The fifth episode of Disney+โs highly anticipated series Made in Korea has finally been released, pushing the tension to its absolute breaking point. This episode was a masterclass in betrayal, marking the definitive moment when Baek Gi-tae began his calculated ascent into the heart of South Korea’s power elite.
As we approach the Season 1 finale, here is a deep dive into the explosive events of Episode 5 and an analysis of the complex anti-hero, Baek Gi-tae.
โ ๏ธ Warning: This post contains major spoilers for Episode 5 of Made in Korea.
Gi-taeโs Preemptive Strike and the Philosophy of “Shame”
Episode 5 opened with a shocking reversal of fortune.
Baek Gi-tae, played by Hyun Bin, took matters into his own hands by eliminating the Director of the KCIAโthe very man who had ordered his assassination. By seizing control of a secret vault filled with slush funds, Gi-tae effectively secured his survival. Although Prosecutor Jang Geon-young (Jung Woo-sung) arrived on the scene shortly after, Gi-tae had already meticulously scrubbed all evidence and established a flawless alibi.
One of the most striking moments occurred when Gi-tae confronted his subordinate, Kang Dae-il, stating that “shame” is the most fundamental virtue a human must possess.
This remark provides a window into Gi-taeโs soul. Despite operating in a world where backstabbing is the norm, he harbours a visceral hatred for those who lack a sense of shame. This internal moral boundary defines him as a man who, while ruthless, refuses to be a “beast” devoid of principles.
A Dangerous Transaction with the Nation’s Second-in-Command
Using the seized slush funds as leverage, Gi-tae sought out Chief Cheon, the Presidential Security Chief and the second most powerful man in the country. In a high-stakes gamble for his life, he made a daring proclamation:
“Even if you cannot trust me, I will make sure you trust my money.”
By promising to turn the funds into a fortune through his drug network, Gi-tae successfully secured a seat at the table with the nation’s elite. This transition from a mere field officer to a “power architect” is a turning point in the series. Behind Gi-tae now stands the impenetrable shield of the Blue House, making him virtually untouchable by traditional law enforcement.
The Achilles’ Heel: The Arrival of Baek Gi-hyun
Despite his rising power, Gi-tae possesses one significant weakness: his family. This episode brought his younger brother, Baek Gi-hyun (Woo Do-hwan), into the centre of the narrative. Gi-hyun, a principled military officer, finds himself in trouble following a shooting incident in his unit. When Gi-tae attempts to use his newfound influence to “fix” the problem, Gi-hyun firmly rejects his brotherโs corrupt methods.
“Worry about your own life, brother. Don’t block my path along with yours,”
Gi-hyun declares, choosing the gruelling path of deployment to the Vietnam War over his brother’s tainted help. This moment sets up a tragic dichotomy between the siblings. While the elder brother seeks power through drugs and corruption, the younger brother seeks it through the crucible of war, marking the beginning of a bitter ideological divide.
The Allure of a Janus-like Anti-Hero
Hyun Binโs portrayal of Baek Gi-tae is captivating because he isn’t a one-dimensional villain; he is a man of intense, honest desire. He genuinely believes that selling drugs to Japan to earn foreign currency is ๐ an act of “patriotism.” This twisted logic, born from the “Export for Victory” era of the 1970s, gives him a dangerous sense of righteousness.
Furthermore, his obsession with his brother Gi-hyun adds a layer of humanity that prevents him from being a purely evil figure. Hyun Binโs physical transformationโgaining 10 kilograms for the roleโadds a palpable weight to the character’s presence. Gi-tae is a man of many faces: a respectful subordinate, a brutal killer, and a devoted brother, all coexisting in a single, volatile persona.
The Conclusion of Episode 5 and Geon-youngโs Defeat
Prosecutor Jang Geon-young launched a massive raid based on intelligence from Kang Dae-il, only to find that Gi-tae had anticipated his every move. The raid yielded nothing but embarrassment for the prosecution. The contrast between Gi-taeโs cool escape and Geon-youngโs mounting fury sets the stage for a showdown in the Season 1 finale. What will be the ultimate cost of these grand ambitions?
Experience the thrill of Episode 5 now on Disney+.
๐ฌ Dive Deeper into [Made in Korea]
Did the “Patriotic Drug” trade actually exist? If you want to double your immersion, check out our deep dive into the 1970s historical background and the real-life events that inspired this series!
๐ [Recommended Post] The Chilling Real History Behind Hyun Binโs ‘Patriotic Drug’ Trade
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