AO EXCLUSIVE: “The Murky Stream” stars share about their roles and chemistry on set!

The fight to reclaim justice in a lawless world starts now. Disney+’s first original Korean period piece has finally arrived!

Set in the Joseon dynasty, where the crystal-clear Gyeong River, now known as the Han River, turned into a murky stream. The Murky Stream tells the story of the entangled fates of Siyul, Jung Chun, and Choi Eun, divided by circumstance but united in purpose, who form an unlikely alliance to challenge the powerful forces that prey on the weak.

Ahead of the premiere of one of the most anticipated series, an exclusive press conference was held on September 23. Rowoon, Shin Ye Eun, Park Seo Ham, Park Ji Hwan, Choi Gwi Hwa, and Kim Dong Won are in attendance at the said event, along with the brilliant director Chu Chang Min, to dive deeper into the drama.

Director Chu Chang Min

The press conference started with a question to director Chu Chang Min about the reason why he took this project. He responded that traditional historical dramas often focus on kings and the royal family inside the palace, but what struck him the most when he read the script of Chun Sung Il is about the lower classes. The bandits in the drama who are living along what is now the Han River and stirring up incidents there were such a compelling subject to explore.

When asked about the casting of actors, director Min shared, “I wanted to work with younger actors. I also met with the three main characters, and I felt that their desire as actors was a very strong desire and ambition to become great actors. That’s why I decided on them. And to balance their relative lack of experience, I thought it was necessary to pair them with actors who had more experience and were exceptional in their craft, which is why I chose the slightly older actors here.”

On the other hand, about the filming set, Director Min said that filming in a water environment was difficult. However, they came to the conclusion that they built the main living space on-site in Sangju and used CGI only for the expanded areas, which he thinks was a very good choice.

The Cast Members and Their Roles

Rowoon as Jang Si Yul

Rowoon portrays the role of Jang Si Yul, who was once a noble youth with dreams of military honor, but is now a fugitive turned gang enforcer, hardened by betrayal. Rowoon’s transformation as Si Yul has surprised many fans, and he shared that the makeup process for this series was so enjoyable, and realizing that he could show such a different side of himself made him think—if he just keeps working harder, he’ll be able to act for a long time to come. Rowoon thinks of his role as a lonely wolf.

As shared by Ye Eun, Rowoon’s natural look was really charming, remembering the times when they filmed in the middle of summer and Rowoon sweated a lot during the filming. Most people would wipe it off or use fans, but Rowoon doesn’t care about it at all and lets himself soak in sweat because that’s the type of character he is portraying. He said it actually looks better when he’s sweating because it looks more authentic and real. He also revealed that they trained intensely for his action scenes in the drama.

Furthermore, Rowoon also mentioned his military enlistment, “I was originally scheduled to enlist in July, but for certain reasons, it got postponed. I actually see it as a blessing. So, I’m grateful that I could fully promote “The Murky Stream” and ask everyone to watch it before going. I’ll stay healthy and come back safely. And since I love acting so much, I’ll probably continue without a break once I get back from the military service.”

Shin Ye Eun as Choi Eun

Shin Ye Eun transforms into a sharp-witted merchant leader, Choi Eun, the only daughter of the Choi family guild in Joseon, cherished and raised with great love and care—the treasured youngest child. Ye Eun said she learned to use an Abacus while playing her role. “I think I tried it once or twice back in elementary school, but for this role I took proper lessons,” she added.

Park Seo Ham as Jung Chun

Park Seo Ham plays the role of Jung Chun, a newly assigned officer at the local police bureau. He is someone with a dream of creating a better world to live in. He’s upright, principled, and very by-the-book. He can be sensitive at times, but he’s also someone who fights against corruption and injustice.

Seo Ham mentioned that since he plays a top military officer, he discussed with the director and trained using a sword. For action, he practiced swordsmanship, Korean archery, and horseback riding. He focused a lot on clean, precise sword techniques.

Park Ji Hwan as Park Mu Deok

Park Ji Hwan plays the role of Mu Deok, who is someone who used to be a central figure around Mapo Ferry Dock, known as Hangang or Gyeonggang, which was a major hub for logistics. He used to be quite a powerful man among the group called walpae (bandits). He comes across Si Yul, and he learns a secret about him and wants to use that to regain power. Ji Hwan said he felt comfortable and fun while filming.

Choi Gwi Hwa as Lee Dol Gae

Choi Gwi Hwa transforms into a noble character named Lee Dol Gae, and he manages all of the bandits who live and work around the Mapo Ferry Dock. Gwi Hwa describes his role as someone who is like Hyena, a corrupt official who will do anything for his gain. He said he learned a lot while filming this series.

Kim Dong Won as Wang Hae

Wang Hae is the role played by Kim Dong Won. He lives outwardly as a Joseon man in the land of Joseon, but inside, he carries the blood of the Jurchens, once a Jurchen general. He seeks power and brings people that he needs.

Dong Won said that instead of going to a brutal type of action, he wanted to add more layers to the Jurchen style of action. Above all, Wang Hae is someone who struggled to survive relentlessly in countless battlefields. He tried to express that backstory into the action that he is portraying.

Shin Ye Eun’s Chemistry with Rowoon and Park Seo Ham

When asked about Ye Eun’s chemistry with his two co-actors, she answered, “Watching these two actors, I felt a lot of things. Rowoon, even though he’s my age, has experienced so much in this environment. Even if he seems bright and lively on the outside, I could feel his inner strength and depth, both on set and while promoting. It was truly moving, and I felt he would continue to grow as an actor—not just physically but in heart and spirit.“

“As for Seo-ham, he’s like a ‘tear button’ when it comes to acting—he genuinely loves it. I could feel his respect for the craft, how much he admires acting itself. I don’t know when I’ll have the chance to work with him again, but whatever role he takes on in the future, whatever acting he does, I will always support him unconditionally. Every choice he makes in his performance has a reason, and I could feel how much he will continue to grow. He was like a senior partner to me, even though we’re peers, and I learned so much from him,” Ye Eun added.

Rowoon shared that watching Ye Eun’s acting helped him a lot, and whenever she came on set, the atmosphere would brighten. She’s like a lantern, bringing that kind of energy. He also said that when there’s an opportunity, he would want to work with a passionate actress like Ye Eun again.

Moreover, Park Seo Ham also shared his thoughts about his co-stars. He stated that Rowoon gave more than 100% for him. He always shares his knowledge, and even when things were tough, he ran around, helped monitor scenes that weren’t even his, and gave comments. It showed how much he loves acting and has passion.

Seo Ham also remarked, “As for Ye-eun, she always suggested doing script readings even when we weren’t filming, practiced in that way, and made me feel very relaxed on set. Taking walks and having conversations, she made the space feel very familiar.”

Message from the Cast and Director

The press conference wrapped up with the heartfelt message from the cast and director, started off with Director Min, “In my opinion, it’s not easy for young actors to express a drama with such vibrancy and energy the way they’ve done here. I hope you’ll make sure to confirm that for yourselves when you see it on screen.”

Rowoon said the viewers will be able to feel through the screen, just how passionately the actors, director, and staff—who kept such a good atmosphere on set—dedicated themselves to acting and filming with intensity while watching this series.

Ye Eun believes that the viewers will also feel the same way that she did when she watched the first 2 episodes of the drama. She found herself constantly thinking about the music, the senior actors who dominate the screen, the acting, and the directing by their director, and she would be grateful if everyone could run alongside them for the entire journey of The Murky Stream.

“I believe it’s a work that carries the warmth of real people. Please look forward to it, give it lots of love,” Seo Ham’s parting words.

Park Ji Hwan hopes that the viewers will look forward to the journey of these three youths who shine all the more brightly in times of turbulence, and who are heartbreaking precisely because they are young.

“As I read the script, I came across things like, ‘There was a tax like this?’ and wondered, ‘How did people endure such a harsh life while paying these kinds of taxes?’ Seeing those aspects actually made it more interesting. If you pay close attention to details like that, I think you’ll enjoy watching it even more. Thank you,” Choi Gwi Hwa said.

Kim Dong Won was the last cast member to deliver his final inspiring message and said, “No matter how murky or clouded the water may be, if it continues to flow, the world can change. I think our drama is something that really tells a story of that spirit. I think it’s going to give you great energy and courage. Thank you so much.”

The first three episodes of The Murky Stream are now available on Disney+. Two episodes will be dropped every week until October 17.

Images are courtesy of Disney+