The new Disney+ K-drama Made in Korea is set to start streaming this month, bringing together two of South Korea’s biggest actors in a story about power, corruption, and ambition. The series is set in the 1970s and follows a dangerous game of cat and mouse between a powerful government agent and a determined prosecutor. With a major budget and an experienced director, this show is ready to be a major addition to the year’s streaming lineup.
Here is the complete guide to the release schedule, cast, and story of Made in Korea.
Official Release Date and Where to Watch
Made in Korea will begin streaming exclusively on Disney+ on December 24, 2025. The first two episodes will be available on that date.
New episodes will continue to be released weekly. The full schedule is as follows:
- December 24, 2025: Episodes 1 & 2
- December 31, 2025: Episodes 3 & 4
- January 7, 2026: Episode 5
- January 14, 2026: Episode 6 (Season Finale)
In some regions, the series will be available through the Hulu on Disney+ hub or the standalone Hulu service.
A Powerful Cast Led by Hyun Bin and Jung Woo-sung
The series features a top-tier ensemble cast, creating a great deal of excitement for viewers.
Hyun Bin plays the lead role of Baek Ki-tae. His character is a high-ranking agent for the Korean Central Intelligence Agency (KCIA) who secretly controls illegal business and smuggling networks to build his power and wealth. This marks Hyun Bin’s return to television and a reunion with director Woo Min-ho after their work together on the film Harbin.
Opposite him is Jung Woo-sung as Jang Geon-young, a principled public prosecutor with a strong sense of justice. He makes it his mission to expose Ki-tae’s operations and the corruption they are connected to, regardless of the personal danger. Jung Woo-sung explained his reason for joining the project was the chance to work with his co-stars.
โI chose this project because of my co-stars, Hyun Bin and Woo Do-hwan. Forming a bond through acting together in a new project is precious among actors,โ he said at a recent event.
The main cast also includes:
- Woo Do-hwan as Baek Ki-hyeon, Ki-tae’s younger brother who is an elite military officer.
- Seo Eun-soo as Oh Ye-jin, a detective who works as Geon-young’s secretary and investigative partner.
- Won Ji-an as Choi Yoo-ji, a lobbyist with deep connections to the powerful figures in the story.
- Jung Sung-il as Cheon Seok-joong, a powerful Chief Secretary.
Other supporting actors include Park Yong-woo, Cho Yeo-jeong, Cha Hee, and Lee Joo-yeon.
The Story and Setting of the Drama
Made in Korea is a period political drama that takes place in South Korea during the 1970s, a turbulent time in the country’s history.
The core of the story is the high-stakes conflict between the two main characters. Baek Ki-tae (Hyun Bin) uses his official position in the KCIA to run a secret, profitable smuggling empire. He is shrewd, ambitious, and willing to do anything to increase his control.
His path crosses with Jang Geon-young (Jung Woo-sung), a prosecutor who cannot be bribed or intimidated. When Geon-young begins investigating links between smuggling operations and high-ranking government officials, he quickly identifies Ki-tae as his main target. What follows is a perilous rivalry fueled by political conspiracy and criminal activity.
The show blends historical context with fictional storytelling. Hyun Bin described the appeal of the script, saying:
โI think it was the power of the script. It blends the historical backdrop of the 1970s with fictional elementsโ.
Production Team and Major Budget
Made in Korea is directed by Woo Min-ho, a filmmaker known for acclaimed movies like Inside Men, The Drug King, and The Man Standing Next. This series marks his first time directing for television. The scripts are written by Park Eun-gyo and Park Joon-suk.
The production is reported to have a very large budget. The CEO of the production company, Hive Media Corp, confirmed the cost was approximately 70 billion Korean won (about $50 million USD), making it one of the more expensive K-dramas produced.
The investment appears to be part of a long-term plan. Even before the first season has premiered, production on a second season has already started. It was officially announced in November 2025 that Season 2 is scheduled for release in the second half of 2026.
Also Read:
Credits: en.wikipedia.org, Deadline, news.mydramalist.com
Tags: MADE IN KOREA, HYUN BIN, JUNG WOO SUNG, WOO DO HWAN, WOO MIN HO
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