The Murky Stream, starring Rowoon and Shin Ye Eun, will debut as Disney+’s first original Korean historical drama. Directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Choo Chang Min and written by veteran screenwriter Chun Sung Il, the series has quickly become one of the most anticipated releases of 2025.
The Murky Stream (Korean title: Takryu) is set to premiere on September 26, 2025, when episodes 1 through 3 will be released simultaneously. Following that, two new episodes will drop each week, for a total of nine episodes.
Before its global streaming launch, the first two episodes will be screened at the 30th Busan International Film Festival’s “On Screen” section.
Set in the late Joseon era, the story unfolds in a time when corruption and power struggles have left society in chaos. The once peaceful Gyeonggang River has turned into a murky stream, which symbolizes the lawlessness that has engulfed the land.
The drama follows three figures whose futures collide amid the turmoil: Jang Si Yool (Rowoon), a man burdened by the past who becomes a rogue figure; Choi Eun (Shin Ye Eun), a merchant leader who confronts those who exploit the weak. Jeong Cheon (Park Seo Ham), plays an official determined to root out corruption.
The newly released teaser trailer highlights the drama’s tension and emotional weight. Si Yool (Rowoon) declares, “Life is nothing more than a cruel dream. I will make sure they pay the price.”Jeong Cheon (Park Seo Ham) laments, “Joseon is a tilted land; there is no place untouched by rot and stench.”
Then, against this unjust world, Choi Eun (Shin Ye Eun) firmly cries out, “This is unacceptable!” only to be crushed by those in power who sneer, “For the powerful, nothing is unacceptable. The three ultimately join forces, proclaiming, “Let’s fight. In this weary world, even death can be a blessing.”
The cast also includes Park Ji Hwan, Choi Gwi Hwa, Jeon Bae Soo, Kim Dong-won, and Choi Young Woo. The director Choo Chang Min, known for Masquerade which attracted over 12 million viewers, is reunited with writer Chun Sung Il. Chun returns to historical storytelling after a 14-year hiatus, last seen in The Slave Hunters.
Meanwhile, The Murky Stream will premiere on Disney+ on September 26 and conclude on October 17.
