Hyun Bin Says Ki-tae’s 'Made in Korea' Look is "Essential" For the Character

When Made in Korea premiered back in December of last year, Hyun Bin’s perfectly polished look as secret agent Baek Ki-tae was one of the elements that most caught the audience’s attention. Always with his hair slicked back and dressed in a meticulously tailored suit, the character sold the fantasy of a South Korean James Bond well – but, as viewers would soon discover, it was all a facade hiding a deep well of corruption and violence.

That’s exactly why casting Hyun Bin, one of the biggest stars of a hallyu generation defined by swoon-worthy romantic leads modeled after classic Hollywood heartthrobs, was a masterstroke. Eager to subvert that image and take on bolder TV roles – as he had already been doing in film for years – he embraced the chance to play Ki-tae with enthusiasm, and the rest is history.

Omelete spoke with Hyun Bin ahead of the second season of Made in Korea, which reunites with Ki-tae nine years after the events of the first season. Check out below the excerpt from the conversation in which the actor reveals the secrets behind the character’s visual design.

OMELETE: Ki-tae’s look is always very stylish, just like the whole series. How much does the look help you get into character, and how do you work as an actor to go beyond appearances?

HYUN BIN: Not only in Made in Korea, but in all of my work, I believe the look should communicate a lot about the character even before he says his first line. I consider that essential. In Ki-tae’s case, we spent a long time preparing his look so that, when he appeared, he would spark curiosity – he needed to seem mysterious at first glance. Later, the audience would come to understand the reasoning behind the choices he made about his appearance. All of that care helps a lot with the audience’s immersion, but also with my performance; it’s a mutual exchange between appearance and inner construction.

*The second season of Made in Korea premieres on September 9 on Disney+, with new episodes every Wednesday.