Disney+’s first original Korean historical drama “The Murky Stream” premieres September 26, 2025, featuring Rowoon, Shin Ye Eun, and Park Seo Ham in a gripping tale of corruption, redemption, and fighting against impossible odds in lawless Joseon.
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The Murky Stream Story for K-Drama Fans
Set in a lawless Joseon era where the once-clear Gyeong River has turned into a murky stream, “The Murky Stream” follows the turbulent fates of Si Yool (Rowoon), who hides his past and becomes a rogue, Choi Eun (Shin Ye Eun), the wise and righteous youngest daughter of Joseon’s top merchant, and Jeong Cheon (Park Seo Ham), who dreams of becoming an incorruptible official.
The drama explores people who each had different dreams of overturning a corrupt world and living a life of dignity, making it a powerful story about justice, ambition, and the courage to challenge an unjust system.
The Murky Stream Disney+ Drama Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | The Murky Stream (탁류) |
| Release Date | September 26, 2025 |
| Platform | Disney+ Global |
| Episodes | 9 episodes |
| Genre | Historical, Action, Drama |
| Director | Choo Chang Min (Masquerade) |
| Writer | Cheon Sung Il (All Of Us Are Dead) |
Star-Studded Cast Ready to Rewrite History
Rowoon as Si Yool: The Rogue with a Hidden Past
Jang Shi-Yool (Ro Woon) is a good-for-nothing man, who hides his past. Rowoon transforms into a complex character who becomes a gangster at Han River’s Mapo Port and eventually became a Joseon legend because of his body and skills. This marks Rowoon’s compelling return to historical dramas after his successful runs in modern series.
Shin Ye Eun as Choi Eun: The Righteous Leader
Choi Eun (Shin Ye-Eun) leads a commercial group. She is a person of principle and righteousness. As the youngest daughter of Joseon’s top merchant, she represents hope and moral strength in a corrupt world.
Park Seo Ham as Jeong Cheon: The Idealistic Official
Park Seo Ham portrays a character driven by pure intentions – someone who dreams of becoming an incorruptible official in an era where corruption runs rampant.
Why This Disney+ Original Is Creating Buzz
Disney’s Korean Drama Milestone
Disney+ has unveiled the cast lineup for its first-ever original historical drama, marking a significant expansion into Korean content. This strategic move positions Disney+ as a serious competitor in the K-drama streaming space.
Award-Winning Creative Team
The upcoming series is going to star Rowoon, Shin Yeeun, Park Jihwan and Park Seoham. “The Murky Stream” will be directed by Choo Changmin (Masquerade) and written by Cheon Sungil (Netflix’s All Of Us Are Dead). This powerhouse combination promises exceptional storytelling and production values.
Epic Setting and Themes
The whirlwind fates of three people converge around the Gyeonggang River, where all of Joseon’s money and goods pass through. The river serves as both a literal and metaphorical backdrop for the clash between purity and corruption.
What Makes “The Murky Stream” Special
Historical Authenticity Meets Modern Storytelling
The drama doesn’t shy away from depicting the harsh realities of a lawless era while maintaining hope through its protagonists’ determination to create change. The Gyeong River transformation from clear to murky perfectly symbolizes societal decay and the characters’ mission to restore justice.
Character-Driven Narrative
Each main character represents a different approach to fighting corruption: Si Yool through street-smart rebellion, Choi Eun through principled leadership, and Jeong Cheon through systemic reform. Their convergent paths promise compelling character development and moral complexity.
Production Excellence
With Disney+’s substantial investment and the proven track record of its creative team, viewers can expect cinematic quality production values, authentic period details, and compelling action sequences.
Release Strategy and Global Reach
“The Murky Stream” will stream on Disney+ in many countries across Asia, including Korea and Singapore, from September 26th 2025. As with other Korean Originals, expect to see it also released on Disney+ around the world. The nine-episode series will premiere with the first three episodes followed by two new episodes weekly.
This release pattern allows for sustained engagement and discussion, perfect for building a dedicated fanbase around the series.
Why September 26 Can’t Come Soon Enough
The combination of stellar casting, proven creative talent, and Disney+’s production backing has created enormous anticipation. Early previews suggest this could be the historical K-drama that sets new standards for the genre.
Rowoon, Shin Yeeun, Park Seoham team up to fight corruption in what promises to be an emotionally charged and visually stunning series that will resonate with global audiences.
Related Reading: Discover more about upcoming K-dramas and explore our comprehensive Disney+ releases guide for the latest streaming content.
Sources: Information compiled from Disney+, Soompi, IMDb, and AsianWiki.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does “The Murky Stream” premiere and how many episodes will it have?
A: “The Murky Stream” premieres on Disney+ on September 26, 2025, with 9 episodes total. The series will launch with the first three episodes, followed by two new episodes weekly until completion.
Q: What is “The Murky Stream” about and who are the main characters?
A: Set in lawless Joseon era, the drama follows three characters fighting against corruption: Si Yool (Rowoon), a rogue hiding his past; Choi Eun (Shin Ye Eun), a righteous merchant’s daughter; and Jeong Cheon (Park Seo Ham), an aspiring incorruptible official. Their fates intertwine around the Gyeong River, symbolizing the struggle between purity and corruption.
