Disney is preparing to launch "The Murky Stream," an ambitious new Korean historical drama series that explores corruption, ambition, and moral conflict during the Joseon Dynasty era (1392-1910). The nine-episode series combines action, intrigue, and deeply human storytelling while focusing on the lives of outcasts, merchants, and officers who challenge a corrupt system to forge their own destinies.
Set along Gyeonggang, the former name of today's Han River, the series takes place in a bustling hub where Joseon's wealth and resources once converged. Director Choo Chang-min, making his first venture into episodic storytelling, emphasized his interest in marginalized characters during a press conference held at Hotel Eliena in Gangnam District, Seoul. "I've always been drawn to characters living on the margins," Choo explained. "Unlike traditional historical series that focus on nobles and aristocrats, this is a story of walpae (dockside gangs), ordinary people who made history in their own way."
Rowoon, the actor and former member of K-pop group SF9, takes on the leading role of Jang Siyul, a mysterious lone wolf figure at the Mapo Ferry dock. His character hides a troubled past, lacks a true home, and cannot even fully claim his own name. "That loneliness is his identity," Rowoon explained during the press conference. This project marks a significant personal milestone for the actor, as he confirmed it will be his final leading role before fulfilling his mandatory military service obligation.
Shin Ye-eun, best known for her powerful performance in Netflix's "The Glory," portrays Choi Eun, the intelligent youngest daughter of a powerful merchant guild. Her character brings both intelligence and determination to the story. "Choi Eun is sharp, determined and unafraid to stand tall in the face of conflict," Shin said. "I wanted to show her resilience as both a woman and a leader." The actress praised Rowoon's dedication during the challenging filming process, noting that despite exhausting heat, his commitment lifted everyone's spirits on set.
Park Seo-ham, who gained recognition from "Semantic Error" (2022), plays Jung Chun, a principled officer who battles corruption within the system. "He dreams of making the world a better place," Park explained, adding that he underwent extensive sword fighting training to prepare for the physically demanding role. For Park, this project represents his first major work since completing his military service, and he expressed gratitude for finding what felt like a new family on set.
The supporting cast brings additional depth to the story with seasoned performers taking on complex roles. Park Ji-hwan, who gained fame through "The Roundup" film series, portrays Mu-deok, a faded gang boss who has fallen from power. "He was once powerful but now lives a shabby life," Park joked, adding that the costume's dirtiness actually made filming easier since he "could lie down anywhere." Choi Gwi-hwa plays Lee Dol-gae, a corrupt police official who feeds off the gangs, while Kim Dong-won appears as Wang Hae, a mysterious outsider with an intimidating presence.
The production faced significant challenges during filming, with the cast enduring grueling outdoor shooting conditions that included intense summer heat and midnight battle scenes. "The sweat you'll see onscreen isn't makeup – it's real," Rowoon said with a laugh, highlighting the authentic physical demands of the production. Director Choo Chang-min discussed the decision-making process behind the large-scale action sequences, explaining, "We debated shooting indoors with CGI (computer-generated imagery), but ultimately built the outdoor sets by the water. It was not easy, but the choice gave us authenticity."
Director Choo emphasized the importance of balancing rising stars with veteran performers to create a strong ensemble cast. "I chose these actors because I saw their hunger to grow," he said. "By blending their energy with experienced performers, we built a balanced ensemble." This approach allowed the series to showcase both emerging talent and seasoned expertise, creating what the director believes is effective on-screen chemistry.
The series recently gained additional recognition when it was invited to the Busan International Film Festival, adding to the cast's excitement about the project. Park Seo-ham particularly mentioned how this recognition reinforced the sense of camaraderie he felt with his fellow cast members, describing the experience as finding a new family in the entertainment industry.
While "The Murky Stream" is currently planned as a nine-episode limited series, Director Choo left the door open for potential future seasons. "We didn't plan for a sequel, but if audiences love it, there's room for the story to grow," he explained, suggesting that viewer response could influence Disney's decision regarding continuation of the series.
"The Murky Stream" will premiere exclusively on Disney+ with its first three episodes releasing simultaneously, followed by two new episodes each week thereafter. Rowoon summarized the cast's collective hopes for the series, saying, "We poured nearly a year of effort and passion into this. I hope audiences can feel the weight of our energy and sincerity." With its combination of sweeping action sequences, dockside intrigue, and deeply human characters, the series is positioning itself as one of the most anticipated Korean dramas of the year.
