SOUTH Korean actor and singer Rowoon is set to make a comeback on the small screen and join forces with Shin Yeeun and Park Seoham to fight corruption in the newest Korean period series, “The Murky Stream.”
Disney+ announced that the forthcoming series will be exclusively available on its platform starting September 26.
The popular streaming service had dropped the series’ teaser trailer on YouTube, introducing Rowoon as gang enforcer Jang Siyul, Shin as sharp-witted merchant Choi Eun, and Park as local police officer Jung Chun.
Set in 16th-century Joseon, where trade and corruption are rampant on the Gyeong River (now known as the Han River), “The Murky Stream” narrates how the trio cross paths and form an alliance to bring down powerful forces that take advantage of the weak. The series revolves around loyalty, rebellion, and the fierce fight to reclaim justice in a corrupt world.
Siyul was once a noble young man with dreams of military honor, but betrayal turned him into a gang enforcer. His childhood friend, Jung Chun, becomes an officer at a local police bureau. They meet Choi Eun, a merchant leader who navigates the line between survival and resistance.
“Life is nothing but a savage dream,” Siyul said in the teaser trailer. “I will make them pay for what they did.”
The one-minute and 23-second clip featured a “chaotic Joseon,” where several officials enjoy entertainment while the public struggles and is mandated to pay higher taxes.
“One alone can’t topple a corrupt kingdom, but a few can spark an awakening,” a text flashed on the teaser trailer.
“The Murky Stream” is written by Chun Sungil, whose works include “The Pirates” and “All of Us Are Dead,” and directed by Choo Changmin, who also helmed “Land of Happiness” and “Masquerade.” They are considered as two of South Korea’s most accomplished historical drama creatives.
About the cast
“The Murky Stream” is Rowoon’s first small-screen project in two years, following “The Matchmakers” and “Destined With You” in 2023.
Rowoon, a former member of the K-pop boy group SF9, is also recognized for his roles in several K-dramas, including “Extraordinary You,” “She Would Never Know,” “The King’s Affection,” and “Tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, Shin last starred in the 2024 historical drama “Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born.” The actress was also cast for “He Is Psychometric,” “More Than Friends,” “Revenge of Others,” and “The Glory.”
Shin is set to star in a forthcoming coming-of-age romance drama, “A Hundred Memories,” with Kim Da Mi.
Park, on the other hand, appeared on the 2022 boys’ love (BL) “Semantic Error,” alongside Park Jaechan. He was a former member of the boy band KNK.
