Set in South Korea during the turbulent 1970s, Made in Korea centers on the intense rivalry between Baek Ki-tae (Hyun Bin), a man who turns the nation itself into a business model in his ruthless pursuit of power, and prosecutor Jang Geon-young (Jung Woo Sung), who relentlessly hunts him down. Against the backdrop of a politically volatile era, the drama delivers a tightly woven narrative filled with large-scale events and moral conflicts, drawing viewers into its dark and gripping world.
According to data from FlixPatrol, Made in Korea ranked No.1 in the Disney+ TV Show category in South Korea for eight consecutive days as of January 1. Beyond Korea, the series has also claimed the top spot in Hong Kong and Taiwan, showcasing its sweeping popularity across Asia. On the global charts, it continues to hold a place within the Top 3, signaling a powerful worldwide reception.
Episodes three and four, released most recently, significantly raised the stakes as the ambitions of the two leads collided head-on. Baek Ki-tae’s double life as both a National Intelligence Service agent and a key figure in a drug syndicate came into sharper focus. His alliance with Presidential Security Chief Cheon Seok-joong (Jung Sung-il) in his bid for ultimate power unfolded alongside a grand scheme to dominate the Japanese market using lobbyist Choi Yu-ji (Won Ji-an). Meanwhile, the psychological warfare between Baek Ki-tae and prosecutor Jang Geon-young intensified as the latter closed in on the smuggling routes.
Viewer response has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic. Audiences and critics alike praise not only the series’ polished direction and striking production design, but also its ability to elevate the overall quality standard of OTT dramas. Rather than relying solely on shock value, Made in Korea carefully builds its story through layered character choices and evolving relationships.
Across YouTube and other video platforms, many viewers have drawn comparisons to acclaimed Korean political noir films such as Inside Men and The Man Standing Next. Comments frequently highlight the restrained yet powerful performances, noting how Hyun Bin’s piercing gaze and Jung Woo Sung’s controlled intensity create suffocating tension whenever they share the screen. Others commend the meticulous production design for vividly recreating the atmosphere of 1970s Seoul, while applauding the drama’s ability to maintain emotional depth despite its fast-paced storytelling.
The ensemble cast further strengthens the series. Beyond the central showdown between Hyun Bin and Jung Woo Sung, standout performances from actors such as Cho Yeo-jeong, Woo Do-hwan, and others add complexity and emotional weight to the narrative, enriching the drama’s overall impact.
Planned as a six-episode series, Made in Korea will release its final two episodes on January 7 and January 14. With its cinematic quality and growing global momentum, all eyes are now on whether this Korean drama can sustain its dominance well into 2026.
Sources: Wikitree