Kim Rowoon is about to show a side of himself that audiences have never seen before.
In Disney+’s first original historical drama, The Murky Stream, the actor revealed his boldest transformation yet—so striking that he described it as, “I turned my face into a deer-like tiger.”
Over the years, Kim Rowoon has built an impressive acting range, effortlessly moving between rom-coms and heavy dramas in projects such as Destined With You, Tomorrow, The King’s Affection, and Extraordinary You. But this time, he dives into the roughest and most physically demanding role of his career.
In The Murky Stream, Rowoon plays Jang Si-yul, a young laborer struggling to survive in Gyeonggang, the bustling hub of money and goods in Joseon. When a dangerous secret from his past is exposed by Moo-deok (played by Park Ji-hwan), Si-yul is pushed into the perilous world of “bullies”—those labeled as traitors. Faced with a brutal choice between death and betrayal, he embraces his new reality, fighting not just for survival but to restore a sense of humanity and order in a society overrun by greed and corruption.
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A Character That Became a Friend, A Face We’ve Never Seen Before
Rowoon described his character as “a wanderer-like youth who is always ready to leave, but eventually finds his own path through countless incidents.” He admitted that the role instantly gripped him: “The moment I read the script, I felt this strong energy that made me think, ‘I have to do this.’”
Even after filming wrapped, Rowoon confessed to carrying Si-yul with him: “He was such a precious relationship to me, like a close friend. I missed him a lot, even after it ended.”
Character stills of Jang Si-yul reveal a Rowoon almost unrecognizable from his usual polished image. The phrase “he changed his face” couldn’t be more fitting.
Director Choo Chang-min explained the challenge: “We told him we’d strip away his greatest weapon—his looks. He didn’t hesitate, and instead threw himself completely into creating a new face and body for the role.”
Martial arts director Park Young-sik praised the duality of Rowoon’s transformation: “At first, his eyes were soft, like a deer’s. But in an instant, he could explode with the ferocity of a tiger. That shift was shocking. His passion and sincerity dominated every action scene.”
A Drama Steeped in Power and Survival
Set in Gyeonggang, where wealth and ambition collide, Takryu tells the story of people who dare to dream of turning a murky, corrupted world upside down to reclaim their humanity. With its mix of raw action and deeply human stories, the series offers a fresh perspective on survival, loyalty, and change.
The creative team alone raises anticipation: directed by Choo Chang-min, who brought Masquerade to over 10 million viewers, and written by Chun Sung-il, returning to historical drama 14 years after Chuno. Alongside Rowoon, the cast includes Shin Ye-eun, Park Seo-ham, and Park Ji-hwan—each bringing intensity and nuance to the screen.
Adding to the excitement, Takryu was officially invited to the “On Screen” section of the 30th Busan International Film Festival, signaling its potential as one of this year’s must-watch dramas.
The Murky Stream will premiere on Disney+ with episodes 1–3 on September 26. After that, two new episodes will be released weekly, for a total of nine episodes.
Kim Rowoon’s words capture the essence of his journey: he is no longer just the charming lead of romantic dramas, but an actor unafraid to shatter his image and step into uncharted territory. In The Murky Stream, he doesn’t just act—he transforms.
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