Hyun Bin Gained 14 kg for Made in Korea — And Son Ye-jin’s Reaction Says It All

For his latest role, Hyun Bin didn’t just change his mindset he transformed his body. The actor revealed that he gained close to 14 kilograms to fully embody Baek Gi-tae, his character in Disney+’s original series Made in Korea, a decision that became one of the most talked-about aspects of the project.

A Physical Transformation Chosen on Purpose

Speaking during a recent interview in Seoul, Hyun Bin explained that the weight gain was intentional and closely tied to how he wanted the character to feel on screen. Rather than appearing conventionally polished, he wanted Baek Gi-tae to feel imposing, heavy, and grounded in the harsh realities of 1970s Korea.

Seeing himself fill the frame more fully, he said, gave him a sense of satisfaction. The physical presence helped anchor the character’s ambition, greed, and authority, aligning closely with the director’s vision.

“I Was Satisfied” And What His Wife Thought

Naturally, attention turned to how his wife, Son Ye-jin, reacted to the dramatic change. Hyun Bin shared that while they were unable to watch the series together due to overlapping schedules, he knows she has since seen the full show.

According to him, her response was overwhelmingly positive. She reportedly found the series very engaging and was especially satisfied to see a side of him that felt unfamiliar and new. For Hyun Bin, that reaction mattered, as the role pushed him into territory he had not explored before.

Becoming Baek Gi-tae in a Turbulent Era

Made in Korea is set in a period when South Korea was defined by both rapid growth and deep instability. The story follows Baek Gi-tae, a man who treats the nation itself as a business opportunity, and prosecutor Jang Geon-young, played by Jung Woo-sung, who relentlessly pursues him.

Hyun Bin noted that he never viewed Baek Gi-tae simply as a villain. Instead, he saw him as a morally uncomfortable figure — someone whose actions are clearly wrong, yet whose motivations can feel disturbingly understandable. That ambiguity, he explained, was what made the role compelling.

A Different Kind of “First” Role

Although many viewers labeled Baek Gi-tae as Hyun Bin’s first true antagonist, the actor challenged that interpretation. To him, the character’s appeal lies in the gray areas. He credited director Woo Min-ho for consistently drawing out sides of him that audiences may not expect.

One of the most memorable moments, the ending of episode six, was filmed almost spontaneously. Hyun Bin shared that the scene came together after a same-day suggestion from the director, prompting him to express the character in a raw, instinctive way rather than through careful planning.

Looking Ahead, Without Answers

As speculation about a potential second season continues, Hyun Bin remains deliberately quiet. His response to questions about what comes next is simple: no comment. He hopes viewers will sit with the lingering impact of the first season before looking too far ahead.

What is clear, however, is that Made in Korea marks a turning point. By gaining 14 kilograms and stepping into a morally complex role, Hyun Bin didn’t just alter his appearance he expanded the boundaries of how audiences see him.