Disney+'s 'Made in Korea' Unveils Gripping 1970s Narco-Thriller Starring Hyun Bin and Jung Woo-sung

Disney+'s new original series, 'Made in Korea,' transports viewers to the heart of 1970s South Korea, igniting a war against drugs that feels eerily relevant today.

The drama centers on two compelling characters: Baek Ki-tae (Hyun Bin), a man driven by ambition for wealth and power, and Jang Geon-young (Jung Woo-sung), a prosecutor determined to stop him. Together, they navigate the tumultuous currents of a nation in transition.

Initially conceived as a spin-off to director Woo Min-ho's 2018 film 'The Drug King,' 'Made in Korea' carves its own distinct path. While both stories involve the illicit drug trade between Korea and Japan in the 1970s, this series delves deeper into the intricate details of the era and the complex psychology of its characters.

With a reported production budget of approximately 70 billion KRW and season 2 already greenlit before season 1's premiere, Disney+ is betting big on the series' potential to captivate a global audience with its detailed portrayal of a pivotal period in Korean history.

The narrative introduces Baek Ki-tae, a former Zainichi Korean from Osaka who lost his parents and brought his younger siblings to Korea. Haunted by slurs like 'Joseon-jok' and 'Jjokbari,' he climbs the ranks of the powerful Central Intelligence Agency, embracing morally ambiguous methods to achieve success.

In stark contrast stands Prosecutor Jang Geon-young. Shaped by his father's descent into drug addiction, Jang dedicates himself solely to combating narcotics. A decorated Marine veteran, he views drug offenders as criminals to be apprehended regardless of their status, even if they are a high-ranking official like Director Baek.

The series doesn't shy away from historical context, weaving in real events and societal struggles. Supporting characters like Ikeda Yuji (Won Ji-an), the adopted daughter of a Yakuza boss, Inspector Hwang Guk-pyeong (Park Yong-woo) who bends laws for profit, Kang Dae-il (Kang Gil-woo), and the determined female investigator Oh Ye-jin (Seo Eun-soo) add further layers to the compelling narrative.

While the initial episodes focus on establishing characters and setting, with some plot points reminiscent of other recent works, 'Made in Korea' offers a fresh perspective on a turbulent era. The series explores the survival instincts of a past generation and the unwavering pursuit of justice amidst societal upheaval, resonating deeply with contemporary audiences.

Notably, both Hyun Bin and Jung Woo-sung, now fathers themselves, chose this drama as their first project since becoming parents, perhaps infusing their performances with a profound understanding of parental dedication. 'Made in Korea' is the latest ambitious endeavor by Disney+ to illuminate early modern Korean history, following 'Uncle Samsik' and 'The 8 Show.'

The 6-part series premiered with its first two episodes on the 24th.

Netizens are praising the casting of Hyun Bin and Jung Woo-sung, noting their synergy and anticipating their performances. Comments like "This is the collaboration I've been waiting for," "A 1970s drug noir starring these two? Sign me up!" and "Disney+ is really stepping up their game" are flooding online forums.