Made in Korea on Netflix: Pachinko star Kim Min-Ha takes on first dubbing role for Priyanka Mohan

South Korean actor Kim Min-Ha, best known for her performance in the acclaimed series Pachinko, has dubbed the character of Shenbagam, played by Priyanka Mohan, in the Korean version of Netflix’s cross-cultural film Made in Korea. The film, directed by Ra Karthik, premiered on the streaming platform on March 12.

The story follows Shenbagam, fondly called Shenba, a young woman whose fascination with Korean culture begins in childhood. Inspired by stories linking Tamil history with Korea, she dreams of travelling there one day. When she eventually finds herself in Seoul, the reality of living in a foreign country proves far more challenging than she imagined. Her journey unfolds as one of resilience, self-discovery and forming unexpected connections in a new cultural setting.

For Kim Min-Ha, the project marks her first experience as a dubbing artist. In a statement, the actor said she had long wanted to try voice dubbing and was excited to participate in a cross-cultural project through her voice alone. She described the experience as both unfamiliar and meaningful, expressing hope that audiences would connect with Shenba’s emotional journey as much as she did while voicing the character.

The film also features several South Korean actors, including Park Hye-jin, Si-hun Baek and Ha Ram-jo, alongside Indian actor Rishikanth. The project has been produced by Rise East Entertainment and represents Priyanka Mohan’s debut on an OTT platform.

Director Ra Karthik recently praised Mohan for her dedication during the shoot. In a message shared on social media, he revealed that he had received numerous calls and messages from viewers appreciating the actor’s performance. Karthik highlighted that Mohan worked for more than 12 hours daily during the Korea schedule, often in difficult weather conditions.

He recalled her determination to make the film successful and thanked her for the energy and commitment she brought to the production. According to the director, her perseverance played a significant role in bringing the story to life.

Made in Korea attempts to explore themes of cultural exchange, identity and personal growth through Shenba’s experiences in Seoul. While the film blends Indian and Korean characters and settings, reviews have been mixed. Critics have noted that although the premise has the ingredients for a compelling cross-cultural story, the execution sometimes feels emotionally distant.

Despite this, Priyanka Mohan’s portrayal of Shenba has drawn attention for capturing the character’s innocence and humour, particularly in lighter moments where the protagonist navigates unfamiliar situations in Korea.

With its combination of Indian and Korean talent both on screen and behind the scenes, Made in Korea represents a growing trend of international collaborations in streaming cinema.