t fall flat. Despite the political background, these events shook Korea in the early 1970s, such as the YS-11 plane hijacking or the introduction of the black-market drug trade and smuggled goods. The reflection of real events was well-portrayed and became an engaging learning experience overall, as these events played pivotal roles in Korea’s development and shaped significant parts of Korea’s economy.
No budget was spared in producing quality action scenes. From thought-out retro sets, samurai sword fights, and lawless gun slinging, these moments collectively draw in lovers of action-packed genres. Although there are some dead-end scenes, such as Baek Ki Tae coming face to face with Jang Geon Yeong, but something stops him from taking him out, there is always a sense of something coming around the corner and keeps us on our toes.
At times, Made In Korea feels like its homage to the 1970s is a slight mimicry of American culture, with men’s flashy suits, slicked back hair and cigar-scented hands paired with decorated women sporting sassy attitudes. However, these details are representative of Korea’s growing society at that time, and the series offers a genuine dive into an unknown but emerging lifestyle. Alongside costumes, set designs and props, the scoring also transported viewers directly into the 70s. From their guns and phones to their clothing and home decor, it has a timely feel that can’t be missed and the cast each match the era nicely. The music carries a cool, sly-spy, jazzy undertone that sometimes comes across as cheesy for certain action scenes, but keeps viewers connected and reminds us of that era.
Without spoiling too much, Made In Korea isn’t just a run-of-the-mill thriller; it definitely contains its own unique villains and plot devices that keep us latched and wanting more. As the episodes go on, the action becomes more large-scale and the characters who pose a threat from the start show just how dangerous they can really be. Seeing Jung Sung Il’s tyrannical character Cheon Seok Joong become more of an obstacle and Roh Jae Won’s dubious character Pyo Hak Su transformation only entices us for what is to come in season two.
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Overall, the series hits the nail on the head when it comes to action. For those who are looking to enjoy a period piece without it all being about the Joseon dynasty, this is a story that dabbles in the past with modern thrills. It opens a door to a part of Korea that is rarely highlighted in such detail, and fans of history may enjoy learning something new about Korea’s shift into a more Western society. Like any timely drama, it may be a bit dialogue-heavy but Made In Korea just may be the hottest year-end blockbuster that you won’t want to miss. (8/10)
