The vibrant energy of young stars Rowoon, Shin Ye-eun, and Park Seo-ham meets the seasoned presence of veterans like Park Ji-hwan and Choi Guy-hwa in Disney+'s original series 'The Murky Stream.' Directed by Choo Chang-min, known for the 2012 hit film 'Masquerade,' this marks his second historical drama and first series.
On the 23, a press conference for 'The Murky Stream' was held at the Eliena Hotel in Seoul, attended by director Choo Chang-min and cast members Rowoon, Shin Ye-eun, Park Seo-ham, Park Ji-hwan, Choi Guy-hwa, and Kim Dong-won.
'The Murky Stream' is set around Gyeonggang (the Han River), where all of Joseon's wealth and resources converge. It tells the story of individuals with different dreams striving to overturn a corrupt world and live with dignity. This is Disney+'s first historical series.
Director Choo expressed his interest in the series, stating, "Traditional historical dramas often focus on kings, nobles, and the upper class. What attracted me to this project was its focus on the lower class, particularly the stories of those living by the Han River."
Choo cast rising stars as the leads, saying, "I wanted to work with young actors. When I met the three of them, I saw their strong desire to become better actors. To complement their lack of experience, I decided to cast experienced and talented actors."
The series, with its grand narrative, is not currently planned for expansion beyond its nine episodes, but Choo mentioned, "If people enjoy it and want more, it could certainly be expanded."
Rowoon plays Jang Si-yul, a laborer hiding his past while working in Gyeonggang. He described his character as "a wolf-like figure without a name or home." Rowoon embraced the role, even undergoing a 'beggar' transformation, and expressed his enjoyment in portraying a different side of himself.
Rowoon highlighted the series' open set, stating, "98% of our scenes are shot on open sets. The night lighting is beautiful, and I recommend watching it with the lights off." He praised the detailed work of the director, which allowed him to focus more on his acting.
Shin Ye-eun plays Choi Eun, the youngest daughter of Joseon's largest merchant group, dreaming of leading the family business. Known for her charming presence at the Busan International Film Festival, she shared her excitement and nervousness about the event. For her role, she learned to use an abacus, a skill she briefly encountered in elementary school.
Park Seo-ham portrays Jung Cheon, a newly appointed officer in a corrupt Joseon society. He trained in swordsmanship and horseback riding for his first historical drama role. 'The Murky Stream' marks his return after military service, and he expressed gratitude for the supportive environment on set.
Rowoon, preparing for military enlistment, received encouragement from Park Seo-ham, who believes Rowoon will continue to grow during his service. Rowoon shared his thoughts on the delay of his enlistment, considering it a blessing that allowed him to promote the series.
The main cast praised each other, showcasing their camaraderie. Shin Ye-eun admired Rowoon's experience and Park Seo-ham's passion for acting. Rowoon complimented Shin Ye-eun's energy, while Park Seo-ham appreciated Rowoon's dedication and Shin Ye-eun's supportive nature.
Park Ji-hwan plays Park Mu-deok, a former influential figure at Mapo Port. He described his character as someone who once thrived but now seeks a comeback after learning Si-yul's secret.
Choi Guy-hwa takes on the role of Lee Dol-gae, a corrupt officer, humorously noting his character's name suggests a 'crazy' nature. Kim Dong-won plays Wang Hae, a Jurchen general living in Joseon, whose mysterious nature adds depth to the story.
Director Choo encouraged viewers to witness the youthful energy of the cast on screen. Rowoon emphasized the hard work put into the series, recommending watching it with the lights off for the best experience. Shin Ye-eun, Park Seo-ham, and other cast members shared their hopes for the series to resonate with audiences.
'The Murky Stream' will be available on Disney+, with the first three episodes releasing on the 26, followed by two episodes every Friday until October 17, totaling nine episodes.