Disney+ continues to expand its impressive slate of high-end Korean originals with the upcoming release of Low Life, a vibrant period crime drama set in the murky underworld of 1970s South Korea. Headlined by veteran Korean actor Ryu Seung-ryong, known for his standout performance in Disney+’s hit series Moving, Low Life promises a thrilling blend of crime, adventure, and dark comedy.
The 11-part series is scheduled to premiere on July 16, 2025, with a three-episode debut, followed by weekly releases culminating in a two-part finale on August 13, 2025. The series will be available internationally on Disney+ and domestically in the United States as a Hulu Original. Recently, Disney+ Korea unveiled a striking new poster for the series, featuring the ensemble cast against a dramatic underwater backdrop, hinting at the treasure-hunting stakes central to the narrative.
Low Life marks the latest addition to Disney+’s growing catalog of premium Korean originals, following the success of titles like Hyper Knife and Nine Puzzles, the latter being the platform’s most-watched Korean drama of 2025. Disney+ has been actively deepening its Asia-Pacific content slate, with Low Life joining other anticipated 2025 releases such as Tempest, starring Gianna Jun, Gang Dong-won, and John Cho, and Made In Korea, featuring Hyun Bin and Jung Woo-sung. This focus on high-profile Korean dramas underscores Disney’s commitment to blending local storytelling with global appeal, capitalizing on the worldwide popularity of K-dramas.
Low Life Trailer
On July 1, Disney+ Korea released a new trailer for Low Life, which you can watch below:
What is Low Life about?
Set against the gritty backdrop of 1970s South Korea, Low Life follows a ragtag pair of small-time schemers—an uncle and nephew duo—who stumble upon a tantalizing rumor: a sunken treasure ship laden with riches has been discovered off the Korean coast. The series dives into their high-stakes race against time and rival treasure hunters to claim the fortune, weaving a narrative rich with deception, ambition, and betrayal. Written and directed by Kang Yun-seong, known for his work on Disney+’s Big Bet and the Korean blockbuster The Outlaws, Low Life captures the era’s raw energy and lawless undercurrents, delivering a nostalgic yet intense crime caper. The newly released poster, with its moody teal tones and imagery of a submerged treasure ship, underscores the series’ focus on the perilous underwater quest.
Based on the webtoon Pain by Yoon Tae-ho, Low Life draws inspiration from real-life stories, grounding its treasure-hunting narrative in a sense of authenticity. The series follows a diverse team—including a tomb raider, appraiser, police officer, broker, and driver—who unite in pursuit of the sunken treasure. Their interactions, marked by scheming and collaboration, infuse the show with dark comedy and character-driven drama. The coastal village setting near Sinan adds a vivid, atmospheric layer to the story, enhanced by the new poster’s evocative underwater imagery.
Low Life Cast & Characters
The series boasts a stellar cast, highlighted in the latest poster:
Ryu Seung-ryong as a cunning conman navigating the treacherous world of treasure hunting.
Yang Se-jong as his naive yet eager nephew, drawn into the dangerous pursuit of wealth.
Lim Soo-jung adding further depth to the ensemble with her portrayal of a key character.
Kim Dae-myung
Lee Hee-joon
Cha Seung-won
Jo Woo-jin
Kim Sung-kyun
The characters, drawn from various South Korean regions such as Seoul, Busan, and Mokpo, bring authenticity through their distinct regional dialects, enhancing the show’s immersive quality.
Low Life Creative Team
Low Life is helmed by writer-director Kang Yun-seong, whose previous credits include the high-octane crime drama Big Bet and the action-packed film The Outlaws. The screenplay is adapted from the webtoon Pain by Yoon Tae-ho, a renowned writer known for Misaeng: Incomplete Life and The Insiders. This collaboration between Kang Yun-seong and Yoon Tae-ho ensures a compelling narrative that blends gritty realism with the colorful dynamics of a heist story. The series’ 1970s setting is meticulously crafted, providing a nostalgic backdrop that complements the treasure-hunting premise, a popular trope in Korean cinema’s tradition of crime capers.
Low Life Release Schedule and Platform
Low Life is scheduled to premiere on July 16, 2025, with its first three episodes available simultaneously, setting the stage for an engaging binge-watch experience. The remaining eight episodes will be released weekly, with two episodes dropping each week until the two-part finale on August 13, 2025. Internationally, the series will stream on Disney+, while in the United States, it will be available as a Hulu Original, reflecting Disney’s strategy to leverage both platforms to maximize its global reach.
Low Life distinguishes itself with its unique combination of period detail, high-stakes adventure, and a talented ensemble cast. The 1970s South Korean setting offers a fresh lens for the crime drama genre, while the treasure-hunting premise taps into universal themes of greed and ambition. With Kang Yun-seong’s directorial vision, Yoon Tae-ho’s storytelling expertise, and the visually compelling new poster, the series is poised to deliver a striking and narratively gripping experience. As Disney+ continues to solidify its position in the global streaming market, Low Life is set to be a standout addition to its 2025 lineup, appealing to both K-drama enthusiasts and fans of crime thrillers worldwide.
