Fans of Disney+’s Made in Korea have received a major update following the conclusion of Season 2.
Director Woo Min Ho has confirmed that the story will continue with a third season while also putting to rest the uncertainty surrounding the fate of Hyun Bin’s character, Baek Ki Tae.
The director revealed that Ki Tae survived the events of the Season 2 finale and is set to return when the series continues.
The revelation came during a media interview in Seoul on September 29, shortly after the Season 2 finale was released.
The ending had left viewers questioning whether Baek Ki Tae was dead after his younger brother, Baek Ki Hyun, appeared to point a gun at him before a gunshot was heard.
Woo Min Ho directly addressed the character’s fate, stating,
“Baek Ki Tae is alive. He will return with Season 3.”
He further explained that the character did not actually die during the finale but instead disappeared from the era with the sound of the gunshot.
The director also confirmed that work on Season 3 has already begun.
“Yes. There will be a Season 3,” he said. “We’ve been preparing for it for quite some time. We started preparing it while working on Season 2.”
This means the continuation was being developed while the second season was still in production rather than being planned only after the finale’s release.
Baek Ki Tae’s Fate and the Meaning Behind the Finale
The Season 2 finale originally created considerable uncertainty about what happened to Baek Ki Tae.
Although Baek Ki Hyun appeared to shoot his older brother, the show did not explicitly confirm his death.
According to Woo, this ambiguity was intentional because he wanted the character to return in the future.
The director revealed that Baek Ki Tae was actually supposed to die in the original script. However, he ultimately changed his approach while filming.
“I couldn’t let go of Baek Ki Tae,” Woo Min Ho admitted. “In the original script, Baek Ki Tae was supposed to die, but while filming, I just couldn’t let him go.”
He explained that he directed the ending with the idea that Baek Ki Tae did not die because of the gunshot.
Instead, the character disappeared from the historical period represented in Season 2 and would eventually return.
“I directed it with the idea that Baek Ki Tae didn’t die with the sound of the gunshot, but instead disappeared from that era with the sound of the gunshot and would return later,” he said.
Woo also offered an explanation for the significance of the gunshot heard at the end of the series.
“The gunshot at the end of the film isn’t Baek Ki Hyun’s gunshot. It’s the gunshot of the era,” he said.
He continued, “That era began with gunshots and ended with gunshots. I found that heartbreaking and empty.”
The director explained that the historical setting influenced how Baek Ki Tae’s story could conclude.
Because the character represents the KCIA, Woo felt that allowing him to simply emerge victorious would conflict with the historical events surrounding the organization.
“Because Baek Ki Tae represents the Central Intelligence Agency, I couldn’t show Baek Ki Tae winning when the Central Intelligence Agency itself was collapsing after October 26,” he explained.
Season 3 Could Explore a New Era
While the return of Season 3 and Baek Ki Tae has been confirmed, several important details remain unknown.
The production team has not yet announced a release date, complete cast lineup, or specific plot details.
Woo Min Ho has indicated that the next season could move considerably forward in time.
Reports state that preparations are underway for a story connected to the 1990s and the period of South Korea’s civilian government.
However, the director has not presented the setting as completely finalized. He explained,
“It’s not certain, but there will be an era that needs Baek Ki Tae.”
He added, “He will appear again in an era that needs Baek Ki Tae.”
The director has also emphasized that the series will continue to balance fictional characters with real historical developments.
He has previously explained that major historical events should not be altered and that fictional storytelling can instead occupy the gaps between established events.
Reflecting on his work on the series, Woo said,
“I’ve spent about three years living and working alongside the actors and staff while making ‘Made in Korea.'” He then added, “This isn’t the end.”
For now, the confirmed details are that Made in Korea will return for Season 3 and that Baek Ki Tae remains alive within the story.
The next chapter is expected to introduce a new historical period while continuing the character’s journey.
The setting, release schedule, and additional casting details are yet to be announced, leaving viewers waiting to see how Baek Ki Tae’s return will shape the next stage of the series.
