During the press conference held on December 15 at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas in Samseong-dong, the cast and crew, including director Woo Min Ho and stars Hyun Bin, Jung Woo Sung, Woo Do Hwan, Seo Eun Soo, Won Ji An, Jung Sung Il, Kang Gil Woo, Roh Jae Won, and Park Yong Woo, came together to introduce the Disney+ original series Made in Korea.

Made in Korea is set in the 1970s and follows Baek Ki Tae (played by Hyun Bin), a man who attempts to rise to the peak of power and wealth by using the nation as a profit model. He is pursued by prosecutor Jang Geon Young (Jung Woo Sung), leading to a gripping clash set against the backdrop of major historical events. The series is directed by Woo Min Ho, known for critically acclaimed films such as Harbin, The Man Standing Next, and Inside Men.

Hyun Bin takes on the role of Baek Ki Tae, a director at the Korean Central Intelligence Agency, portraying a man deeply entrenched in one of the most powerful institutions of the era. Speaking at the event, Hyun Bin expressed his excitement: “I’m thrilled that through an OTT platform, I’ll have the opportunity to meet a global audience.”

He also highlighted his growing trust in director Woo, having previously worked together on Harbin, which tells the story of Korean independence activist Ahn Jung Geun. “That project carried the weight of our nation’s painful history, and as an actor, I felt a heavy pressure. Made in Korea is fictional, which made it a different kind of enjoyable challenge. The story has more room for creative expression, and working with the director to develop it freely was a rewarding experience.”

The actor revealed that for Harbin, the director had asked him to shed both fat and muscle to suit the character. In contrast, for Made in Korea, Hyun Bin underwent a full-body transformation. “Compared to that time, I’ve gained about 13 to 14 kilograms. Since the character belongs to the Korean Central Intelligence Agency, one of the most intimidating organizations, I wanted that sense of power and presence to show through my physical appearance,” he explained. “I worked out and built muscle, but I wasn’t too strict with my diet compared to other roles.”

He added, “Out of all the characters I’ve played, this is the biggest I’ve physically been. I’m still close to that size even now.”

Made in Korea will premiere on Disney+ starting December 24, with the first two episodes released that day, followed by two more on December 31, and one each on January 7 and January 14, totaling six episodes.

Sources: Daum