Disney+’s highly anticipated original series Made in Korea 2 has officially completed filming, signaling the next phase for one of Korea’s biggest-budget streaming productions.
According to an exclusive report from OSEN on April 10, production on the second season wrapped in mid-March, including the final scenes and promotional poster shoots. The cast and crew reportedly recently gathered for a small celebratory dinner after completing the large-scale project.
Produced with an estimated budget of ₩70 billion (approximately $52 million USD), Made in Korea is one of Disney+ Korea’s most ambitious original productions to date.
Set in 1970s South Korea during a turbulent era of upheaval and economic transformation, the series follows Baek Ki Tae, played by Hyun Bin, a ruthless businessman seeking wealth and power by turning the nation itself into a profit model. Opposing him is prosecutor Jang Geon Young, portrayed by Jung Woo Sung, who relentlessly pursues him through a web of era-defining national scandals.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Woo Min Ho known for films such as Inside Men, The Man Standing Next, and Harbin the series marks his first venture into episodic television.
Season 1, which premiered in December with six episodes, attracted major attention for its star-studded cast, including Woo Do Hwan, Jo Yeo Jeong, Lee El, and Jung Sung Il.
However, Jung Woo Sung’s portrayal of prosecutor Jang Geon Young divided audiences. Some viewers criticized elements of his performance, particularly his exaggerated laughter and forceful delivery, saying it disrupted immersion in the drama.
In response to the criticism, Woo Min Ho clarified earlier this year that the character’s unusual traits were intentional and part of a long-term arc planned from the beginning.
In a January interview, the director explained that Season 2 takes place nine years after the events of Season 1.
“Jang Geon Young has spent about two years in prison,” director Woo said. “He can no longer open a law practice, his family situation has worsened, and after seven difficult years, he can’t live like Don Quixote anymore.”
According to the director, the once impulsive and emotionally transparent prosecutor will return as a far more restrained and strategic figure.
“He lost to Baek Ki Tae in Season 1 by charging ahead recklessly,” he explained. “Now he comes back armed with new weapons and a different mindset.”
Woo Min Ho emphasized that this transformation was not written in reaction to viewer backlash but was always part of the original storyline.
The director also acknowledged public criticism of Jung Woo Sung’s performance, stating that while he respects audience opinions and does not wish to argue against them, he has carefully reflected on why those reactions emerged.
With filming now complete, anticipation is rising over whether Season 2 can elevate the series beyond its mixed first-season reception and whether Jung Woo Sung’s reimagined character will win over skeptical viewers.
Made in Korea 2 is scheduled for release in the second half of 2026 on Disney+.
Sources: 네이트 뉴스
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