Made in Korea opens with a restrained but deliberate approach in Episodes 1–2, choosing to build each character’s ambition step by step rather than delivering an explosive opening.
This slow-burn setup may feel quieter than expected, yet it hints at a larger collision of power and intent waiting to ignite in the coming chapters.
“Rather than yanking us forward with an explosive incident, the show slowly stacks each character’s ambitions—an unhurried start.”
As high as expectations were, the opening feels less like an overwhelming punch and more like meticulous groundwork. Whether this slow-burn approach succeeds or falls flat will likely be decided in Episodes 3 and 4.
Why Episode 1 Made Me Go “Huh?” — The Gap Between Expectation and Reality
Made in Korea subverts early expectations, especially for viewers who anticipated immediate fireworks between two major actors.
Before release, the expectations were crystal clear:
“A direct clash between two top-tier actors + the heavy, punchy political crime drama flavor of Woo Min-ho.”
But instead of detonating that face-off right away, Episodes 1 and 2 take their time introducing the main players.
- Episode 1: Establishes “this is the caliber of Baek Ki-tae (Hyun Bin)”
- Episode 2: Defines “this is the grain and persistence of Jang Gun-young (Jung Woo-sung)”
In short, the early chapters feel less like a thick broth and more like seasoning in progress.
So the higher your pre-release expectations were, the more likely you were to think:
“Wait, this is quieter than I expected…?”
Hyun Bin vs Jung Woo-sung — Same Screen, Different Persuasiveness
1) Hyun Bin as Baek Ki-tae — “No other actor comes to mind for this role”
Baek Ki-tae is the head of the Busan branch of the KCIA:
a respectable public face by day, a dangerous dealmaker by night.
Hyun Bin pushes the character forward with physicality (even gaining 14kg) and unshakable resolve.
- His gaze alone radiates “I’m the one laying out the board.”
- Even with few lines, he maintains command of the screen.
- Muscle, mind, and negotiation—tightly meshed without gaps.
Based on Episodes 1–2 alone, Hyun Bin feels like he seized the advantage first.
2) Jung Woo-sung as Jang Gun-young — “Familiar quality, but not yet scorching hot”
Jang Gun-young is a prosecutor uninterested in promotions or compromises—a persistent hunter of the Manjae gang.
Jung Woo-sung’s trademark warmth and sly charm land in the right moments, but some beats leave more to be desired.
- At times, the character reads more stubborn than weighty
- The archetype of the “righteous prosecutor” feels familiar
- The quality is guaranteed because it’s Jung Woo-sung, but “freshness” is still shy
However, the slight laugh when he discovers the wiretap at the end of Episode 2 works beautifully.
From that moment, Jang Gun-young shifts from “someone being acted upon” to
“a man entering the war himself.”
Episode 1–2 Summary — Core Points Without Repetition
Episode 1 — The Yodo Maru Hijacking Is Not an Incident, But Baek Ki-tae’s User Manual
The hijacking that begins in Japan initially seems like the setup for an action-heavy plot.
Soon, it becomes clear: this is not about the incident—it’s about demonstrating who Baek Ki-tae is.
His negotiation, composure, and strategic mind come through flawlessly.
And one message stands out:
Those who move for the state are discarded,
while those who use the state walk closer to its center.
Episode 2 — Busan, the Manjae Gang, and a Wiretap that Completes the Power Grid
Episode 2 is Jang Gun-young’s domain.
He sets a deal with an informant to take down the Manjae gang and targets Jo Man-jae directly.
But the deeper he goes, the bigger one obstacle becomes: the KCIA.
- His investigative path is anticipated
- Critical timing is stolen
- Even his office is bugged
The highlight?
“A prosecutor who wiretaps someone” vs “a KCIA officer who wiretaps that prosecutor.”
When Jang Gun-young finally notices the wiretap, the show declares itself:
not a procedural crime show, but a war for power.
Genre Vibe — Less Noir, More a Picaresque of Ambition
Made in Korea leans into ambition over noir, prioritizing power formation over stylistic darkness.
From the outset, Made in Korea feels less like drenched-in-shadow noir and more like
a crime-era picaresque fueled by human ambition.
- The atmosphere is heavy, but the narrative prioritizes character placement over big punches
- The 1970s setting is not mere retro decor—it’s a frame that pressures choices
- People come first; accumulated people generate conflict
If this direction pays off, the latter half could be powerful.
If it stays on the familiar path, the understated beginning may remain a lingering weakness.
So, Is It Fun? (Honest Take)
Made in Korea isn’t dull—just calculating, waiting for the right moment to fully strike.
There is enjoyment here.
Hyun Bin and Jung Woo-sung sharing a frame carries natural thrill,
and both command the screen.
But:
Episodes 1–2 feel less like “Wow, that was insane” and more like “Okay, they’re laying track first.”
The ~70 billion KRW production budget hasn’t fully hit yet, either.
In the end, the battle depends on Episodes 3 and 4:
Can the drama seize viewers with its own power—not just the actors’ star value?
3 Things to Watch Next
ade in Korea sets up three crucial shifts to watch, each capable of flipping the balance of power.
- How far Baek Ki-tae openly crosses the line of ambition
- When Jang Gun-young arms himself not with justice, but with strategy
- What role Woo Do-hwan (Baek Ki-hyun) plays — rival, pawn, or ticking bomb
In Closing
Made in Korea may repay patience, if Episodes 3–4 turn restraint into payoff.
Based solely on Episodes 1–2, reactions will vary.
But this feels like a drama that stacks character arcs before detonating them.
If the upcoming episodes begin clicking into place, today’s quietness may be reinterpreted as necessary preparation.
Thank you for reading.
Official Streaming & Verified Resources
Made in Korea — Official Disney+ Page
https://www.disneyplus.com/
Hyun Bin
https://www.vastenm.com/theme/vaste/02/artists01_view.php?type=top&no=2
Woo Sung Jung
https://www.instagram.com/tojws/#
Related Reviews from Go K Wave
DYNAMITE KISS EP 13 │ WHEN TRUST SHATTERS, LOVE FINDS ITS WAY HOME
https://gokwv.com/dynamite-kiss-episode-13-recap-review/
The Price of Confession Ending — Full Review + Ending Breakdown
https://gokwv.com/the-price-of-confession-ending-explained-review/