'Made in Korea' starring Jung Woo Sung and Hyun Bin dominates charts in just one day after premiere
by K-Soul · allkpopThe Disney+ original series 'Made in Korea' surged to the top of domestic streaming rankings the moment it premiered on December 24, claiming the No.1 spot across the platform.
Targeting the 2025 Christmas season, the series has posted explosive streaming numbers since its release, cementing its status as the most talked-about year-end drama.
Directed by Woo Min Ho, the large-scale production is set against the turbulent yet transformative backdrop of the 1970s. It follows the fierce clash between Baek Gi Tae (played by Hyun Bin), a man determined to reach the pinnacle of power by turning the nation itself into a profit model, and prosecutor Jang Geon Yeong (portrayed by Jung Woo Sung), who is resolute in stopping him.
Clashing Colors, Opposing Energies: The Beginning of a Showdown
The newly unveiled duo poster visually captures the stark opposition between the two leads through contrasting color palettes. The cold blue tones versus the blazing red tones directly reflect director Woo Min Ho’s vision: “Baek Gi Tae is a calculated and icy character, while Jang Geon Yeong is a man who burns with conviction.” The collision between these two men—each carrying a different emotional temperature amid a period of historic upheaval—drives the core momentum of the series.
Depth and Tension Proven Through Stills
Preview stills released alongside the premiere offer a closer look at the characters’ trajectories in Episodes 1 and 2. Baek Gi Tae, a businessman consumed by towering ambition, is portrayed in multiple dimensions—from his composed, almost leisurely demeanor aboard an airplane to his ruthless willingness to engage in wiretapping to achieve his goals. Hyun Bin anchors the narrative with his signature charisma, subtly conveying a man obsessed with wealth and power.
Standing firmly opposite him is prosecutor Jang Geon Yeong, introduced in a rough coat and oversized glasses that underscore his stubborn, principle-driven nature. His relentless pursuit of the criminal cartel—pushing himself to the very edge—collides head-on with Baek Gi Tae’s cold rationality, creating suffocating tension. Their first face-to-face encounter is already being hailed as a standout scene, signaling not just a personal conflict but a direct clash of values and desires.
“More Cinematic Than a Film”: Overwhelming Audience Response
In the immediate aftermath of the release, viewer reactions have flooded YouTube, social media, and online communities. Audiences have been particularly vocal in praising the commanding presence and acting synergy of Hyun Bin and Jung Woo Sung—two of Korea’s most iconic actors. Comments such as, “Hyun Bin’s chilling gaze and Jung Woo Sung’s weighty voice dominating a single frame is powerful enough,” and “The mise-en-scène and direction are so meticulous you can practically feel the air of the 1970s,” have become common refrains.
Viewers are also applauding the writing and pacing: “It goes beyond a simple crime thriller, offering a layered portrayal of desire in modern Korean history,” and “Episodes 1 and 2 moved so fast I lost track of time—how are we supposed to wait until next week?”
'Made in Korea' consists of six episodes in total. Following the release of Episodes 1 and 2 on December 24, two more episodes will drop on December 31, with the final episodes scheduled for January 7 and January 14, rolling out sequentially to audiences worldwide.
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