Disney+ Korea has unveiled the first teaser trailer for its highly anticipated original series The Murky Stream, marking the streaming giant's debut in the historical K-drama genre. The 90-second clip, released via the official DisneyPlusKR X account, offers a tantalizing glimpse into a turbulent Joseon-era tale of fate, ambition, and conflict. Set to premiere exclusively on Disney+ on September 26, 2025, the drama promises a blend of intense action, intricate character dynamics, and stunning period visuals.
The teaser opens with sweeping shots of a serene yet ominous river at dusk, overlaid with the series' title in elegant brush-stroke calligraphy. As the Disney+ logo fades, the scene transitions to brooding close-ups of the lead characters, their expressions hinting at inner turmoil and resolve. Accompanied by a haunting score, the trailer intercuts between moments of quiet introspection and explosive action sequences, including horseback chases, sword fights amid misty landscapes, and chaotic crowd scenes in traditional Joseon marketplaces.
Complementing the trailer, Disney+ Korea also released a set of striking teaser posters on their X account, each featuring one of the main characters against an abstract, ink-wash background symbolizing the "murky stream" of the title. The posters share a unified aesthetic with bold red brush strokes forming the Korean title "탁류" (Takryu), and a common tagline: "It's your fault, for being born into a murky world."
The first poster depicts Rowoon as Si Yool, shown from behind with disheveled hair in a topknot, clad in ragged traditional attire, standing resolutely on dark, spilling ink-like ground that transitions to white. The second showcases Shin Ye-eun as Choi Eun, a determined woman in a flowing hanbok with a blue skirt and red scarf, gripping a slender sword, her profile gazing intently amid the swirling black and red inks. The third features Park Seo-ham as Yi In, mounted on horseback in a crimson robe, brandishing a sword forward with a fierce expression, as the horse charges across the inky landscape.
Helmed by acclaimed director Choo Chang-min, known for his work on historical epics like Masquerade, and penned by veteran writer Cheon Sung-il, who previously crafted the gripping narrative of The Slave Hunters, The Murky Stream boasts a star-studded cast. Leading the ensemble is Rowoon as Si Yool, a enigmatic rogue with a concealed past; Shin Ye-eun as Choi Eun, a wise and principled woman navigating moral dilemmas; and Park Seo-ham as Yi In, an upright figure caught in the web of destiny. Supporting roles include Park Ji-hwan, adding depth to the ensemble with his portrayal of a key antagonist or ally in the unfolding drama.
Production for the nine-episode series wrapped earlier this year after filming from May 2024 to January 2025, capturing authentic Joseon settings through meticulous location shoots and detailed costume design. Disney+ has positioned The Murky Stream as a flagship original, aiming to blend traditional Korean storytelling with global appeal, much like its previous successes in contemporary K-dramas.
What is The Murky Stream about?
At its core, The Murky Stream (original Korean title: Takryu) is an action-packed drama that explores the intertwined fates of three young individuals in a lawless Joseon Dynasty. Set against the backdrop of a once-pristine Gyeonggang River now tainted and murky – a metaphor for the corrupted society – the series delves into themes of power, loyalty, betrayal, human nature, and justice amid chaos and conflict.
The story centers on Si Yool, portrayed by Rowoon, a man who begins as a notorious gangster at Mapo Port on the Han River, the economic heart of Joseon. Hiding a mysterious past, he evolves into a legendary figure, navigating the treacherous waters of ambition and survival. His path crosses with Choi Eun (Shin Ye-eun), a wise and righteous woman who embodies justice and moral fortitude, and Yi In (Park Seo-ham), an upright man whose principles are tested in unexpected ways. Together, their destinies unfold in a gripping narrative of twisted alliances and personal reckonings, as they challenge the oppressive structures of their time.
Drawing from historical elements of Joseon's turbulent periods, the drama highlights the struggles of those born into an unforgiving era, blending high-stakes action with profound character development. With its focus on rogue elements, ethical dilemmas, and legendary ascents, The Murky Stream aims to captivate audiences with a fresh take on sageuk (historical drama) tropes, exclusively available on Disney+ starting next month.
