Episode 4 of Made in Korea shifts the spotlight to Prosecutor Jang Geon-young, and the change adds weight to the story. He opens the episode by reflecting on the trauma that shaped his life.
The flashbacks hit hard. We see his father, Jang Myeong-ho, lose himself to addiction after the war. His mother becomes the tragic victim of this downward spiral. The series has touched on dark themes before, but this scene deepens our understanding of Jang’s guarded personality.
His father remains in a mental institution, still unable to accept what happened. This detail adds to the family’s sorrow and explains Jang’s fierce protectiveness toward his younger sister, Hye-eun.
Hye-eun continues to work at a factory. Her attempt to create an everyday life through a small guitar club makes her feel human and hopeful. Yet the environment around her remains dangerous. Jang checks on her often. His tough exterior softens in these moments. It shows that his moral center is still intact despite the violent world he operates in.
The Trial That Shocks Everyone
One of the most gripping moments in the episode is the trial involving the addicted American soldiers accused of double murder. Jang demands the death penalty. His stance is intense and unexpected. Viewers may find the scene divisive.
Jang’s decision feels driven by a mix of justice and trauma. His delivery is cold yet emotional. This blend sets him apart from other characters who hide behind politics or corruption. Jang acts based on what he feels is right, even when the choice draws criticism.
The KCIA Power Struggle Intensifies
Meanwhile, the action inside the KCIA headquarters grows darker. Director General Hwang confronts Gi-tae after learning the truth about the meth production. The confrontation is brutal. Gi-tae tries to save himself by offering monthly payments. The tension rises even further when he exposes Pyo Hak-su as a mole. With every reveal, alliances shift again.
Pyo admits to passing information to Cheon. He then claims that Prosecutor Jang exposed the meth operation to Hwang. These layers of betrayal stack up quickly. Episode 4 uses these scenes to highlight how unstable Gi-tae’s rise has become. Everyone wants something from him. Everyone is ready to sacrifice someone else.
Jang Pulls Dae-il Back Into His Web
On the personal side, Jang continues to monitor So-yeong’s world. He becomes suspicious when she meets someone for a date. Jang follows her and discovers that the man is Dae-il.
The moment explodes into violence. Jang attacks him, forcing him back into the role of an informant. The scene is messy and reckless, yet it highlights Jang’s fear of loss. He has lost family to addiction and crime. He refuses to watch another person fall into danger.
Gi-tae Strikes Back
Gi-tae sees Jang as a growing threat and invites him to dinner. Their exchange feels like a duel made of words. Both men know the other is dangerous. Gi-tae pretends to be friendly, then leaves with a warning. Soon after, he orders the arrest of Hye-eun under false charges. This is one of the boldest moves Gi-tae has taken so far. It proves he is tired of being cornered.
Dae-il later reveals that a major drug delivery to Yuji is about to happen. Gi-tae informs Hwang, but the situation turns unpredictable when Hwang decides to send Pyo as well. Gi-tae then listens to a hidden recording from Hwang’s office. The recording exposes Hwang’s plan to take over the meth business and eliminate them both. The conspiracy becomes a cycle of betrayal that grows by the minute.
Yuji’s Ambition and Emotional Layers
Yuji’s scenes add another layer to the story. She faces pressure from Chairman Ikeda and feels the weight of his expectations. Her ambition is revealed when she opens up to Gi-tae.
She wants to overthrow Ikeda and control the drug trade by supplying massive quantities of meth. Their shared experiences as Zainichis lead to a rare moment of vulnerability between them. This is one of the first times the show lets viewers see Gi-tae find a connection through someone who understands him.
The Japan Operation and the Twist at the Port
Jang and Ye-jin travel to Japan for surveillance. They arrive early and are forced to share a room. The awkward humor in their scenes gives the episode a breather. Their stakeout leads them to Yuji and Gi-tae. They collect evidence while hiding in plain sight.
Back at the port, the plan to capture Gi-tae breaks down. Pyo arrives alone. Jang becomes confused as the pieces no longer line up. The tension jumps as Pyo points a gun at Gi-tae. What happens next shifts the entire power structure.
The Temple Showdown and Its Aftermath
Director Hwang reaches his hidden safe but finds it empty. Gi-tae appears and fights him. The struggle ends in gunfire. Hwang collapses. Jang arrives but misses the violence because of the loud ritual above.
As Jang leaves to call for help, Gi-tae burns the temple down. The fire creates complete chaos. Jang saves a girl running into the flames and watches the building burn. His face shows defeat and exhaustion. The battle has changed, and now he is even more isolated.
Final Verdict: A Solid Episode With Slow Progress
Episode 4 gives viewers a deeper look into Jang and his motivations. His choices make more sense now. He is flawed, emotional, and driven by a sense of justice shaped by trauma. The episode is strong in character depth but slow in plot momentum.
With only six episodes, the show struggles to balance emotional storytelling with the crime arc. The pacing may frustrate viewers who expect faster movement. Still, it sets the stage for a tense final stretch as Gi-tae grows more unpredictable.
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