The Cast of 'Made in Korea' Season 2: Your Guide
Our take
The return of *Made in Korea* for its final season on Hulu signals more than just the conclusion of a compelling political thriller; it’s a testament to the growing appetite for sophisticated international storytelling and the streamer’s continued investment in expanding its global content library. Following the success of shows like *Perfect Crown*, Hulu is clearly demonstrating a commitment to curating a diverse range of K-dramas that resonate with a wider audience, moving beyond the typical romantic tropes often associated with the genre. This expansion is part of a larger trend – as explored in Why Is Reality TV Suddenly Breaking the Fourth Wall?, audiences are increasingly seeking narratives that challenge conventions and offer complex perspectives, a desire that extends beyond reality television and into the realm of scripted drama. The fact that Hulu is dedicating significant resources to these acquisitions and originals speaks volumes about the evolving landscape of entertainment consumption.
The appeal of K-dramas, and particularly those like *Made in Korea* that delve into political intrigue, lies in their ability to blend intricate plots with high production values and compelling performances. They offer a window into another culture, presenting narratives that are both familiar in their exploration of human relationships and uniquely distinct in their cultural context. This contrasts sharply with some of the more escapist fare currently dominating streaming platforms, offering a depth and nuance that attracts discerning viewers. The success of *Made in Korea* also speaks to a broader shift in how audiences consume stories – a move away from purely passive entertainment and towards narratives that demand engagement and critical thinking. For those seeking a more intellectually stimulating escape, perhaps something akin to the tension found in Vacation Is Anything But Idyllic in These Chaotic Books Set at Summer Homes, the series provides a rich and layered experience. The anticipation surrounding its final season, particularly given the cliffhangers of previous installments, further underscores this engagement.
The prominence of *Made in Korea* within Hulu’s fall lineup also underscores the broader trend of streaming services competing for international audiences. Netflix has long been a leader in this space, but Hulu's deliberate expansion into K-dramas demonstrates a serious commitment to capturing a significant share of this market. This isn't just about offering a different flavor of entertainment; it's about recognizing the global nature of storytelling and catering to a diverse range of cultural preferences. The success of *Furious*, as outlined in ‘Furious’ Season 2: Everything We Know, further exemplifies the appetite for high-stakes, internationally-produced thrillers that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. It’s a strategic move that positions Hulu as a key player in the increasingly competitive streaming wars, one that acknowledges the power of international content to attract and retain subscribers.
Looking ahead, the success of *Made in Korea* and other international dramas will likely continue to shape the programming strategies of major streaming platforms. We can anticipate a greater emphasis on acquiring and producing content from a wider range of countries, with a focus on stories that offer compelling narratives, cultural insights, and high production values. The question then becomes: how will these platforms balance the desire for global content with the need to maintain distinct regional identities and cater to the specific tastes of local audiences? The final season of *Made in Korea* provides a fascinating case study in this ongoing evolution, and its reception will undoubtedly offer valuable insights into the future of international storytelling on streaming services.
K-drama fans, prepare for Hulu to dominate your fall watchlists. The streamer has spent the past year expanding its slate of can't-miss dramas and reality shows, from Perfect Crown to Battle of Fates to A Shop for Killers season 2. Today, Hulu continues its run with the return of its most-acclaimed crime thriller (and one of the most-expensive Korean dramas ever made).
Made In Korea made its debut last holiday season, introducing viewers to a twist-filled crime noir set in the turbulent 1970s. The first season followed two men on different sides of the law: Baek Kitae (played by Crash Landing on You's Hyun Bin), a morally-grey officer in the Korean Central Intelligence Agency (KCIA); and Jang Geonyoung (Jung Woo-sung), the dogged prosecutor determined to expose Kitae's dirty secrets.
Season 2 picks up nine years later, as Kitae reaches the height of his power and faces a surprising new foe: his younger brother, Baek Kihyun (played by Bloodhounds' Woo Do-hwan). The sibling rivalry adds an engrossing new layer to the three men's quests for power, amid a rapidly-changing political landscape.
Ahead of season 2's premiere on September 9, Hyun Bin and Woo Do-hwan sat down with Marie Claire in Seoul, South Korea, and teased the family drama at the center of the six-part installment.
"Kitae and Kihyun are brothers, but we also thought of them a lot as father and son," Woo said. "As the son, Kihyun [begins] the process of clashing with his father's thoughts."
Hyun added, "Kitae constantly sees Kihyun trying to do something else, trying to go in a different direction. Kitae experiences a lot of internal conflict, because he's a person with a firm belief that he must protect his family." He continued, "[In season 2], not only Kitae, but all the characters fight even more fiercely to gain the upper hand."
For its second and final season, Made in Korea reunited its all-star roster of award-winning Korean actors and global stars. Below, read on for a breakdown of the main cast and characters of Hulu's historical K-drama.
Everything to Know About the Cast of 'Made in Korea' Season 2
Hyun Bin as Baek Kitae
Baek Kitae is a top agent at the KCIA, a government agency modeled after the American CIA which serves as the enforcing arm of a military dictatorship. By season 2, Kitae is next in line to run the agency. He also balances his government career with his off-hours work smuggling illegal drugs.
Hyun Bin, 43, made his acting debut in the early 2000s and rose to fame with roles in classic K-dramas like My Lovely Sam Soon, Worlds Within, and Secret Garden, as well as box-office hits like Confidential Assignment. He's best known globally for starring alongside his eventual wife Son Ye-jin in the beloved romantic K-drama Crash Landing on You. In 2022, the couple got married and welcomed a son.
Earlier this year, Hyun won Best Actor at the prestigious Baeksang Arts Awards, for his performance in season 1 of Made in Korea.
Jung Woo-sung as Jang Geonyoung
Busan prosecutor Jang Geonyoung first enters the KCIA's crosshairs due to his narcotics investigation targeting the Manjae Gang. Geonyoung determination to take down Kitae's smuggling operation is driven by a traumatic familial history with drugs. After hitting rock bottom at the end of season 1, Geonyoung will "transform from a man pursuing justice into one consumed by revenge," per The Korea Times.
Jung Woo-sung, 53, is one of Korea's most-famous leading men. He spent his career starring in blockbuster films like Musa (2001); A Moment to Remember (2004); The Good, the Bad, the Weird (2008); Cold Eyes (2013); Beasts Clutching at Straws (2020); and 12.12: The Day (2023). Before Made In Korea, he starred in the K-dramas Asphalt Man, Athena: Goddess of War, and Tell Me That You Love Me.
In 2016, Jung and his best friend, Squid Game star Lee Jung-jae, co-founded the talent agency Artist Company. The agency is now home to many of Korea's top actors, including Park So-dam, Kim Hye-yoon, and Lim Ji-yeon.
Jung Woo-sung's Instagram: @tojws
Woo Do-hwan as Baek Kihyun
At the start of Made in Korea, Kitae's younger brother Baek Kihyun (above, right) is a rising soldier torn between patriotic duty and loyalty to the brother who raised him after his parents' death. By season 2, Kihyun has a position in the Defense Security Demand that puts him fully at odds with Kitae.
Woo Do-hwan, 34, rose to fame with roles in K-dramas like Save Me, Mad Dog, Tempted, My Country: The New Age, and The King: Eternal Monarch. His leading roles as Kim Geon-woo in Bloodhounds and Hae Jo in Mr. Plankton propelled him to global fame. In 2021, Woo won Korea's Golden Cinema Festival’s best new actor award for his role in the film The Divine Fury.
Woo Do-hwan's Instagram: @wdohwan
Won Ji-an as Ikeda Yuji
Kitae spends season 1 building a business relationship with Ikeda Yuji, a lobbyist and an influential figure in the Ikeda yakuza clan. Born Choi Yuji, she was adopted by Ikeda Osamu, the clan's leader, as a child. Though she wants to inherit the position, many members of the clan will never accept a Zainichi (an ethnic Korean living in Japan) as their boss.
Netflix K-drama fans may recognize Won Ji-an, 27, from her fan-favorite role as Se-mi (No. 380) on Squid Game season 2. Last year, the actress made her Hulu debut in the contemporary political thriller Tempest before joining Made in Korea. She also led her first romance drama, starring alongside Park Seo-joon in Surely Tomorrow.
Won Ji-an's Instagram: @wonjianolive
Seo Eun-soo as Oh Yejin
In season 1, Oh Yejin is a determined officer working on Geunyoung's narcotics investigation. Though she's talented, she faces an uphill battle in the male-dominated police force. Nine years later, Yejin has become Korea's first female prosecutor in the narcotics division.
Seo Eun-soo, 32, is best known for her standout roles in K-dramas like My Golden Life, The Smile Has Left Your Eyes, Unlock My Boss, and Chief Detective 1958. She also starred alongside Shin Si-ah and Park Eun-bin in the Korean horror movie The Witch: Part 2. The Other One.
Seo Eun-soo's Instagram: @jj_minii
Jung Sung-il as Cheon Seokjung
Cheon Seokjung, the president's close advisor and Kitae's most powerful ally, is played by Jung Sung-il, 46. A prolific theater actor, Jung became a global breakout star in 2022, with his performance as Ha Do-yeong in Netflix's revenge drama The Glory. His other K-drama credits include Birthcare Center, Bad and Crazy, Our Blues and Unmasked.
In 2024, Jung won a Baeksang Arts Award for Best New Actor for his role in the Netflix historical film Uprising.
Jung Sung-il's Instagram: @ygmicael
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