Disney+’s Korean crime drama Made in Korea became one of the platform’s biggest global hits of 2025. The show mixed political intrigue with personal ambition, set against the backdrop of South Korea’s turbulent modern history. Now, with Season 2 scheduled for late 2026, lead actor Hyun Bin has shared new details about what viewers can expect.
The actor described the upcoming season as “a story set around monumental events”. His words have created more excitement among fans who have been waiting to see what happens next after the first season’s explosive ending.
Season 2 Picks Up Nine Years After Season 1 Finale
Made in Korea Season 2 takes place nine years after the events of the first season. The story follows Baek Ki-tae (Hyun Bin) , who has now reached the highest levels of power. He has been promoted to Director General of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency (KCIA) .
His main rival, Jang Geon-young (Jung Woo-sung) , who faced a bitter defeat in Season 1, has been quietly preparing his return. Unlike his past obsession, he now approaches his fight with calm and careful planning.
Meanwhile, Baek Ki-hyun (Woo Do-hwan) , Ki-tae’s younger brother, is following a different path to power. His choices put him in a complicated position between his brother and Jang Geon-young.
The three characters’ growing ambitions create conflicts that may cause permanent damage.
Hyun Bin Shares What Drives His Character in Season 2
Hyun Bin explained his character’s main motivation in simple terms. He said, “Baek Ki-Tae has ambitions of acquiring wealth and power”.
In a separate interview, the actor shared a deeper view of his character. He told The Korea Times that he does not see Baek Ki-tae as a simple villain. He said, “I view the character as a man driven by clear beliefs and a strong will to survive”.
Hyun Bin also warned that the show’s themes are not limited to one country or time period. He stated, “if we are not careful, anyone can become a person like Baek in today’s world”.
Speaking about Season 2, which takes place in 1979, he said, “I hope it serves as an opportunity to reflect on the present through the past and to deeply consider the choices we are making”.
First Look Images Show Characters in a New Light
Disney+ has released the first still images from Season 2. The photos show the main characters with a stronger presence than before.
One image shows Baek Ki-tae sitting at his office desk, deep in thought. He looks calm and confident, showing that he has reached the top of his career.
Another photo shows Jang Geon-young . After his painful loss in Season 1, he now appears cool and composed. This change raises questions about how he plans to challenge Ki-tae this time.
A third image shows Baek Ki-hyun holding a telephone receiver, staring straight ahead with a serious look. His role as a key figure between his brother and Jang Geon-young makes him an important wild card in the story.
The final image shows the two brothers facing each other with sharp expressions. This tense moment hints at the conflict to come.
Hyun Bin Transformed His Body for the Role
Hyun Bin made major changes to his appearance for this series. He gained about 14 kilograms (30 pounds) to create a more commanding presence on screen.
He explained that director Woo Min-ho wanted a “James Bond-like vibe” for certain scenes. He said, “I gained weight with the hope that the suit would fit my bulked-up body perfectly, like a uniform”.
This physical change was not easy. He had just finished filming the movie Harbin, where the director asked for a much thinner look. Despite the difficulty, he was satisfied with the result. He said, “I was satisfied when I saw my bulked up appearance on the monitor because it matched the image I had in mind”.
Cast and Crew Return for Season 2
All three main actors are returning for Season 2. Hyun Bin leads the cast as Baek Ki-tae. Jung Woo-sung returns as prosecutor Jang Geon-young. Woo Do-hwan is back as Baek Ki-hyun.
Director Woo Min-ho also returns to lead the project. He previously worked with Hyun Bin on the film Harbin. The series is written by Park Eun-gyo and Park Joon-seok . Production company Hive Media Corp is handling the production.
This marks a rare case in Korean television where a show was renewed and started filming Season 2 before the first season even aired. Disney+ showed strong confidence in the series early on.
Season 1 Success Paved the Way
Made in Korea became the most-watched original content worldwide among Disney+’s 2025 releases. The show’s success helped secure the early renewal for Season 2.
The series follows Baek Ki-tae, an agent for the KCIA who secretly runs illegal businesses to gain power. He faces off against prosecutor Jang Geon-young, who is determined to stop him.
Set in the 1970s, the show explores themes of power, ambition, and the choices people make in difficult times.
What to Expect from Season 2 Story
While full plot details remain limited, the new season will expand the story with more intense conflicts. The characters’ ambitions grow more dangerous, leading to situations that cannot be undone.
Hyun Bin described the show as a mirror for modern viewers. He said, “I hope the series continually poses questions to viewers. The incidents in the story are still happening everywhere today”.
The actor also shared that Season 2 gave him confidence as an actor. He stated, “Made in Korea is a project that gave me confidence as an actor. It gave me the strength to try something new with even more confidence”.
His wife, actress Son Ye-jin , has been watching the series. Hyun Bin shared, “My wife told me she saw a completely new face of me as an actor through this role”.
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Release Information
Made in Korea Season 2 is scheduled to arrive in the second half of 2026. The series will stream exclusively on Disney+ .
The first season premiered on December 24, 2025, with two episodes. Episodes three and four followed on December 31, with the final episodes arriving in January 2026.
Season 2 was greenlit and began production even before Season 1 premiered. This early commitment shows Disney+’s investment in the series and its global appeal.
The show is considered connected to director Woo Min-ho’s 2018 film The Drug King. This connection may attract more viewers familiar with his previous work.
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