New stills from Disney+’s upcoming series 'Made in Korea' are heightening anticipation for the show with a star-studded cast.
On December 3, the production company released nine still images conveying the series’ atmosphere. Images show Baek Gi Tae (played by Hyun Bin) standing alert in a suit among a crowd, hinting at his ambition, while Jang Gun Young (played by Jung Woo Sung) concentrates on surveillance equipment while pursuing a crime syndicate, demonstrating his resolute dedication. Scenes of the two facing each other foreshadow an imminent clash.
Other characters include Baek Gi Hyun (played by Woo Do Hwan), a military academy graduate taking a different path from his brother; Bae Geum Ji (Jo Yeo Jeong), in a striking hot pink dress symbolizing her influential, manipulative presence; investigator Oh Ye Jin (played by Seo Eun Su); and Japanese crime figure Ikeda Yuji (Won Ji An). Key figures around Baek Gi Tae, including Presidential Security Chief Cheon Seok Joong (Jung Sung Il) and Central Intelligence Bureau colleagues, each reveal personal ambitions that heighten tension.
Even before its first episode airs, the highly anticipated Disney+ drama 'Made in Korea,' boasting a star-studded cast and a production budget of around 70 billion KRW (approx. 47.8 million USD), has already confirmed a second season, capturing widespread industry attention.
Previously, at the 'Disney+ Original Preview 2025' event held on November 13 at the Cinderella Ballroom of Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, Disney+ surprised attendees by announcing the production of 'Made in Korea' Season 2. The series stars Hyun Bin, Jung Woo Sung, and Woo Do Hwan. The confirmation of a follow-up season before the premiere of Season 1 quickly became a hot topic.
Actor Park Jae Min, who presided over the event, shared, “'Made in Korea' Season 2 has already been confirmed. It is scheduled to premiere in the second half of next year.” The series will follow a seasonal format, reaching global audiences.
Directed by Woo Min Ho, known for films like 'Inside Men,' 'The Man Standing Next,' and 'Harbin,' the series is set in the turbulent 1970s. It follows Baek Gi Tae, a man driven by ambition for wealth and power, and prosecutor Jang Gun Young, who risks everything to stop him, as they confront major events that shook the era.
Woo Do Hwan praised the director as the project’s biggest draw, saying, “I was attracted to the opportunity to work with him again, which led me to join the project.” Hyun Bin added, “The strength of the script was also very appealing. It blends fiction with the 1970s historical backdrop to create a fresh and solid story, which was the biggest factor in my decision to participate.”
Director Woo explained that he drew on his previous works to recreate the 1970s on screen. “I referenced my films 'Inside Men,' 'The Drug King,' and 'The Man Standing Next.' All depict characters pursuing twisted desires and convictions, which allowed me to revisit themes from my past works through 'Made in Korea'.”
Hyun Bin expressed his excitement for global audiences, saying, “It’s a great joy to present this story as a series rather than a movie alongside Director Woo. I hope viewers spend a passionate winter with our show.”
When asked why audiences should watch the series, Jung Woo Sung simply said, “Because it’s fun,” while Woo Do Hwan said, “Because it’s Made in Korea.” Hyun Bin added, “Watch and judge for yourselves,” and Director Woo summarized the essence as a “powerful character-driven drama.”
Kim Won Guk, CEO of production company HYBE MediaCorp, expressed exceptional confidence in the 70 billion KRW project. At the Disney+ Open House in May, he said, “We rarely promote our projects. Only when a truly strong work comes out. But for Made in Korea, with Disney’s outstanding support, we’ve poured all our production capabilities into it. It’s going to be a very powerful drama. You can definitely look forward to it. When Made in Korea premieres, it could shift the landscape of Korean K-drama.”
A poster titled "Era of Prohibition" released on December 1 features silhouetted figures emerging from smoke, with a looming image of Baek Gi Tae symbolizing the ruthless pursuit of power, alongside the serious expressions of Cheon Seok Joong, Pyo Hak Soo, and Hwang Guk Pyung, highlighting complex relationships. The tagline, “The only power not prohibited in the Era of Prohibition,” signals intense struggles for authority in a time of strict surveillance and control.
Even before the first episode airs, netizens are buzzing with anticipation. Comments on the trailer include: “Looks so good… Hyun Bin, Jung Woo Sung, and the rest of the cast are amazing,” “Instead of going out for Christmas, I’ll just watch this at home,” “So excited!!!,” “Just wow,” “With HYBE, Woo Min Ho, and Disney, it’s a must-watch,” and “Being directed by the 'Inside Men' director makes the power noir even more exciting.”
Made in Korea consists of six episodes. Disney+ will release episodes 1 and 2 on December 24, two more on December 31, followed by one episode each on January 7 and January 14, 2026.
SEE ALSO: Park Seo Joon reveals he gets criticism about his appearance “Not fit for a leading role”
SHARE
