[ISSUE] Hyun Bin Calls Himself a 'Patriot' in 'Made in Korea 2,' Drawing Attention Amidst 1979 Historical Setting

Actor Hyun Bin (현빈) is drawing significant attention with his statement calling himself a 'patriot' following the release of the latest poster and trailer for the Disney+ original series 'Made in Korea 2.' Set against the tumultuous backdrop of 1979, his remarks in this noir drama go beyond a simple character introduction, hinting at a complex message.

The reason these remarks are gaining traction now is that 'Made in Korea 2' is a period drama covering the assassination of President Park Chung-hee, a pivotal turning point in modern Korean history. In the series, Hyun Bin takes on the role of Baek Kitae (백기태), an ambitious individual aiming to reach the pinnacle of power, signaling a powerful acting transformation. His 'patriot' statement thus demands a deeper exploration into the character's narrative and the overall thematic consciousness of the work.

The Disney+ original series 'Made in Korea 2' boasts a star-studded cast including Hyun Bin (현빈), Jung Woo-sung (정우성), and Woo Do-hwan (우도환).
The drama is set on October 26, 1979, the moment when President Park Chung-hee's assassination brought an end to his 18-year authoritarian rule.
Baek Kitae, played by Hyun Bin, is a character who has been waiting for this moment of change, an ambitious agent who rises to become the Director of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency (KCIA).
Hyun Bin heightened anticipation for his character by describing himself as a 'patriot.'

https://dramabeans.com/2026/08/hyun-bin-claims-to-be-a-patriot-in-made-in-korea-2/

October 1979: A Moment of Upheaval

Key Background Events of the Drama 'Made in Korea 2'

The Context of the 'Patriot' Remark and Baek Kitae's Character

Baek Kitae, played by Hyun Bin, is a character who seeks to reach the pinnacle of new power following the end of President Park Chung-hee's authoritarian regime. His self-description as a 'patriot' could be more than just an expression of love for his country; it might reveal a complex psychology seeking to justify his ambitions and actions amid the era's chaos. According to a Dramabeans report, Baek Kitae is a character who has 'waited for' this moment of change, which can be interpreted as him not merely riding the wave of circumstances but actively striving to realize his ideals. His 'patriotism' will be a crucial keyword, showcasing how personal desires and public causes can intertwine.

The 1979 Era and the Multilayered Interpretation of 'Patriotism'

October 26, 1979, marked the end of the dictatorial era known as the 'Yushin (유신) system' in modern Korean history. This was a period of confusion and upheaval, where the desire for democratization emerged alongside new power struggles. Against this backdrop, the word 'patriot' could be interpreted in various ways, extending beyond mere loyalty to the nation, depending on individual ideologies and beliefs. For some, the yearning for democracy might have been patriotism, while for others, maintaining national security and order was patriotism. The 'patriotism' espoused by Baek Kitae is expected to be an important clue revealing what values he pursues and how he intends to seize power amidst this historical turmoil. Dramabeans mentions that this drama covers a 'new era' after Park Chung-hee's assassination, which could mean a period where the very definition of patriotism is redefined.

The Paradox of 'Patriotism' in a Noir Genre

'Made in Korea 2' exhibits characteristics of the noir genre. Noir typically explores human desires, moral ambiguity, and betrayal within a tragic and dark atmosphere. The combination of these genre characteristics with the keyword 'patriotism' creates an intriguing paradox. While Baek Kitae claims to be a 'patriot,' whether his actions truly stem from genuine patriotism or are merely a means to mask personal ambition for power will be a central question of the drama. Dramabeans describes Baek Kitae as an 'ambitious agent,' hinting at the possibility that his patriotism might be connected more to personal achievement than pure public cause. In this way, within a noir setting, 'patriotism' can function as a device to explore moral gray areas.

A Counterargument to the 'Patriot' Remark: Is it Just a Reflection of the Times?

There could also be a counterargument that Hyun Bin's 'patriot' remark shouldn't be interpreted too seriously. Considering the late 1970s historical background, the word 'patriotism' might have been used with a different meaning and weight than it carries today. At that time, slogans emphasizing national development and stability were commonplace, and many might have connected their roles to 'patriotism.' Therefore, Baek Kitae's 'patriot' statement could be either an expression of self-awareness that a person of that era might naturally possess, or simply rhetorical language used to package his actions within the context of the times. What the drama intends to convey through this statement will become clearer through the character's actions and narrative. The Dramabeans article also introduces this remark merely as the character's 'claim,' without definitively asserting its meaning.

[Editor's Analysis] K-Content Embraces Historical Complexity

Hyun Bin's 'patriot' remark raises an important question about how 'Made in Korea 2' will handle the complex facets of historical figures and events, going beyond a simple period drama. This aligns with the recent trend of K-content reinterpreting the past from diverse perspectives, without being confined to specific ideologies or historical viewpoints. Exploring how even a universal value like 'patriotism' can manifest differently depending on the era and the individual will offer viewers an opportunity for deep reflection. How this drama portrays Baek Kitae's 'patriotism' will be a crucial yardstick for gauging the maturity of K-content's approach to historical narratives. As the work has not yet been released, whether Hyun Bin's statement is a simple promotional tagline or a deeply embedded foreshadowing message will become clear once the veil is lifted.

[ISSUE] Hyun Bin Calls Himself a 'Patriot' in 'Made in Korea 2,' Drawing Attention Amidst 1979 Historical Setting

October 1979: A Moment of Upheaval

The Context of the 'Patriot' Remark and Baek Kitae's Character

The 1979 Era and the Multilayered Interpretation of 'Patriotism'

The Paradox of 'Patriotism' in a Noir Genre

A Counterargument to the 'Patriot' Remark: Is it Just a Reflection of the Times?

[Editor's Analysis] K-Content Embraces Historical Complexity

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