The Murky Stream Captivates Viewers With Gritty Beauty

Disney+’s first Korean historical drama The Murky Stream wows viewers.
Praised for stunning visuals, acting, and music.
Quickly topped Disney+ charts and global rankings.

Disney+’s first original Korean historical drama, The Murky Stream (Takryu), has quickly become one of the most talked-about series of late 2025. Released on September 26, this nine-episode saga mesmerizes audiences with its haunting visual beauty, layered storytelling, and powerful performances. Both domestic and international viewers praise its dark, cinematic depiction of Joseon’s underworld, while online fan communities are buzzing with excitement over its artistry and emotional depth.

A Masterpiece of Period Drama Craftsmanship

Helmed by acclaimed director Choo Chang Min and writer Chun Sung Il (All of Us Are Dead), The Murky Stream follows a group of characters navigating a brutal, lawless Joseon. At the center is Jang Si Yul (Rowoon), a man forced to bury his past and survive as a gangster at the dangerous Gyeonggang River ferry. Alongside him are Choi Eun (Shin Ye Eun), a sharp-minded fighter, Jung Cheon (Park Seo Ham), an idealist hoping to become an honest official, and Mu Deok (Park Ji Hwan), a low-ranking but influential bandit. Their paths intertwine as the once-pristine Gyeonggang River becomes a murky battlefield where survival and justice come at a steep cost.

The production’s dedication to realism and artistry sets it apart. Art director Kim Cho Hye shared that the team built a life-size ferry set by hand, even bringing in special soil to create natural-looking riverbanks and diving in wetsuits to complete underwater work. Costume designer Kwon Yu Jin shaped the wardrobe around the theme of human desperation, using bleaching and dyeing techniques to mirror each character’s social status. Makeup director Jo Tae Hee broke traditional styling rules by introducing unconventional facial hair and hairstyles that made every gangster distinct.

Visually, the series feels like a cinematic spectacle. Cinematographer Choi Yoon Man infused a Western-inspired tone, while action director Park Young Sik emphasized emotion and character development over flashy stunts. Lighting director Park Jun Gyu layered vulnerability and strength through light and shadow, and CG director Han Moon Seong crafted landscapes reminiscent of ink-wash paintings. The music, directed by Shin Hyun Sik and Jeong Song Hee of Ensemble Sinawi, merges traditional Korean sounds with modern elements, giving the drama a fresh yet culturally rooted soundtrack. Fans are especially captivated by the ending theme of episode 3, calling it breathtaking and perfectly matched to the show’s mood.

High Ratings and Social Media Buzz

Reception for The Murky Stream has been overwhelmingly positive. The first three episodes hold stellar user ratings:

• Episode 1: 8.8/10 (62 votes)
  
• Episode 2: 8.9/10 (57 votes)
  
• Episode 3: 9.0/10 (55 votes)
  

On IMDb, the drama sits at 8.1/10 (157 votes), while AsianWiki shows a strong 93% user rating (19 votes). Within just one day of release, the series ranked No.1 in “Today’s Korea Top 10” on Disney+ (September 27) and entered the Top 10 Worldwide TV Shows, proving its international appeal.

Fans are actively sharing their reactions across social media:

“Just watched the first 3 episodes and I know this show is going to wreck me! The cinematography is insane, the chemistry is chemistrifying, the acting is top notch and the story is refreshingly unique!! I am so seated!!”

“Please don’t hurt our Siyul too much. 😭😭”

“The shifting of different micro expressions of Rowoon from nonchalance to confused to angry to worried and being furious. He was able to convey all the emotions through his eyes 💯 #TheMurkyStream”

“#TheMurkyStream proudly ranked first in the ‘Today’s Korea’s Top 10’ on Disney+ and even hit Top 10 Worldwide TV Shows. Congrats!”

On Reddit’s r/KDRAMA, international viewers are equally impressed:

“Not just the stream, but the entire world is murky in this series. Few goodies against endless baddies. Harsh life for those at the bottom. Good writing and directing; I binged the first 3 episodes readily.”

“The pilot episode was masterful, showing premodern Korea’s class hierarchy through clever scenes. The characters slowly gain depth with each interaction.”

“This drama already started with a deep, dark, rich story. Probably one of the best K-dramas this year. I have a feeling it will have a very sad ending, so I’m preparing my heart.”

“This is so cinematic and beautiful. Rowoon is barely recognizable but magnetic. The action is engaging yet not overly Marvel-like. I’m locked in!”

With episodes 4 and 5 set to release on October 3, 2025, anticipation is higher than ever. Combining gritty realism, stunning visuals, and emotionally charged storytelling, The Murky Stream is shaping up to be one of Disney+’s most remarkable original Korean series yet, a must-watch for fans of powerful period dramas.

Sources: BNT News, Daum, Disney Plus, IMDb, AsianWiki, Today’s Korea Top 10, r/KDRAMA on Reddit