Why 'The Murky Stream' on Disney+ resonates with the fight against corruption
History often repeats itself, and a new K-drama series on Disney+ proves that some struggles are timeless.
While Filipinos are currently grappling with modern-day corruption scandals, a compelling new historical drama, The Murky Stream, offers a look at a similar fight in 16th-century Korea.
The series uses the turbid Gyeonggang River (now known as the Han River)—a key hub for logistics and trade—as a powerful symbol for a system plagued by deep-seated corruption. It shows how even in the darkest times, hope can emerge when people unite against injustice.
A different side of Rowoon
Known for his polished romantic hero roles, Rowoon sheds his glamorous image to portray Jang Si-yul, a rugged outlaw who becomes a witness to the injustices along the river. This transformation was intentional, as director Chu Chang-min told the actor: “I want to take away your greatest weapon: your good looks.”
While his stunning looks haven't completely disappeared, Rowoon’s dedication to the role is evident. His co-star Shin Ye-eun shared that even in the intense summer heat, Rowoon refused to wipe off his sweat, saying, “I don’t care. I sweat naturally anyway, so I’ll let it show.”
Another co-star, Park Ji-hwan, even joked, “When we were together, there was often a lot of odor—but Rowoon always smelled nice.”
The series also stars the talented Shin Ye-eun as a woman ahead of her time from a merchant family, and Park Seo-ham as Jung Cheon, a righteous police officer determined to fight corruption.
A deeper look at society
Unlike many historical K-dramas that focus on royals and nobles, The Murky Stream examines the lives of the lower classes, scrutinizing the deep inequality of the time. The story highlights the heavy taxes imposed on ordinary people while those in power amassed incredible wealth—a theme that resonates deeply with the ongoing issues of corruption and social injustice in the Philippines today.
Director Chu Chang-min's vision was to create a realistic and detailed portrayal of the era. He deliberately limited the use of CGI, relying on real outdoor sets to bring the world to life.
This attention to detail impressed Rowoon, who said, “Every prop, even small details that might feel out of place for the era or slightly disrupt the tone, he meticulously managed. Thanks to his careful attention to detail, I was able to focus more fully on my performance.”
The flow of hope
While the drama explores themes of betrayal and survival, it is ultimately a story of resilience. As actor Kim Dong-won explained, “No matter how murky or clouded the water may be, if it keeps flowing without stopping, the world can change in some way.” This message of enduring hope is a reminder that even when faced with overwhelming corruption, the fight for a better future is always worth it.
The Murky Stream is streaming on Disney+ beginning Sept. 26.