The global appetite for Korean storytelling continues to grow, and a new flagship series is poised to become a major talking point. "Made in Korea," a Disney+ original drama available to U.S. audiences on Hulu, has generated significant buzz ahead of its premiere and has already secured an early renewal for a second season. This move signals strong confidence in the series, which blends high-profile talent with a bold approach to historical fiction.
A Cinematic Dive into a Turbulent Era
Set against the backdrop of the 1970s, one of South Korea's most turbulent periods, "Made in Korea" weaves fictional characters into real historical events. The narrative explores themes of corruption, ambition, and the heavy consequences of power. The series features two of the country's biggest stars: Hyun Bin plays Baek Kitae, a KCIA agent in Busan who leads a double life as a smuggler, while Jung Woo-sung portrays Jang Geunyoung, a relentless prosecutor determined to bring him down.
Directed by Woo Min-ho, known for acclaimed films like "Harbin" and "Inside Men," the production promises a cinematic quality. "In Season 1, it consists of six episodes, and each episode will feel like cinema," Hyun Bin remarked, highlighting the quality invested in the project.
Blurring the Lines Between Fact and Fiction
What sets "Made in Korea" apart is its deliberate narrative style. Rather than maintaining a clear separation, the series intentionally intertwines its fictional characters with actual historical milestones. Jung Woo-sung explained the creative risk, noting that typically, characters are kept at a distance from real events to emphasize fiction. "'Made in Korea' takes on a bold attempt in really intertwining actual historical events, but also with these fictional characters," he said.
This ambitious storytelling is part of a larger wave of Korean and Asian content finding worldwide audiences. Disney has built an Asia-Pacific original lineup of more than 155 titles in the past five years, including successful Korean productions like "Moving" and "Nine Puzzles."
The Global Rise of Korean Narrative Power
The success of series like "Made in Korea" is no accident. Luke Kang, president of The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific, noted the explosive growth of Korean and Japanese storytelling, which has gained popularity not only in North America and Asia but also in Latin American countries like Brazil and Mexico.
Hyun Bin attributes this global resonance to a unique blend of elements. "I think Korea's creativity and our unique and own sentimentality and history along with the technological advancements, as well as intense tenacity, has all led to the development of Korean storytelling as we see it today," he reflected.
Jung Woo-sung added that this sense of pride in a distinct Korean voice is a relatively recent development. He recalled an era where the industry focused on emulating Hollywood, with doubts about ever reaching the same level. "That mindset ultimately pushed the industry to experiment and evolve," he said, resulting in a hybrid style that mixes Western elements with a very Asian core to create something uniquely Korean.
"Made in Korea" premieres exclusively on Disney+ and Hulu on December 24. With its early second-season renewal, compelling premise, and star power, the series is set to be a cornerstone of the ongoing global Korean content wave.
