Hulu’s new K-drama Made in Korea presents a powerful story set in 1970s South Korea, featuring two of the country’s biggest acting stars in a tense showdown. The series follows an ambitious KCIA agent leading a dangerous double life and the principled prosecutor determined to stop him. With a rich supporting cast, this political drama promises a deep look into corruption, loyalty, and conflicting visions of justice during a turbulent period. The show is scheduled for release on December 24, 2025.
Main Cast and Characters: The Central Rivalry
The story of Made in Korea hinges on the conflict between two men from opposite sides of the law, played by acclaimed actors.
- Hyun Bin plays Baek Ki-tae, a high-ranking agent within the Korean Central Intelligence Agency (KCIA). Outwardly, he is a disciplined government official. In secret, however, he controls smuggling networks to build personal power and wealth. His character is described as smart, suave, and cunning, using his illegal operations to climb the ranks of the agency and protect his family.
- Jung Woo-sung takes the role of Jang Geon-young, the prosecutor who becomes Ki-tae’s primary adversary. Known for his sharp instincts and unwavering commitment to justice, Geon-young dedicates himself to exposing Ki-tae’s corrupt operations, regardless of the personal cost or danger involved.
The dynamic between these characters creates the core tension. As one official description states, Ki-tae seems unstoppable, “only one thing stands in his way โ a tenacious prosecutor who canโt be reasoned with, bought or bribed”.
Supporting Cast and Character Guide
The world of Made in Korea is populated by a detailed ensemble cast, each character adding layers to the central conflict.
Key Figures in Ki-tae’s World:
- Woo Do-hwan plays Baek Ki-hyeon, Ki-tae’s younger brother. He is an elite officer, a graduate of the Korea Military Academy, whose life is closely tied to his brother’s actions.
- Park Yong-woo is Hwang Guk-pyeong, the head of the KCIA’s Busan branch and Ki-tae’s direct superior.
- Roh Jae-won portrays Pyo Hak-soo, a fellow KCIA agent and Korea Military Academy graduate who is a peer of Ki-tae.
The Intricate Web of Power and Influence:
- Cho Yeo-jeong stars as Bae Geum-ji, the madam of an upscale kisaeng house (a traditional Korean entertainment venue). Her establishment is a key meeting place for the powerful figures central to the plot.
- Won Ji-an plays Choi Yu-ji (also known as Yuji Ikeda), a powerful lobbyist connected to Japanese crime syndicates. She collaborates directly with Ki-tae.
- Jung Sung-il appears as Cheon Seok-joong, the Chief of the Presidential Security Service, a man who holds significant political power.
Those Aligned with Justice:
- Seo Eun-soo is Oh Ye-jin, a detective who works as the secretary and investigative partner to Prosecutor Jang Geon-young.
- Kang Gil-woo takes the role of Kang Dae-il, an enforcer for the Manjae gang, which controls the underground economy in Busan.
Family Connections:
- Cha Hee plays Baek So-yeong, Ki-tae’s younger sister.
- Lee Joo-yeon portrays Jang Hye-eun, Geon-young’s younger sister.
Series Release and Viewing Schedule
Made in Korea will be available for streaming on Hulu in the United States. Internationally, it will be released on Disney+. The first season consists of six episodes.
The release will follow a weekly schedule:
- Tuesday, December 24, 2025: Episodes 1 & 2
- Tuesday, December 31, 2025: Episodes 3 & 4
- Tuesday, January 7, 2026: Episode 5
- Tuesday, January 14, 2026: Episode 6 (Season Finale)
This schedule means viewers will get the first four episodes quickly, followed by the final two episodes released one per week.
Behind the Scenes: The Creative Team
The series brings together experienced filmmakers from Korean cinema.
- Woo Min-ho serves as the director. This is his first television drama series, having previously directed acclaimed films like Inside Men, The Drug King, and The Man Standing Next.
- The writing team includes Park Eun-gyo (known for Sea of Tranquility and Mother) and Park Joon-suk (writer of A Normal Family).
- The production is handled by Hive Media Corp, the company behind several of director Woo Min-ho’s previous films. The production budget for the series is reported to be approximately 70 billion Korean Won.
Interest in the series is high, and production on a second season has already begun. It is expected to premiere in the second half of 2026.
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