In a Joseon gripped by corruption and danger, the Gyeonggang River carries secrets that could change everything. This is the premise of The Murky Stream, the new Disney+ K-drama. The series stars Rowoon and Shin Ye-eun in a thrilling tale of ambition, survival and hidden truths. Want to know more? Here’s everything about The Murky Stream, from its cast and plot to the complete release schedule of all episodes.
The series is helmed by two figures renowned for bringing Joseon-era tales to modern audiences, director Choo Chang-min (Gwanghae: The Man Who Became King, 2012) and writer Chun Sung-il (The Slave Hunters, 2010). The Murky Stream tells the story of a gangster as he navigates a world where justice is rare and survival demands sacrifice.
The first two episodes of the series also premiered at the 30th Busan International Film Festival in the ‘On Screen’ section on 18 September 2025.
Popular Korean actor Rowoon, who plays gangster Jang Si-yul in The Murky Stream, shared his thoughts on the K-drama in a W Korea interview, saying, “Having done period dramas in a row, I was a bit hesitant to even open the script at first. But one day, I took the time to read it from beginning to end, and the first impression was so powerful. Scenes were coming to mind as I read, and as soon as I turned the last page, I knew I had to do it.”
How many episodes are there in The Murky Stream?
The Murky Stream has a total of nine episodes.
What is the duration of each episode?
Each episode runs for approximately 60 minutes.
Complete episode release schedule of The Murky Stream
The first two episodes of the series premiered on Disney+ Hotstar on 26 September 2025. Following that, new episodes will be released every Friday. Below is the full release schedule of the period K-drama The Murky Stream:
- Episode 1 – 26 September 2025 (Out now)
- Episode 2 – 26 September 2025 (Out now)
- Episode 3 – 3 October 2025
- Episode 4 – 10 October 2025
- Episode 5 – 10 October 2025
- Episode 6 – 17 October 2025
- Episode 7 – 17 October 2025
- Episode 8 – 17 October 2025
- Episode 9 (Finale) – 17 October 2025
Who is in the cast of The Murky Stream?
The series is led by Rowoon as Jang Si-yul, Shin Ye-eun as Choi Eun, Park Seo-ham as Jung Cheon and Park Ji-hwan as Mu Deok.
Supporting roles include Jeon Bae-soo as Kang Haeng-su, Choi Gwi-hwa as Lee Dol-gae, Choi Won-young as Prince Dae Ho and Choi Young-woo as Deok Gae.
What is the plot of the K-drama?
In the Joseon era, Jang Si-yul hides a troubled past while forging a life as a gangster along the murky Gyeonggang River. Choi Eun, the sharp-minded daughter of Joseon’s wealthiest merchant, is drawn to uncover the secrets he keeps buried. Meanwhile, Jung Cheon pursues his dream of becoming an honest government official.
As their paths intertwine, the trio is pulled into a world where the cost of survival runs high.
Is there a trailer for The Murky Stream?
Yes. Watch the official trailer of the historical thriller below.
(Hero and Featured image credit: Rowoon/Instagram)
Note : The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
