Is ‘Made in Korea’ Worth the Watch? A Comprehensive Review

Netflix’s ‘Made in Korea’ is a unique joint venture between the streamer’s Indian and South Korean production arms—and shouldn’t be confused for the 2025 Disney+/Hulu crime series of the same name. Written and directed by Ra. Karthik, the film boasts a talented cast from both South Indian and Korean cinema, with dialogue in Tamil, Korean, and English.

The Story Unfolds

The film centers around Shenba (Priyanka Mohan), a young woman with a lifelong fascination with Korean culture. Despite her dreams, her parents pressure her towards a traditional life, including an arranged marriage and taking over the family restaurant. Shenba convinces her longtime crush, Mani (Rishikanth), to propose, but he’s burdened by family debts and not ready for commitment. He concocts a deceitful plan: steal money from her father and send her to Korea with a false job offer.

Shenba arrives in Seoul with a broken heart and no prospects. However, she quickly adapts, finding work as a caretaker for a seemingly sick, elderly woman. She soon discovers the woman is faking her illness to resist her son’s controlling demands. A beautiful bond forms between them, and together they decide to pursue their shared passion: opening a restaurant.

The restaurant thrives, but their secret is threatened when the woman’s son discovers their enterprise, jeopardizing Shenba’s future in Seoul.

Similar Vibes: What Films Does It Remind Us Of?

The premise echoes the 2013 film *Queen*, starring Kangana Ranaut, which follows a woman’s journey of self-discovery after being left at the altar. Both films explore themes of female independence and navigating patriarchal societal expectations.

A Performance That Shines

Park Hye-jin delivers a captivating performance as the elderly Korean woman. She embodies a playful spirit and unwavering encouragement, representing the woman Shenba is evolving into. Her chemistry with Priyanka Mohan is a highlight of the film.

What About Mature Content?

‘Made in Korea’ is remarkably wholesome and avoids explicit content, making it a suitable watch for a wide audience.

Our Verdict: A Mixed Bag

The film gets off to a shaky start. While Shenba’s Korean obsession is well-established, her relationship with Mani feels underdeveloped, especially considering its pivotal role in her journey. The film doesn’t fully explore their dynamic, and Mani’s manipulative actions are glossed over with a weak explanation.

However, the film truly comes alive once Park Hye-jin’s character enters the scene, injecting colour and inspiring Shenba to pursue her dreams. Their connection is heartwarming, though it feels somewhat rushed given the film’s two-hour runtime. The inclusion of extraneous subplots, like an unexplained music video Shenba funds, detracts from the core narrative.

Final Thoughts

While ‘Made in Korea’ offers an emotionally satisfying relationship at its heart, its cluttered subplots prevent it from reaching its full potential.

**Our Call: SKIP IT.**

Radhika Menon (@menonrad) is a film and TV writer based in Los Angeles.

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