Imagine a security agent who should be protecting national security but is selling something darker only to get more power and wealth. That man exists in “Made in Korea,” a must-watch Korean drama this December 2025 starring A-list actors like Hyun Bin and Jung Woo Sung. Learn more about this series below.
“Made in Korea” (메이드 인 코리아) Korean Drama 2025
The Korean drama “Made in Korea” is a period political crime thriller with stunning cinematography. This series will give you an unforgettable experience like a cinematic film right in your living room.
Storyline
Behind his clean public image, Baek Ki-tae, a high-ranking KCIA agent, craves power and money. He secretly runs a dark business that fulfills his great ambition.
Jang Geon-young is a determined prosecutor. He won’t play the game, even when powerful people urge him to remain silent. While investigating the criminal network and the officials who protect it, he meets Baek Ki-tae. Their rivalry sets the stage for a dangerous battle between ambition and justice.
Its first episode tells a suspenseful plane hijacking, which captivates viewers from the very first minutes. The story is inspired by a true event that took place in the 1970s—a time marked by fear and political tension. These events were also depicted in the Netflix film “Good News.”
Cast Lineup & Characters
The Korean drama “Made in Korea” feels like a star-driven movie. Each star brings such strong characters that you can sense the conflict. Meet the cast lineup of “Made in Korea” below.
- Hyun Bin as Baek Ki-tae. A KCIA agent who builds a secret empire through smuggling and power.
- Jung Woo-sung as Jang Geon-young. A relentless prosecutor who won’t compromise, even when the case turns personal.
- Woo Do-hwan as Baek Ki-hyeon. He’s Baek Ki-tae’s younger brother, who is an elite military officer.
- Cho Yeo-jeong as Bae Geum-ji. A powerful madam in an exclusive Gisaeng house where powerful people gather.
- Seo Eun-soo as Oh Ye-jin. A key investigator is working closely with Prosecutor Jang.
- Won Ji-an as Choi Yu-ji / Yuji Ikeda. A figure tied to cross-border influence and identity.
- Jung Sung-il plays Cheon Seok-jeong, a top security official whose position puts Ki-tae close to power.
- Roh Jae-won as Pyo Hak-su, Ki-tae’s peer in KCIA, who’s caught between loyalty and survival.
- Park Yong-woo as Hwang Guk-pyong. A senior KCIA agent who can either protect Ki-tae or end him.
- Kang Gil-woo as Kang Dae-il. A key figure in a gang in Busan who acts as the right-hand man of the faction’s leader.
Production Details
Director and scriptwriter Woo Min-ho helmed “Made in Korea.” He’s a seasoned director and scriptwriter for political crime films like “Harbin” and “The Man Standing Next.” This show marks his big move into series storytelling.
Park Eun-yo, known for her movie “A Normal Family” (2023) and K-drama “The Silent Sea,” penned the drama’s script,
With a reported budget of around 48 billion KRW, the production aims to deliver a cinematic feel. The period details, the scale of locations and sets, and the sense of a living 1970s world feel so real.
This series has a big potential to captivate viewers around the world. Season 2 of the series is already in discussion, hinting Season 1 is only the beginning of something greater.
Release Date & Where to Watch
The HULU original Korean drama series, “Made in Korea,” premiered with the first two episodes on December 24, 2025. You can stream it on Disney+ in many regions and on HULU in the United States.
Early streaming shows the series ranked #1 on Disney+ charts in South Korea on December 25, 2025. With its two episodes, the series earned an IMDb score of 8.3/10.
Reasons to Watch and Things to Anticipate
The story takes place in the 1970s. It was a crucial and tense period in South Korea. People felt a lot of pressure. Even a friendly handshake could feel dangerous.
In this series, two grand ideas are at play, and the main character is hard to define.
Jang Geon-young sees justice as urgent, but it comes with a cost. He keeps fighting for what he believes. Even when powerful people try to stop him.
Baek Ki-tae is not an ordinary villain. He changes roles like a chameleon. Sometimes he acts like a patriot. Other times, he helps criminals. This makes the story exciting. You will want to know what he does next.
The collaboration of Hyun Bin and Jung Woo-sung is excellent. In addition, Hyun Bin’s return as a villain after his role in “The Negotiation” (2018) is something you shouldn’t miss out!
The first season of “Made in Korea” delivers a strong narrative throughout its six episodes. The storyline moves so fast like a movie. You’ll be sitting on the edge of your seat, feeling all the tension, and wondering what will happen next.
When You See the Deal, You Can’t Unsee It
“Made in Korea” will grab your attention.
You’ll feel Baek Ki-tae’s calm and sly natures that are both overwhelming and dangerous.
You’ll watch Jang Geon-young’s strong determination, as if he has nothing to lose.
It will leave you with an intriguing question about what “winning” really means in a rigged era.
If you were in their world, what would you protect? Would it be power, or the truth? Drop your answers in the comments below.
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