<\/p>\n
Korean storytelling is reaching global audiences like never before, and \u201cMade in Korea\u201d is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about series of the year. The Disney+ drama \u2014 available to U.S. audiences on Hulu \u2014 has generated major buzz thanks to its high-profile cast and bold approach to historical storytelling. <\/span>(Watch the video above.)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Set in the 1970s, \u201cMade in Korea\u201d revisits one of South Korea\u2019s most turbulent eras, blending real historical events with fictional characters to examine corruption, ambition and the consequences of power. The series stars Hyun Bin and Jung Woo-sung, two of South Korea\u2019s most recognizable actors, and is directed by Woo Min-ho, known for award-winning films including \u201cHarbin\u201d and \u201cInside Men.\u201d That combination of talent has <\/span>fueled anticipation<\/span><\/a> even before the series\u2019 premiere.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n The series follows Baek Kitae (Hyun Bin), a KCIA agent in Busan, and Jang Gunyoung (Jung), a prosecutor in the city\u2019s district attorney\u2019s office. By day, Baek is a sharp-suited intelligence officer; by night, he operates as a smuggler. Ambitious and determined, he navigates a treacherous path to amass wealth and influence amid social and political upheaval, while the relentless Jang works to bring him down.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Rather than keeping a strict boundary between fact and fiction, \u201cMade in Korea\u201d deliberately blurs the line.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cUsually for a piece like this, in order to make sure that people understand it\u2019s fictional, the characters are written in a way where you keep a distance between the characters and what really happened in history,\u201d Jung said. \u201c\u2018Made in Korea\u2019 takes on a bold attempt in really intertwining actual historical events, but also with these fictional characters that have been developed for the story.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n The ambition extends beyond the narrative.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cIn Season 1, it consists of six episodes, and each episode will feel like cinema,\u201d Hyun Bin said. \u201cThat\u2019s how much quality and effort we all poured into it, and I think audiences will notice that as well.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n That confidence has already been validated. \u201cMade in Korea\u201d has earned an <\/span>early renewal for a second season<\/span><\/a>, signaling strong interest ahead of its debut.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n The series also comes amid a broader surge in Korean and Asian storytelling worldwide. Over the past five years, Disney has built an Asia-Pacific original lineup of <\/span>more than 155 titles<\/span><\/a>, including Korean productions such as \u201cMoving\u201d and \u201cNine Puzzles.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n