Made in Korea, the Korean political thriller series that captivated the Brazilian audience on Disney+’s catalog, reached its final episode this Wednesday, January 14, 2026. The conclusion, which is now available for streaming, answers the major questions that drove the plot: the incorruptible prosecutor Jang Geon-yeong is alive, while the ambitious KCIA operator, Baek Ki-tae, not only survives but sees his drug empire grow and secures the position of Director-General of the agency. This revelation is crucial for fans, as it closes an intense cycle of conspiracies and, at the same time, sets the stage for the second season, already confirmed for the end of this year.
The season finale unfolds in a complex game of power and betrayal. Geon-yeong, whose death on the streets was faked, refuses to collaborate with Ki-tae’s schemes and seeks justice by his own means, even after being humiliated and having his family past exposed. On the other hand, Ki-tae consolidates his criminal network, securing political support and alliances with the Japanese Yakuza. Thus, the narrative shows how systemic corruption can protect those at the top, a theme that resonates with global discussions about power and impunity.
The Details of the Final Confrontation and the Price of Ambition
The series’ climax is marked by high-tension scenes. With the unexpected help of Hak-soo, Geon-yeong storms the KCIA headquarters with a warrant to arrest Ki-tae. However, the intervention of the powerful Cheon ensures the operator’s immediate release. Meanwhile, Ki-tae travels to Vietnam to close a major deal with suppliers, unaware that his own brother, Ki-hyun, is observing him in a surveillance operation. The explosion of a bomb at the meeting site serves as the definitive breaking point between the brothers, leading Ki-hyun to cut all family ties.
The individual outcomes of the characters are as impactful as the central conflict. Dae-il, driven by love, commits suicide during an interrogation to protect So-yeong. Ki-tae’s sister, now pregnant with Dae-il’s child, starts working for her brother. Geon-yeong, although alive and determined, ends the season imprisoned and powerless, watching Ki-tae ascend to the top position at the KCIA. This apparent victory, however, is poisoned by the protagonist’s loneliness and insatiable ambition, who promises to seek even more power.
With the production of the second season already underway for a premiere in late 2026, the series leaves a legacy of questions. The new phase will likely explore Ki-tae’s challenges in maintaining his position under siege from new and old enemies. Geon-yeong’s survival also opens a range of possibilities, suggesting he may return with a renewed strategy or more powerful allies. Therefore, the ending of “Made in Korea” is not a full stop, but a promise that the battle between these two visions of justice is far from over.
