Released on Disney+ in late December 2025, "Made in Korea" marks Hyun Bin's return to television. Upon its broadcast, the series quickly garnered audience interest due to its historical and political genre. Furthermore, Hyun Bin's distinct portrayal of a conflicted character left a strong impression.
Trailer "Made in Korea", Hyun Bin's character appears from the fourth second. Video: Disney+
"Made in Korea" is set in 1970s South Korea, a period of significant social upheaval dominated by political power and an underground economy. The narrative centers on the battle of wits between Baek Ki Tae (Hyun Bin) and prosecutor Jang Geon Young (Jung Woo Sung).
Baek Ki Tae, a high-ranking official in the Korea Central Intelligence Agency (KCIA), presents a polished exterior. However, beneath this facade lies a deep ambition to control power and manipulate the flow of economic and political events during a chaotic era. According to Korea Times, the character operates political power by any means necessary.
The character rarely expresses direct emotion but consistently projects an underlying sense of danger. Baek Ki Tae speaks little and observes much; every decision he makes is carefully considered and calculated, often placing his adversaries at a disadvantage. His cold composure means the character does not need to flaunt his power, yet he maintains a psychological weight throughout the film. Korean film critics describe this character type as frighteningly unpredictable, blurring the lines between reason, ambition, and morality.
In interviews before the film's release, Hyun Bin stated that Ki Tae is one of the most challenging and ambitious roles of his career. To fully embody the character, the actor gained over 13 kg, his most significant weight change to date. According to SBS Star, this weight gain aimed to convey the authority and overwhelming presence of a figure at the apex of the power structure.
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Hyun Bin's appearance in the film "Made in Korea". Photo: Disney+
Upon its debut, the production quickly received positive feedback. After one day of broadcast, the film topped the Disney+ charts in South Korea. Audiences praised its script, the intense political atmosphere, and especially Hyun Bin's performance. Many online comments noted that Baek Ki Tae is a character who simultaneously sparks curiosity and caution in viewers, playing a crucial role in maintaining the narrative's tension.
Hyun Bin, 44 years old, whose real name is Kim Tae Pyung, made his screen debut in 2003. He gained recognition for a series of television dramas including "My Name Is Kim Sam Soon", "Snow Queen", "The World That They Live In" (co-starring Song Hye Kyo), "Secret Garden", and "Crash Landing on You". In cinema, the actor participated in many popular projects such as "A Millionaire's First Love", "Late Autumn" (with Thang Duy), "Confidential Assignment", "The Negotiation" (with Son Ye Jin), and "Rampant". According to SBS Star, after marrying Son Ye Jin in 2022 and having a child, Hyun Bin said his family became a priority, influencing his script choices and career direction.
Mai Anh (according to SBS Star)
