Netflix movie “Made in Korea” / Courtesy of Netflix
For many global fans, Korea is a land defined by the fancy scenes of K-dramas and the flashy performances of K-pop.
However, the new Netflix film “Made in Korea,” released March 12, presents a different reality from this fantasy, instead focusing on the harsh reality of an outsider struggling to adapt to Seoul.
Directed by Ra Karthik, the story follows Shenba (Priyanka Mohan), a young woman from a quiet village in Tamil Nadu, India.
Her fascination with Korea began early, sparked by the ancient legend of Heo Hwang-ok, the Indian princess who traveled across the sea to marry King Suro. This childhood curiosity eventually grew into a deep love for K-culture, leading the adult Shenba to travel to Seoul with the hopeful goal of living there for a year.
However, Seoul is far from what she imagined. Upon arrival, she goes through the deep loneliness of being a stranger. She faces the coldness of busy people and soon loses her money to a scam, leaving her in a difficult situation.
Rather than focusing on iconic landmarks like Gyeongbok Palace or N Seoul Tower, the cinematography lingers on the mundane everyday life of the city, such as crowded traditional markets and small neighborhood alleys. It is in these everyday spaces that the film finds its heart, portraying Korea not as a tourist destination, but as a challenging stage for personal growth.
A poster for Netflix’s movie “Made in Korea” / Captured from Netflix Instagram
Despite the initial trouble, the story focuses on the small courage needed to stand on her own.
Shenba eventually finds a sense of community through unexpected connections. She takes a job as a helper for an elderly woman (Park Hye-jin) and receives guidance from a young YouTuber (Baek Si-hun) who assists her in navigating the unfamiliar social landscape. Through these moments, the movie focuses on how she becomes independent.
While the film naturally incorporates elements of Korean lifestyle and food, these are treated as incidental details rather than the primary focus. The movie is, at its core, a universal coming-of-age story about identity and the resilience of the human spirit in a foreign land.
For Korean viewers, the film offers a unique perspective. While they are used to seeing characters in Korean movies and dramas pursue their dreams in famous cities abroad, watching a foreigner do the same in Seoul provides a fresh and interesting experience.
This grounded approach to storytelling has resonated deeply with global audiences. Blending the rhythmic energy of Indian cinema with a realistic portrayal of life in Seoul, “Made in Korea” has climbed to the top of the Netflix non-English film chart.