Jung Woo Sung, who recently attempted to pivot from personal controversies back to his primary profession, is facing sharp criticism regarding his performance in his latest project. The Disney+ series 'Made in Korea', which premiered on December 24 last year, centers on the clash between Baek Gi Tae (Hyun Bin), a man striving for power in the 1970s, and Jang Geon Young (Jung Woo Sung), a prosecutor pursuing him with relentless tenacity.
Since its release, the series has achieved notable commercial success, maintaining the number 1 spot on Disney+ in South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan for 14 consecutive days. However, the reception of the two lead actors has been starkly contrasted. Hyun Bin has garnered widespread acclaim for his dedication to the role, including a 13kg weight gain to enhance his screen presence. Audiences have praised his "commanding and weightier" performance, noting that he has successfully evolved into a formidable character actor.
In contrast, Jung Woo Sung's portrayal has been met with significant public disappointment. Despite a career spanning 31 years since his debut in 1994 with 'The Fox with Nine Tails', viewers have described his acting in the series as "stilted" and "unnatural." Netizens have voiced their concerns through comments such as, "I was surprised by the lack of depth in his performance," and "His acting feels particularly underwhelming when compared directly with Hyun Bin's."
This backlash comes as a surprise given Jung Woo Sung’s historically decorated career. He previously earned Best Actor at the 40th Blue Dragon Film Award for 'Innocent Witness' and the Grand Prize at the 55th Baeksang Arts Awards. His recent successes in 'Hunt' and the box-office hit '12.12: The Day' had further solidified his reputation as a "trusted" actor. Critics suggest that for Jung Woo Sung, 'Made in Korea' has become a "poisoned chalice"—a high-profile opportunity that, rather than aiding his return, has highlighted his perceived shortcomings alongside a highly skilled ensemble cast.
With 'Made in Korea' already confirming a second season for release later in 2026, industry insiders are watching closely to see if Jung Woo Sung can refine his performance and successfully regain the public's trust in his acting prowess.
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