Disney+ Unveils Its First Historical Drama: Takryu (“The Murky Stream”)

Disney+ premieres Takryu (The Murky Stream) on September 26, 2025.
Rowoon, Shin Ye-eun, and Park Seo-ham lead the cast.
A dark Joseon saga of power, corruption, and survival.

Disney+ is finally stepping into the saeguk (Korean historical drama) genre with Takryu or The Murky Stream. This nine-episode series is set in the Joseon era, centering around the Gyeonggang River. Once clear, its waters have now turned murky, symbolizing a lawless age riddled with corruption. With a dark tone, director Choo Chang-min portrays the harsh social reality where money and power crush human dignity. The script is written by Chun Sung-il, the mind behind The Slave Hunters, marking his long-awaited return to historical storytelling after 14 years.

Synopsis and Background

Takryu tells the story of three young people refusing to bow to a rotten order. Jang Si-yul (Rowoon) is known as a troublemaker at Mapo Ferry, hiding his past while living as a gangster. Choi Eun (Shin Ye-eun) is a clever young merchant determined to build Joseon’s greatest trading guild. Meanwhile, Jeong-cheon (Park Seo-ham), a government official, dreams of putting an end to corruption. Joining them is Mudeok (Park Ji-hwan), a gang leader who maintains order at Mapo Port. As the tide of government corruption overtakes Gyeonggang, these four risk their lives to fight for dignity and restore order.

The official teaser showcases adrenaline-filled moments. Jang Si-yul gazes into the distance and declares, “Life is a brutal dream. I’ll make them pay,” hinting at deep-rooted vengeance. Elsewhere, Jeong-cheon warns, “This country is tilted… there isn’t a place that doesn’t reek of rot,” signaling the vast reach of corruption. Choi Eun defiantly shouts, “This is outrageous!” before the trio unite with the rallying cry, “Then let’s fight. In this rotten world, even death can feel like mercy.” These lines are elevated by Choo Chang-min’s sharp cinematography, where black ink floods the screen like a murky stream, reinforcing the bleak symbolism.

The teaser poster, released on August 25, 2025, depicts splattered ink representing the raging currents of Gyeonggang. The three leads stand against it, framed by a bold red brushstroke of the word Takryu (탁류), as if confronting a shadowy system. A chilling caption reads, “It’s your fault — you were born into a tainted world,” emphasizing that the broken state is not their choice but a destiny to resist. Adding to its artistry, the poster’s calligraphy was hand-drawn by legendary folk singer Jung Tae-chun, giving it a touch of traditional Korean aesthetics.

Production, Cast, and Release Schedule

This project marks Disney+’s first attempt at producing an original historical series. The platform has locked September 26, 2025, for its global premiere. The Murky Stream will be released exclusively on Disney+, beginning with the first three episodes on September 26. Two new episodes will follow weekly until the nine-episode series concludes. Notably, the drama will debut its opening episodes at the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) in the “On Screen” category this September, underscoring the scale and ambition of the project.

The supporting cast includes seasoned actors such as Park Ji-hwan, Choi Gwi-hwa, Jeon Bae-soo, Kim Dong-won, and Choi Young-woo, adding further depth to the story. Director Choo Chang-min, celebrated for the box-office hit Masquerade, is known for his cinematic flair and grand storytelling. Meanwhile, Chun Sung-il’s script weaves together action, drama, and political intrigue, positioning Takryu as both a high-octane and morally reflective drama. Production was handled by NPIO Entertainment and Anew, with filming commencing in May 2024.

The combination of a star-studded cast, an acclaimed director, and a proven screenwriter makes Takryu one of the most highly anticipated Korean dramas of the year. Media outlets have highlighted Disney+’s boldness in delivering a story that is darker, more mature, and socially resonant. Its inclusion in the Busan International Film Festival further validates its quality and raises anticipation among global viewers.

With the trailer freshly released, netizens immediately flooded comment sections across platforms, showcasing their excitement:

“My favourite Rowoon and Seo Ham in one TV show? I am sold, this will be amazing”

“Bravo, let Rowoon show us his real passion. He’s not only the very good looking tall guy. Big success for this work!”

“Rowoon is the best actor ❤️❤️❤️”

“I’m already eager to watch the series because I’m certain it’s going to be a masterpiece. Rowoon is an excellent actor and historical K-dramas with him are even better. He’s a master of historical dramas and his acting is on another level.”

“Can we fast forward to September 26 already 🥹”

“Please let The Murky Stream be on Disney+ worldwide not just in Asian 🙏”

Set in Joseon’s world of intrigue, with layered characters and breathtaking visuals, Takryu promises a blend of action, drama, and social reflection. Viewers in Indonesia and worldwide who love historical epics won’t have to wait long: the series premieres exclusively on Disney+ starting September 26, 2025. For fans of Rowoon, Shin Ye-eun, and Park Seo-ham, this is a rare chance to witness their transformations in an epic tale of courage against corruption.

Sources: SBS Star, Wikipedia, SBS Entertainment News, BIFF Official Listings