Disney+'s new Korean drama, 'Made in Korea,' kicks off with Episode 1, revealing the complex double-dealing of Baek Ki-tae (Hyun Bin) and setting up a confrontation with Jang Geon-yeong (Jung Woo-sung). Inspired by the 1970 hijacking of the Yodo, this 6-episode series blends historical drama, crime, and political action, promising a gripping narrative for fans of intense Korean TV shows.
What's Baek Ki-tae's Real Mission in the Hijacking?
The series opens in 1970 at Tokyo Airport, where Baek Ki-tae (Hyun Bin) is checking in under the Japanese alias 'Matsuda Kenji.' His flight to Fukuoka is unexpectedly hijacked by the 'Hyokgunpa' (Revolutionary Group). During the chaos, Baek Ki-tae appears to calm the passengers, convincing the hijackers to release the elderly and children first. He uses the 'hi-ppong' (methamphetamine) in his bag as leverage, successfully negotiating the release of 23 women and children. This calculated move initially seems like the act of a dangerous 'businessman,' as he described himself. However, the episode quickly reveals this was a meticulously planned operation, deepening the mystery around his true identity and motives.
The Double Hijacking: Unraveling the Plan
Simultaneously, in a clandestine control room beneath Gimpo Airport in Korea, another operation is underway. A South Korean intelligence agency, the KCIA (Korean Central Intelligence Agency), led by Sergeant Chae Ji-seok, initiates a counter-hijacking plan. This intervention diverts the plane to Gimpo, catching the Hyokgunpa off guard. Seizing the opportunity, Baek Ki-tae neutralizes the hijackers with a hidden firearm and negotiates the exchange of 58 passengers and one high-profile Japanese official for the Hyokgunpa members, whom he arranges to send to Pyongyang instead of allowing them to escape. This intricate maneuver highlights Baek Ki-tae's sharp intellect and ruthless efficiency, showcasing a complex web of national interests and clandestine operations far beyond a simple hijacking.
Baek Ki-tae's True Role and Impending Conflict with Jang Geon-yeong
As the episode reaches its climax, Jang Geon-yeong (Jung Woo-sung), a prosecutor from the Busan District Prosecutor's Office, begins investigating a drug ring originating from Japan, with Baek Ki-tae's name surfacing. Meanwhile, KCIA officials debrief the Gimpo operation, revealing Baek Ki-tae's official title: Head of the Busan Branch Intelligence Division of the KCIA. This revelation confirms that the entire hijacking and hostage exchange were part of a pre-arranged scenario, orchestrated to facilitate the release of specific individuals. Baek Ki-tae maintains a stoic demeanor, ensuring his role remains obscured while others receive credit. However, his true identity sets the stage for an inevitable clash with Prosecutor Jang Geon-yeong, a man dedicated to upholding the law. The conflict between Baek Ki-tae's state-sanctioned machinations and Jang Geon-yeong's pursuit of justice forms the central tension of the series.
Direction and Message: Capturing the 1970s Era
Director Woo Min-ho's signature style is evident in 'Made in Korea,' with claustrophobic cabin scenes, Hyun Bin's intense action sequences, and detailed set design creating a palpable sense of tension. The series accurately portrays the atmosphere of the 1970s, using the Yodo hijacking as a backdrop for a narrative that transcends a simple historical account. By incorporating elements of black comedy, the drama offers more than just a historical retelling. With its initial 6-episode release on Disney+ and a confirmed Season 2, the series leaves viewers pondering who will ultimately pay the price in a chaotic era defined by power and crime. The blend of historical depth and crime thriller suspense makes 'Made in Korea' a compelling watch for fans of Korean dramas.
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