Disney+ has struck gold with The Murky Stream, their first Korean historical drama that’s already capturing audiences worldwide. After a gripping three-episode premiere on September 26, fans are eagerly awaiting the next installments. Here’s everything you need to know about episodes 4-5 and what thrilling developments lie ahead.
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When Do The Murky Stream Episodes 4-5 Release?
Episodes 4 and 5 of The Murky Stream are scheduled to drop on October 3 at 4 PM KST, maintaining Disney+’s strategic Friday release pattern. The series follows a weekly dual-episode format, with two installments releasing every Friday until the final episode on October 17.
| Episode | Release Date | Time (KST) | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episodes 4-5 | October 3, 2025 | 4:00 PM | Disney+ |
| Episodes 6-7 | October 10, 2025 | 4:00 PM | Disney+ |
| Episodes 8-9 | October 17, 2025 | 4:00 PM | Disney+ |
What to Expect in Episodes 4-5
Based on the explosive cliffhanger ending of episode 3, viewers can anticipate significant character developments and escalating conflicts in the upcoming episodes.
Si-yul’s Internal Struggle Intensifies Si-yul will continue struggling between following the bandits’ orders and doing what’s right, as his complicated past with Chun creates mounting pressure. His decision to join Mu-deok’s lawless group while maintaining his moral compass promises intense internal conflict.
Choi Eun’s Rise to Power Choi Eun is showing she can lead the merchant guild, and she might become a stronger, smarter leader who challenges both the bandits and the corrupt officials. Her refusal to yield river access to rival guilds sets up a fascinating power struggle.
Mu-deok’s Deadly Game The cunning antagonist will likely keep scheming and causing trouble, making life harder for Si-yul and the workers. His knowledge of Si-yul’s arson charges gives him dangerous leverage over both Si-yul and Jung Chun.
The Story So Far: A Quick Recap
Set in the corrupt Joseon era, The Murky Stream follows three unlikely allies fighting against systemic oppression at Gyeonggang River’s bustling port:
Jang Si-yul (Rowoon) – A local thug with a tragic past involving family loss and wrongful accusations of arson. His friendship with Jung Chun complicates his survival in the criminal underworld.
Choi Eun (Shin Ye-eun) – A principled trader challenging gender norms in Joseon society while building her merchant empire. Her confrontations with Si-yul evolve into mutual respect.
Jung Cheon (Park Seo-ham) – An idealistic officer determined to root out corruption, unaware that his childhood friend Si-yul is now working for the very criminals he’s fighting.
Why The Murky Stream Is Disney+’s Breakthrough Hit
Disney+ has made a bold statement with this historical drama, marking their serious entry into the Korean content market. The series is directed by Choo Chang-min (Masquerade) and written by Cheon Sung-il (Netflix’s All Of Us Are Dead), bringing together proven talent in Korean storytelling.
Production Excellence The series showcases Disney+’s commitment to high production values, with authentic period costumes, detailed set designs, and cinematography that brings the Joseon era to vivid life. The murky river itself serves as a powerful metaphor for the moral corruption plaguing the kingdom.
Star Power Rowoon, former member of K-pop group SF9 and breakout actor from “The King’s Affection,” plays Si-yul, delivering a nuanced performance that balances vulnerability with raw intensity. Shin Ye-eun (“The Glory,” “Jungnyeon: The Star is Born”) stars opposite him, creating compelling on-screen chemistry.
Global Streaming Strategy
Disney+ is positioning The Murky Stream as a flagship series for their international expansion. The series will be released on Disney+ around the world and on Hulu and Hulu On Disney+ in the United States, ensuring maximum global reach.
The timing is perfect, as Korean historical dramas continue gaining international popularity following successes like Kingdom and Mr. Sunshine. Disney+’s investment in authentic Korean storytelling demonstrates their commitment to competing with Netflix in the K-content space.
Critical Themes and Social Commentary
The Murky Stream goes beyond entertainment, offering sharp commentary on:
- Economic Inequality: The stark contrast between merchant wealth and worker poverty
- Government Corruption: Officials prioritizing bribes over justice
- Social Mobility: Characters struggling to escape their predetermined social roles
- Moral Compromise: The difficult choices individuals make to survive in corrupt systems
What Makes This Drama Stand Out
Unlike typical historical romances, The Murky Stream focuses on class struggle and systemic corruption, making it remarkably relevant to contemporary audiences. The series doesn’t shy away from showing the brutal realities of life for common people in historical Korea.
The character development is particularly strong, with each protagonist facing genuine moral dilemmas rather than simple good-versus-evil conflicts. This complexity elevates the drama beyond typical genre conventions.
Watch The Murky Stream exclusively on Disney+ and experience this gripping tale of corruption, friendship, and justice in historical Korea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many episodes will The Murky Stream have and when does it end?
A: The Murky Stream consists of 9 episodes total, with the final episode scheduled to air on October 17, 2025. New episodes are released every Friday in pairs, following Disney+’s dual-episode format.
Q: Is The Murky Stream based on a true story or historical events?
A: While set in the historical Joseon era along the actual Gyeonggang River (now Han River), The Murky Stream is a fictional drama. However, it authentically portrays the social conditions, corruption, and class struggles that existed during that period in Korean history.
