Set around the capital’s bustling river port where all money and goods converge, "The Murky Stream" is a fate-defying action drama about people who upend a corrupt world to reclaim their humanity. The series is directed by Choo Chang-min of "Masquerade" (2012) and written by Chun Sung-il, marking his return to historical storytelling 14 years after "The Slave Hunters." Rowoon, Shin Ye-eun, Park Seoham, and Park Ji-hwan power the ensemble with deft, daring performances.
Known for effortlessly moving between contemporary hits and period pieces―"The Matchmakers," "Destined with You," and "Extraordinary You"―Rowoon dives into his grittiest role yet with "The Murky Stream". He plays Jang Siyul, a dockhand scraping by at the capital’s river port who’s pulled into the underworld and becomes an enforcer.
Siyul has been living under an alias to hide a painful past. When his secret is uncovered by Mudeok (Park Ji-hwan), a figure who controls the Mapo docks, he’s dragged into a gang he’d rather die than join. Accepting a fate he can’t outrun, Siyul fights―on his own terms―to impose order on the docks and live like a decent human in a Joseon society tainted by greed and power.
“Siyul is a restless youth always ready to leave, but through a series of trials he finds his own path,” Rowoon says. “When I first read the script, I felt an undeniable pull―this was something I had to do.” After filming, he adds, “Siyul became a precious companion to me. I missed him a lot once we wrapped.”
The newly released stills show a nearly unrecognizable Rowoon―an arresting, rough-edged makeover that swaps out his trademark polish for raw intensity.
“We set out to strip away his pretty-boy image, and he embraced it completely―he rebuilt his face and body for this role,” director Choo Chang-min says. “He attacked every single scene. Every moment it was, ‘Let me push further,’ and he left nothing on the table.”
Fight coordinator Park Young-sik adds, “He looks gentle at first, but when it’s time to explode, he turns ferocious in a heartbeat.” Park praised Rowoon’s all-in commitment during punishing action sequences, noting how his dedication and authenticity commanded the set.
With "The Murky Stream", Rowoon channels a coming-of-age forged in blood and grit, delivering a tougher, deeper presence that promises to leave a lasting mark.
"The Murky Stream" premieres Friday, September 26 with Episodes 1-3, followed by two episodes weekly, for a total of nine episodes.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)