MariaGazari

Made in Korea is one of the most extraordinary series I have ever watched and, in my opinion, one of the finest historical dramas I have seen, particularly in its exploration of politics, power and diplomacy. Watching both seasons together made the experience even more complete, allowing the story to unfold as one cohesive and powerful work. 💯❤️👏🏻

The production is outstanding in every respect. The direction, cinematography, atmosphere, soundtrack, sound design and overall execution come together to create a truly exceptional experience. Every element contributes to the intensity and authenticity of the story.

What impressed me most was the acting. The performances were so vivid, convincing and intense that I sometimes felt as though I were actually part of the story, witnessing and experiencing those events as they unfolded in real life during that era. The actors did not simply portray their characters; they made them feel real, bringing their lives, struggles and inner conflicts remarkably close to the viewer.

Hyun Bin deserves special recognition for his extraordinary portrayal of Baek Ki Tae. The character is fascinating, complex and, at times, shocking, and Hyun Bin reveals so many layers of his personality through his performance. His intensity and ability to convey the character’s different sides left a profound impression on me and showcased the remarkable depth of his talent.

Jung Woo Sung, Woo Do Hwan, Seo Eun Soo, Won Ji An, Jung Sung Il, Jang Hye Jin and Roh Jae Won also deserve praise for their compelling and convincing performances. The entire cast is excellent, including those in smaller roles. The strength of the acting is not limited to a few leading performers; everyone contributes to the authenticity and impact of the series.

One detail that particularly resonated with me was Ki Tae’s insistence on yeomchi (염치), a sense of shame, honour and moral self-respect that prevents a person from acting without conscience. His words about people who betray others without the slightest sense of shame stayed with me. As a Greek, I found a meaningful connection with Aidōs (Αἰδώς), an ancient Greek concept associated with moral conscience, dignity and the inner restraint that keeps a person from acting dishonourably. Although these concepts are not identical, their shared emphasis on inner moral responsibility felt deeply familiar to me. The return to this idea in moments of betrayal made it even more powerful. It was a detail that gave the series an additional layer of meaning for me, reminding me that certain fundamental questions about honour, conscience and what it means to remain human transcend cultural boundaries.

A production of this calibre is the result of collective effort. From the writing and direction to the performances and every contribution behind the scenes, each part matters. Made in Korea is an outstanding example of what can be achieved when the entire team works together at such a high level.

An extraordinary series in its storytelling, performances, production and emotional impact. One that stayed with me not only for its quality, but also for the ideas it made me reflect on! ❤️ 10+/10