Episode 3 of "Made in Korea" unfolds with Bae Geum-ji narrating that it was during the prohibition era when civilians were ruthlessly killed for minor infractions, while the KCIA remained untouchable. Geum-ji, a madam who catered to these officers, never imagined she would be killed for her line of work.
The episode shifts to Gi-tae driving his boss, Director Hwang, to a temple that houses a safe containing the latter's money. They then proceed to meet Cheon Seok-jung, the Chief of the Presidential Security Service. Cheon hails from an elite family and effectively controls the KCIA. Hwang vents about Geum-ji's return from the US with her son and her constant to expose one of them as the father of her child.
At the meeting, we witness Hwang treating Gi-tae like a servant and Cheon treating Hwang in a similar manner. Geum-ji notices Gi-tae's awe at Cheon's power and offers to help him achieve that status. She even flirts with him, suggesting she might have feelings for him. However, it becomes clear that the meeting is a setup as Cheon has ordered Hwang to keep an eye on Geum-ji. Meanwhile, the two men mock Gi-tae for his poverty and ambition.
Meanwhile, Prosecutor Jang Geon-young, Ye-jin, and Manager Kim establish a secret HQ to investigate their speculations, such as Man-jae paying Hwang for protection and the existence of a shadowy figure controlling Hwang. They decide to catch Dae-il, rumored to be rebuilding the gang's meth business.
At the KCIA, Hwang informs Gi-tae that Geum-ji has a notebook detailing the men she has slept with. Gi-tae is tasked with obtaining the notebook so that she can no longer extort the higher-ups with her illegitimate son threat. Hwang also warns him not to fall for Geum-ji's wiles.
With this, the episode continues to weave a complex web of power struggles, sexual manipulation, and betrayal, all set against the backdrop of a changing Korea.
Gi-tae meets Geum-ji, only to discover that she's already in the know about Hwang's scheme. She wins Gi-tae over with her offer and reveals that Cheon has an unending supply of cash. If Gi-tae can steal that, he'll replace Cheon. She also arranges a meeting with Yuji, who agrees to give Gi-tae another chance but threatens to kill him if he fails her again. Seeing Yuji and Gi-tae act buddy-buddy, Geum-ji tries to stake her claim on Gi-tae as her personal bodyguard.
Elsewhere, Ye-jin "befriends" So-yeong, Gi-tae's sister. Through her, the prosecutors learn that the Baeks are Zainichis (Koreans in Japan) who were often bullied. Something also happened to Ki-hyun as a kid. Gi-tae also has a dishonorable discharge and Jang's Order of Military Merit is brought up. He flaunts his bullet wounds and Ye-jin teases him.
Jang also "runs into" Hwang and feels him out by asking about Dae-il and the new meth business involving Gi-tae. Outside, he tells Ye-jin that this is all speculation but it will get Hwang powered up to find the truth.
The scene cuts to Gi-tae roping in So-yeong to help launder the money and also keep an eye on Dae-il. She's worried for him but he insists it's patriotic to bring money into the country by selling drugs to Japan. He also promises her that he won't let the meth reach the South Korean market.
In a more dramatic and engaging tone, we can rephrase the story as follows:
Gi-tae meets Geum-ji, only to discover that she's already privy to Hwang's sinister scheme. Using her offer as leverage, she wins Gi-tae over and reveals that Cheon has an inexhaustible supply of cash. If Gi-tae can steal that, he'll replace Cheon in the drug underworld. She also arranges a meeting with Yuji, who agrees to give Gi-tae another chance but threatens dire consequences if he fails her again. Seeing Yuji and Gi-tae act like old pals, Geum-ji tries to stake her claim on Gi-tae as her personal bodyguard.
Elsewhere, Ye-jin befriends So-yeong, Gi-tae's sister, and through her, the prosecutors learn that the Baeks are Zainichis (Koreans in Japan) who were often bullied. Something also happened to Ki-hyun as a kid, adding another layer of complexity to their story. Gi-tae also has a dishonorable discharge and Jang's Order of Military Merit is brought up in conversation. He proudly displays his bullet wounds and Ye-jin teases him about it.
Jang also runs into Hwang and tries to feel him out by inquiring about Dae-il and the new meth business involving Gi-tae. Outside, he tells Ye-jin that this is all speculation but it will get Hwang motivated to find the truth behind the meth trade.
The scene cuts to Gi-tae enlisting So-yeong's help in laundering the money and keeping an eye on Dae-il. She's worried for him but he insists it's patriotic to bring money into the country by selling drugs to Japan. He also promises her that he won't let the meth reach the South Korean market, adding another layer of tension to their relationship.
Dae-il sets up a new meth lab, and So-yeong soon arrives, causing Dae-il to flirt with her. She pretends to be indignant, but she is actually amused by his advances. Hwang realizes that there must be some truth to Jang's words when Gi-tae shows up with less protection money for the month and lies about Geum-ji's activities.
Hwang has another agent, Pyo Hak-su, tail Gi-tae and learns of the meeting with Yuji and the partnership with Dae-il. Although he doesn't want his people involved in the meth business as it could ruin KCIA's reputation, he starts to reconsider when Pyo reveals that the profits are massive.
Gi-tae is "keeping tabs" on Geum-ji, and they discuss their desire for power so that no one can look down on them. Right then, Hwang calls Gi-tae, furious that Geum-ji has just threatened to show up at the President's public event. He threatens to cut ties with Gi-tae unless he reins her in. But this is a trap as Geum-ji gives them the slip while Gi-tae is on the call with Hwang.
Instead, she visits Na Yong-cheol, the Chief of Presidential Staff. It seems that he is the father of her child, as he wonders how long she will manipulate the rest. She claims she just wants land and power. He tries to hit her, but she just laughs.
Hwang finds out about the visit and decides to put an end to her games. He judges Gi-tae, thinking he has fallen for her, and decides to use him. That night, Gi-tae warns Geum-ji and tries to get her to leave the country. She refuses and reveals that there is no notebook. However, she hopes he will protect her. He leaves, and she tears up.
As she makes her way home, her driver, who may also be her lover, begs her to leave the country. She seems defeated and angry at the world for not backing her. Right then, the KCIA surrounds them, and Gi-tae shows up. Her relief is short-lived as she realizes that he is choosing Hwang. He kills her after she smokes her final cigarette. She narrates that all she wanted was to fall in love again.
The scene is vividly portrayed through dialogue and actions, creating a sense of tension and suspense as we witness the complex relationships between the characters and their motivations for power and control. The language used is refined and expressive, making the story more engaging and compelling.
