On January 27, Hyun-bin took part in an interview held at a café in Samcheong-dong, Jongno District, Seoul. During the discussion, he addressed public reactions following the release of the series, particularly the criticism directed at Jung Woo-sung’s performance.
Made in Korea is set in South Korea during the turbulent yet transformative 1970s, a period marked by both chaos and rapid growth. The story follows Baek Gi-tae (played by Hyun-bin), a man driven by ambition who seeks to reach the pinnacle of wealth and power by turning the nation itself into a profit model. Standing in his way is Jang Geon-young (played by Jung Woo-sung), a prosecutor from the Busan District Prosecutors’ Office who relentlessly pursues Baek with near-obsessive determination. The series is directed by Woo Min-ho, known for works such as Inside Men (2015), The Drug King (2018), The Man Standing Next (2020), and Harbin (2024).
In the series, Hyun-bin portrays Baek Gi-tae, a Central Intelligence Agency section chief who believes that survival in a ruthless world depends solely on money and power. Consumed by ambition, Baek leads a dangerous double life, becoming involved in illegal businesses in his pursuit of authority.
While Hyun-bin’s villainous performance has been widely praised, Jung Woo-sung has faced unexpected criticism, with some viewers calling his shouting-heavy acting awkward. The controversy escalated when online posts praising Jung Woo-sung sparked rumors of viral marketing, prompting his agency, Artist Company, to firmly deny the claims.
Addressing the issue, Hyun-bin said, “There are aspects that feel regrettable, but I think Jung Woo-sung himself would feel that disappointment far more than anyone else.” He continued cautiously, “Every actor puts in an immense amount of thought and effort to fully embody a role. When the response turns out that way, I believe he is facing it more directly and honestly than anyone else.”
Hyun-bin also emphasized that Made in Korea is not limited to a single season. “Since this is a project that continues into Season 2, I believe he will think even more deeply about the character and show an even better side,” he said. “On set, Jung Woo-sung was my senior, and to me, Jang Geon-young was simply the version of the character he had prepared.”
Speaking about their on-screen chemistry, Hyun-bin shared that the two actors communicated constantly throughout filming. “We talked a lot during shooting, during rehearsals, and even while watching edited footage,” he said. “We discussed how certain scenes might work better if approached differently, and we still exchange thoughts like that.” He added that Jung Woo-sung’s broader experience, including his work as a director, often helped uncover perspectives Hyun-bin himself might have missed.
Hyun-bin also hinted at what viewers can expect in Season 2, suggesting that the story may shift to 1979. Reflecting on the significance of Made in Korea in his career, Hyun-bin described it as a meaningful new challenge. “It was a project with many points of experimentation for me,” he said. “Hearing that there are positive reactions gives me confidence as an actor and encourages me to take on new attempts more boldly.”
The final episode of Made in Korea was released on January 14, and the series is set to return with a second season.
Sources: Daum
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