Disney+’s latest K-drama sensation “Low Life” has captivated audiences with its gripping tale of treasure hunting and family bonds. The series premiered on Disney+ on July 16, 2025, bringing viewers into the tumultuous world of 1970s Korea where desperation drives ordinary people to extraordinary lengths.
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Low Life Story Behind Low Life
Based on the webcomic “Pain” by Yoon Tae-Ho, Low Life follows Oh Gwan-Seok (Ryu Seung-Ryong) and his nephew Oh Hee-Dong (Yang Se-Jong) as they receive a request to salvage treasures from a sunken ship off the waters of Shinan, South Jeolla Province. The series draws inspiration from a real-life incident when a 14th-century Chinese ship was discovered off the Korean coast in 1975.
Star-Studded Cast & Characters
| Actor | Character | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ryu Seung-Ryong | Oh Gwan Seok | Uncle who leads treasure hunt |
| Yang Se-Jong | Oh Hee Dong | Nephew following uncle’s path |
| Lim Soo-Jung | Yang Jeong Suk | Boss of Heungbaek Industries |
| Jung Yunho (TVXQ) | Bulgu | Gangster from Mokpo |
| Kim Eui-Sung | Professor | Supporting character |
| Lee Dong-Hwi | Supporting Role | Part of ensemble cast |
Episodes 1-3: The Journey Begins
Episode 1: Family Ties and Criminal Beginnings
The series opens in 1962, where young Hee-dong faces harassment from police officers searching for his anti-government father. Uncle Gwan-seok steps in, bribing the officers and offering Hee-dong money. This pivotal moment establishes their bond and sets the foundation for their criminal partnership.
The episode masterfully shows how Oh Gwan-Seok will do anything to make money, legal or not, while Oh Hee-Dong now works for his uncle. Their relationship evolves from protector-protected to criminal partners.
Episode 2: The Treasure Proposal
Gwan-seok and Hee-dong have been scraping by through petty scams and small-time theft when they receive a tempting offer from Song, an antique dealer, who proposes they make a fortune by salvaging ceramics buried deep in the sea off the coast of Sinan.
The episode builds tension as the duo weighs the risks against potential rewards, showcasing the desperation that drives their decision-making.
Episode 3: The Hunt Intensifies
As rumors spread of a treasure-laden shipwreck filled with priceless antiques off the coast of Shinan, swindlers, gangsters, and con artists from across Korea descend on the sleepy fishing village. The competition becomes fierce as various factions vie for control of the treasure.
What Makes Low Life Special
Created by writer-director Kang Yun-sung, who previously helmed the Disney+ hit “Big Bet” and “The Outlaws,” Low Life combines historical drama with high-stakes adventure. The series excels in character development, showing how ordinary people become extraordinary under pressure.
The production quality is exceptional, with the drama set around a sunken treasure ship off the coast of Shinan in 1977, unfolding a high-stakes survival story. Each episode builds momentum while developing the complex relationships between characters.
Why You Should Watch Low Life
Low Life stands out in the crowded K-drama landscape through its unique blend of historical setting, family drama, and adventure thriller elements. The series explores themes of loyalty, greed, and survival while maintaining authentic 1970s Korean atmosphere.
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The series is available exclusively on Disney+ with new episodes releasing weekly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What historical event inspired the Low Life K-drama storyline?
Low Life draws inspiration from a significant archaeological discovery in Korean history. The series is based on a real-life incident when, in 1975, a sunken 14th-century Chinese ship was discovered off the coast of Shinan, South Korea. This historical treasure find contained thousands of priceless artifacts, including ceramics, coins, and other valuable items that had been preserved underwater for centuries. The discovery became one of the most important underwater archaeological finds in Korean history, yielding over 20,000 artifacts. The drama fictionalizes this event by exploring what might have happened if ordinary people had discovered the treasure first, leading to a complex web of greed, desperation, and survival in 1970s Korea.
Q: How does the relationship between Oh Gwan Seok and Oh Hee Dong develop throughout the first three episodes?
The uncle-nephew relationship serves as the emotional core of Low Life, evolving dramatically across the opening episodes. Starting in 1962 when Gwan-seok rescues young Hee-dong from police harassment and bribes officers to protect him, their bond transforms from protector-protected to criminal partners. Episode 1 establishes Gwan-seok as a father figure who introduces Hee-dong to the criminal world out of necessity and survival. By Episode 2, their partnership has matured into a working relationship where Hee-dong now works for his uncle, with Gwan-seok willing to do anything to make money, legal or not. Episode 3 tests their loyalty as the treasure hunt intensifies pressure and external threats emerge. Their relationship represents the complex dynamics of family loyalty versus moral compromise, showing how desperation can both strengthen and strain familial bonds.
