A Deeper Power Game

Actor Hyun Bin promised audiences a more intense second season of the Disney+ series "Made in Korea," saying the power game at the heart of the story deepens in the new season. Speaking at a press conference in Seoul on Wednesday, Hyun Bin said his character, Baik Ki-tae, "harbors even greater ambitions and seeks more wealth despite having risen to a higher position than in the first season."

"I tried to portray Baik's complex character, capturing both the moments when he is alone and those when he makes bold choices as he clashes with characters trying to keep him in check," he said.

Set in 1979, nine years after the first season, the Korean political thriller follows Baik, a government intelligence operative who moonlights as a drug dealer, as his relentless pursuit of power and wealth shows no sign of abating, according to Yonhap News. The second season centers on the power struggle between Baik and prosecutor Jang Keon-young (Jung Woo-sung), who returns after losing everything in his dogged pursuit of Baik during the first season.

The Korea Times reported that the series leaps forward nine years in time from the last season, set against the political backdrop leading up to the Dec. 12 military coup of 1979. The story focuses on the power vacuum created by the assassination of the president, with the entire six-episode installment delivering one overarching narrative.

A Continuous Narrative

One of the most notable changes in the second season is its structure. Director Woo Min-ho, who helmed the second season after the first, said the new run shifts from an episodic format to a singular, continuous arc spanning six episodes.

"If Season 1 featured distinct stories for each episode, Season 2 is one continuous rush from Episode 1 to 6," Woo said during a news conference at the Conrad Seoul hotel Wednesday, adding that viewers will find the new run significantly more immersive. He also said, "If Season 1 felt like a fight between kids, Season 2 feels like a battle among adults."

Hyun Bin echoed this, saying, "The story runs deeper. While each episode stood alone in the first season, the second season features a continuous narrative that runs from the first episode to the last. I think that will help audiences become more immersed in the series."

Characters Transformed

The nine-year time jump brings significant changes to the main characters. Hyun Bin said that even though Ki-tae has amassed greater wealth and reached a higher position compared to Season 1, his character is driven by an even deeper, unquenchable ambition.

"As he climbs relentlessly, he clashes with various factions and figures trying to stop him, leaving him feeling isolated and lonely at times," he said. "He also faces crises because of his dangerous choices. I paid close attention to portraying these complex, multifaceted dimensions."

Jang Geon-young, portrayed by Jung Woo-sung, transforms from a man pursuing justice into one consumed by revenge after nine years, according to The Korea Times. Baek Ki-hyun (Woo Do-hwan) has grown significantly more mature over the gap and now holds distinct convictions.

Jung said "Made in Korea" felt much more liberating and entertaining in terms of character-driven genre storytelling. Reflecting on the historical setting, he said: "The changes of an era all seem to flow on a certain course. People living through them try to make the right choices but also make mistakes ... Despite the passage of time, the significance of major historic events seems to live on in different forms, even in our era."

Historical Backdrop

Woo emphasized that while historical events anchor the era, the story follows fictional figures operating on the periphery of power. The core premise explores a fictional counteroffensive led by the Korean Central Intelligence Agency, headed by protagonist Baek Ki-tae.

Woo explained that the story takes place right before the 1979 military rebellion, and while films like "The Man Standing Next" (2020) and "12: The Day" (2023) explored real figures deeply involved, this series focuses on fictional characters.

"While the earlier films are based on real-life characters that were caught up in political turmoil, 'Made in Korea' depicts modern history from the perspectives of fictional characters, giving it a distinctive edge," Woo said.

Reception and Release

The first season ranked as the most-watched Korean original on Disney+ globally in 2025 and secured major accolades at the Baeksang Arts Awards, according to The Korea Times. Yonhap reported that the first season became the most-watched Korean show on Disney+ last year.

Asked about the pressure of following up on that success, Hyun Bin said: "I cannot say I feel no pressure. But at the same time, I anticipate that those who enjoyed the first season will also watch the second."

"Made in Korea 2" is set to premiere Wednesday next week, with the Korea Times reporting that Season 2 will release two episodes weekly on Disney+ starting Sept. 9.

Woo praised the performances of the cast, saying, "Above all, the actors delivered superb performances in the second season. I can guarantee that, they acted as if they were wearing tailored suits and the series itself is compelling to watch because of the actors."