Lance Joseph Martinez

Hyun Bin, Jung Woo-sung Clash in Disney+ Series ‘Made in Korea’ This Christmas

Article (news)

<p>A brand-new period drama is poised to take over the small screen!</p><p>A day before Christmas, <strong>Disney+</strong> is gearing up to unwrap its newest original series, <strong><em>Made in Korea</em></strong>, a period drama directed by acclaimed filmmaker <strong>Woo Min-ho</strong>, the creative force behind <strong><em>The Man Standing Next</em></strong> and <strong><em>Harbin.</em></strong></p><div><strong></strong></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1766150275986made in korea hyun bin jung woo sung.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Hyun Bin and Jung Woo Sung | Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Company</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>Slated for release on<strong> December 24</strong>, <em>Made in Korea </em>boasts a powerhouse, star-studded cast led by <strong>Hyun Bin</strong> and <strong>J</strong><strong>ung Woo-sung</strong>. Hyun Bin takes on the role of <strong>Baek Ki-tae</strong>, an ambitious KCIA section chief consumed by his hunger for wealth and power, while Jung Woo-sung portrays <strong>Jang Gun-young</strong>, a Busan prosecutor defined by obsessive focus and unyielding tenacity.</p><p>Joining the two headliners are some of South Korea’s most notable talents, including<strong> Woo Do-hwan</strong>,<strong> Seo Eun-su</strong>,<strong> Won Ji-an</strong>,<strong> Jung Sung-il</strong>,<strong> Kang Gil-woo, Noh Jae-won, </strong>and <strong>Park Yong-woo</strong>, adding further depth to the highly anticipated series.</p><p>Set against the turbulent backdrop of the 1970s, Made in Korea follows the intense clash between Baek Ki-tae and Jang Gun-young. Baek Ki-tae (Hyun Bin) is described as an ambitious figure who “thirsts for wealth and power,” while Jang Gun-young (Jung Woo-sung) is a prosecutor driven by what the series calls “animalistic instinct and fearsome tenacity.” As a major incident unfolds, Jang Gun-young throws everything he has into stopping Baek Ki-tae at all costs.</p><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17661050808233.jpeg" style="width:700px;display:block" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="true">Woo Do-hwan: Plays Baek Ki-hyun, a military officer and graduate of the Korea Military Academy | Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Company<br/><br/></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17661052470234.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false">Seo Eun-su: Plays Oh Ye-jin, an investigator at the Busan District Prosecutors&#x27; Office | Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Company</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>Surrounding the central rivalry is a colorful ensemble of characters that shape the narrative, including lobbyist Choi Yoo-ji (Won Ji-an), investigator Oh Ye-jin (Seo Eun-su), Bae Geum-ji (Cho Yeo-jeong), and Chief Secretary Cheon Seok-joong (Jung Sung-il).</p><p>During the show&#x27;s press conference, director Woo Min-ho was asked how <em>Made in Korea</em> differs from his previous works, particularly <em>Harbin</em>, which, while also a period piece, was produced as a feature film. The filmmaker noted that transitioning from a feature film to a Disney+ series offered a very different experience, which he and lead star Hyun Bin found even more enjoyable this time around.</p><p>Reflecting on their past collaboration, Woo shared, “<em>Harbin</em> was a very difficult project for me and the actors. Because we went through that hardship together, we didn’t have to walk on eggshells for this second project. We were honest and spoke freely on set. Among my works, this might be the most fun one.&quot;</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17661053125405.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false">Won Ji-an: Plays Ikeda Yuji, a powerful figure in the Japanese Yakuza | Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Company<br/><br/></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17661054101436.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Jung Sung-il: Plays Cheon Seok-jung, the Chief of Presidential Security | Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Company</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>When discussions turned to the series&#x27; highlights, both the director and cast consistently pointed to its cinematic quality and meticulous production standards—from costumes and makeup to props and overall visual execution.</p><p>“We filmed this like a movie. Just because it’s an OTT series doesn’t mean we changed our standards. We focused and selected scenes more carefully than a movie because it’s a six-part series. The quality will be impeccable,” Woo Min-ho emphasized.</p><p>Seo Eun-su, who plays investigator Oh Ye-jin, echoed this sentiment and spoke about how the production details helped her fully embody her role. “The makeup and props made me feel like I was wearing a mask and becoming the character Oh Ye-jin. It gave me a lot of confidence,” she shared.</p><p>As a period drama rooted firmly in the 1970s, <em>Made in Korea </em>places significant focus on recreating the look and atmosphere of <strong>Busan</strong> during that era. According to Woo Min-ho, one of the most challenging aspects of production was ensuring authenticity, especially since modern Korea has undergone rapid development that erased many visual traces of the past.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17661055443447.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false">Kang Gil-woo: Plays Kang Dae-il, the action leader of the Man-jae gang | Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Company<br/><br/></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17661055814828.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Noh Jae-won: Plays Pyo Hak-su, a KCIA Section Chief | Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Company</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>“Recreating 1970s Busan was the main goal. Korea developed so fast that few traces of that era remain. We filmed in Kobe, Japan, for a month because that port city still has traces of the 1970s,” the director explained.</p><p>To further enhance realism, the production also traveled overseas for specific scenes tied to historical events. “For the Vietnam War scenes, we filmed in Thailand,” Woo added, underscoring the team’s commitment to accuracy and atmosphere.</p><p>On a more personal level, the actors revealed that they underwent physical transformations to better portray their characters. Hyun Bin, in particular, shared that he had to significantly change his physique, marking the heaviest weight he has ever reached in his career.</p><p>“In my previous work (<em>Harbin</em>), the director asked me to have no ‘finish muscles,’ so I lost a lot of weight. For <em>Made in Korea</em>, I gained about 13–14kg. I wanted the character to have a sense of intimidation suitable for someone in the KCIA. It’s the biggest my body has ever been in my acting career,” Hyun Bin revealed.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17661057048619.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false">Park Yong-woo: Plays Hwang Guk-pyeong, Director of the KCIA (Central Intelligence Agency) | Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Company <br/><br/></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/176610573418410.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Director Woo Min-ho | Photo courtesy of Disney+</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>For Jung Woo-sung, playing a prosecutor was familiar territory, having previously portrayed Han Kang-sik<strong> </strong>in the 2017 crime film <strong><em>The King.</em></strong> However, he clarified that his character in <em>Made in Korea </em>is fundamentally different.</p><p>“Han Kang-sik in <em>The King </em>was someone whose private and public desires were blurred; he wanted to own the organization. Jang Gun-young in this series has a family history involving his father and wants to be a ‘just’ person to overcome that shame. He tries to act according to his duty rather than possessing the office,” Jung Woo-sung explained.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17661058218841.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false">Hyun Bin: Plays Baek Ki-tae, a KCIA Section Chief driven by a desire for power | Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Company</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>Interestingly, director Woo Min-ho previously explored 1970s Busan in his 2018 film <strong><em>The Drug King</em></strong>. Addressing comparisons, he was quick to clarify that <em>M</em><em>ade in Korea</em> is not a spin-off of that film, but rather a deeply personal project inspired by a different motivation.</p><p>“It is not a spin-off. However, I learned a lot from that movie. This story is a tribute to my parents’ generation in the 70s. I wanted to explore where Korea’s unique, dynamic energy came from,” the director said.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17661058543042.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false">Jung Woo-sung: Plays Jang Gun-young, a Busan prosecutor with obsessive tenacity | Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Company</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>As the release date approaches, the cast and director shared heartfelt messages inviting viewers to tune in during the holiday season. “I hope many people enjoy <em>Made in Korea</em> starting December 24th. Please spend the end of the year with our series,” Hyun Bin said. </p><p>Jung Woo-sung added, “I sincerely hope Made in Korea can heat up your year-end.”</p><p>Director Woo Min-ho concluded with a reflective note: “Exactly one year after <em>Harbin</em>, I am back. I hope this serves as a fun gift for Christmas and New Year’s.”</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/176610588204412.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">The whole cast of &#x27;Made in Korea&#x27; | Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Company</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong><em>Made in Korea will premiere on Disney+ with its first two episodes dropping on Wednesday, December 24, followed by weekly releases every Wednesday thereafter. A second season is in the works. </em></strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Photos courtesy of <strong>The Walt Disney Company / Disney+</strong></p>

<p>A day before Christmas, Disney+ is gearing up to unwrap its newest original series, "Made in Korea," a six-episode period drama directed by acclaimed filmmaker Woo Min-ho, starring Hyun Bin and Jung Woo-sung.</p>

A day before Christmas, Disney+ is gearing up to unwrap its newest original series, "Made in Korea," a six-episode period drama directed by acclaimed filmmaker Woo Min-ho, starring Hyun Bin and Jung Woo-sung.

Hyun Bin, Jung Woo-Sung Clash in Disney+ Series ‘Made in Korea’ This Christmas

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Hyun Bin, Jung Woo-Sung Clash in Disney+ Series ‘Made in Korea’ This Christmas

Lance Joseph Martinez

Published December 19, 2025 08:00 PM PHT

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Updated December 19, 2025 09:32 PM PHT

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Woo Min-ho

Jung Woo-sung

Hyun Bin

Woo Do-hwan

Seo Eun-su

Won Ji-an

Jung Sung-il

Kang Gil-woo

Noh Jae-won

Park Yong-woo

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