The Murky Stream

The river that ran straight and clear

Correct me if I'm wrong, but my geographical knowledge granted - most rivers run neither straight nor clear. This series promised a raging river and instead delivered a silent stream.

Instinctually, it's easy to recognise that The Murky Stream is a drama that is solemn, but unfortunately, that may be the only thing that is consistent about it. Because the narrative, the plot, were all scattered around aimlessly, barely managing to come together in the final moments for a lackluster ending.

I do believe this is a story that requires some knowledge on the era it is set in - unfortunately, I walked in knowing none of it, making me unsure if some facts were true and lost on some contexts. As such, I may not have been able to understand or enjoy this piece of work in it's intended or to the full extent - and for the same purpose, I won't focus on the actual details in the series in my review.

The first three episodes of this series had dreamlike writing - the story ebbed and flowed like the titular stream, nothing was quite clear, everyone seemed highly faceted. With the introduction of every main character, I thought I had it figured out! I could tell how the story was going to go, I could plot out all the major conflicts based on the information we were given, and this was going to be an epic struggle for all our characters - for their duty, dreams or dignity.
I, however, wanted to be proved wrong, because my version of events weren't nearly as twisted or mysterious as they needed to be. I was proved wrong, but I now wish I was right.

Because you see, my predictions were coherent and the primary problem here is with the pace of the story - focusing on the plot, all the nitty - gritty details is not a bad thing, but too much focus on that and you lose track of your narrative, you lose your flow. Multiple seasons (or no), you need a setup, you need your events and you need a payoff, especially when the plot is heavily geared towards political and social themes. The story moved forward without any real direction or turbulence, things were plain and simple, yet made no sense.

No episode after the first trio had much to say, every immediate scene introduced a new character or a new conflict or a new chronicle, but none with any substance. All the details presented needed to have been revealed much earlier or in a much more interesting way. I do recognise that the narrative took on a form that was much closer to real life than reel, which eventually ended up bogging down what could have been an interesting tale.

Thankfully, the final two episodes did have an interesting narrative - but I hated them. Majorly because none of those plotlines had a valid setup. The hurried sequences seemed to be connected to actual historical importance based on the emphasis placed on them - but it was too little too late. It came out of the blue and did nothing to complement the setup in the first three episodes, rather, it felt like a brand new story all of a sudden.

It seems like the story, the dialogues, the bonds between all the characters were written down before the characters were even finalized - and when you're stubborn that the story will go one way and one way only, it doesn't matter how much you work on your characters, they will do and say what the script says, even if it means it goes against the very fiber of the core characteristics you've written for them or even if it means they barely have characteristic of significance, something that makes you remember them. This series is afflicted with the second situation.

This is only enhanced by another massive error they made writing this script, ignoring their leads. Most of them at least. You need them all for the most part, but take any one of them out of the equation and the story would still move forward. I don't see that as a good thing, especially when you're marketing the complex ties between all them to be as murky as your river, it is kind of futile to not give any of them the required screentime or character depth. All of them are one - dimensional, can be summed up in a word, or they have no real personality that allows you to ponder upon the bonds they'll create or the actions they will take.

Siyul for example - he's described as hot headed, but you can see he's kind and fair from his screentime. But that's it? How does that play into Chun's honest idealism? What about Eun's prejudice, or Mudeok's cowardice?
And Siyul is the common link here because there's barely any interaction amongst the other leads. It felt like each of them was on their own personal journey, yet occasionally crossed paths with others, in happenchance.

I suppose my main gripe here is that everything was clear as day - none of it was remotely murky. The story and the character's personalities were both set in stone, neither of budged an inch through the course of the nine episodes.

I have no complaints about the acting or the cinematography, but in this context, they pale in comparison to the writing that stuck out like a sore thumb.

Watching it completely did indurate the fact that many events that happened in the series may be reflective of real life, but once again, I am not well versed in the history of the region and era. I will do some research into this, but whether it was historically accurate or not, ultimately, this was my kind of drama, but with bad execution. On a personal note - I hated how little screentime Seoham had, because to be completely honest, I started it for him. But even discounting my personal feelings on it, objectively speaking, they had so much going for them, but instead of running with it, they sat around toying with ideas that went nowhere and settled for an ending out of left field. Let's say they concluded it as well as they could, with an ambiguous ending, but even if there is a second season, I will not be revisiting it.

6.75/10

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A river that whispered depth, but politely kept me afloat!

This drama had a beautiful idea. The Gyeonggang River, which was once pure, now thick with silt and sorrow, is a reflection of a nation sinking under corruption and decay. On paper, they got everything right. The whole premise had beautiful imagery-a river that mirrors its people, a mirror that refuses to flatter. Yet in the execution, all the ambition and artistry become too heavy to carry. Somehow, the weight of the premise is what sank this ship.

At its core, we have Siyul, Choi Eun and Jeong Cheon, each with their own demons to deal with. Siyul is caught between the guilt and survival of his brutal past and trapped in a cycle of choices that blur between justice and vengeance. Opposite him stands Choi Eun, the merchant whose integrity becomes her curse. I liked how she refused to let the corrupt system dictate her but I feel the writing didn't do her justice at all. The lack of screen time just made her seem like a haughty noblewoman but we see glimpses of so much from her towards the end. Somewhere in the middle stands Jeong-cheon, the official who dreams of power without corruption, a dream that steadily unravels.

The three are meant to represent different moral shores of the same river but the current never quite pulls them together. The 3 leads somehow felt like supporting characters in their own story. The first three episodes did a great job at setting up the story but the middle four (4-7) kind of lost their way. We wasted too much time on Mu Deok's story in the middle. I get they wanted us to show why he is here, but it could have been shortened and utilised to make the present plot better. The drama was about the 3 leads but somehow became "Mudeok's show".

Again, the idea of moral decay, corruption of people sitting at the top came through, but a bit heavy-handed and very convenient. Arrests and deaths happened too easily without letting the subplot fully bloom.

Too many characters felt underdeveloped as they simultaneously opened too many threads at the setup. By the time we were moving somewhere, it was already time to wrap up.

However, not everything was lost. The performances and acting across the board were solid. Roowan dominated the drama with his excellent acting performance. This is the first time I am seeing him in a non-polished, raw role. Seo Ham also looked very different here, and while the script didn't offer him much, he still left quite a good impression on me. With Ye Eun, the lack of screentime makes it harder to review her performance, but with what was given to her, she did well. The supporting cast had some good seasoned actors and no one disappointed.

Another thing I enjoyed was the bond between the bandits. I won't lie, I despised them at the start and was annoyed by their very presence, but they grew on me and on Siyul. They provided the comedic relief and brotherhood. It was like a mini break of happiness amidst the bleak and tragic premise.

Visually, the drama aced the setup. The outdoor locations, the grainy texture, the constant haze of dust and water...all of it feels lived in. It captures a world that’s both dying and alive, heavy with the smell of labour and loss. But sometimes the set-up was draining. I don't say it in a bad way, but on the front, it was too realistic.

Overall, Murky Stream definitely dared to ask uncomfortable questions about power, corruption and limits of conscience but somehow failed to answer them on the screen. I expected a deep dive into those murky waters, exploring the characters in that morally grey light, but I was never allowed to swim deeper. This quickly escalated into the case of over-ambitiousness.

Will I recommend it? No, I guess. The weekly experience was draining. But maybe binge-watching it can offer a different perspective.

Thank you for reading my review! <3 I hope you enjoy this drama more than I.

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Must watch for realistic story lovers

Murky Stream is a heartfelt drama that touches the soul of anyone who values realism and emotional storytelling. From the very beginning, it draws you in with its honest portrayal of life’s everyday challenges, relationships, and moral choices. What truly sets this drama apart is its simplicity. It doesn’t depend on over-the-top twists or glamour, but instead on genuine emotions, meaningful conversations, and characters who feel real and relatable.

The writing is deep and thought-provoking. Every scene carries a quiet strength, showing how small decisions can change lives in unexpected ways. The story moves at a calm pace, giving the audience time to absorb the emotions and connect with each character’s journey.

The acting performances are exceptional. Each actor brings a natural and sincere energy to their role, especially during emotional moments. You can feel their pain, confusion, and hope as if it were your own. The cinematography adds even more impact with soft lighting and realistic tones that perfectly match the mood of the story.

Murky Stream doesn’t try to impress with fantasy or dramatic exaggeration. Instead, it offers something much more meaningful — a mirror to real life. It captures both the beauty and the pain of human experience in a way that feels raw and honest.

This is not just a show you watch; it’s one you feel. It stays in your mind long after the final episode, reminding you of how powerful a simple, truthful story can be. For anyone who loves emotional and realistic dramas, Murky Stream is an absolute must-watch.

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Set in the Joseon era, The Murky Stream immerses us in a world where corruption, inequality, and the struggle to survive define every character’s path. Unlike historical dramas that focus on royalty or flawless heroes, this one feels more real, more human, more raw.

From the very first episode, the atmosphere is intense: the muted colors, the outdoor sets filmed in real locations (98% of the drama was shot outdoors), the grime of the docks, the worn-out costumes, the tired faces of the workers… everything builds an environment that pulls you in and makes you feel the harshness of that era.

When it comes to Ro Woon, his portrayal of Si-yool stands out in every possible way, he has simply done an exceptional job.
His character, Jang Si-yool, is complex, full of wounds, contradictions, and restrained emotions. Ro Woon conveys so much through his eyes that sometimes he doesn’t even need to speak for you to understand what he’s feeling. It’s a mature, powerful performance, completely different from anything he has done before.

You can feel his total dedication: the physical transformation, the way he moves, the way his voice changes depending on the situation… Everything is perfectly crafted, yet feels natural. Ro Woon makes us empathize with a man haunted by his past, trying to stay afloat in a world that keeps dragging him into darkness. His performance shows just how much he’s grown as an actor, intense, believable, and deeply moving.

But he’s not the only one who shines. Park Seo-ham brings a strong yet restrained presence, portraying an idealistic official whose purity clashes with a corrupt system. His performance is subtle and elegant, perfectly capturing the frustration of someone who keeps fighting even when the odds are against him.
Meanwhile, Shin Ye-eun is also brilliant, she gives life to a female character who refuses to be crushed by her circumstances, balancing determination and vulnerability in a way that feels deeply human. The chemistry between the three leads is subtle but emotionally charged, keeping the story balanced between political conflict and personal emotion.

The story itself starts slowly, but patience pays off. Each episode builds momentum, and when the pieces finally come together, the drama becomes truly addictive. The cinematography is stunning , every frame looks like a painting filled with symbolism.

In the end, The Murky Stream isn’t just a historical drama; it’s a powerful portrait of the human struggle to preserve dignity in the face of corruption. Raw, poetic, and profoundly emotional.

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More raw historical kdrama

Before reading my review: I don’t usually watch historical kdramas as I’m more into crime ones. So if there’s already a kdrama out there with a similar vibe to this one, I apologize, and I’d love to hear your recommendations!

I’ve had the novel on my reading list for a long time, so I decided to check it out out of curiosity. At first, I thought it would be modernized and turn into a typical kdrama full of heroes and people who can do the impossible, but I was wrong. This drama is full of humanity, the struggle to survive, the effort to fight just to have food for the next day. That whole raw feeling behind it is absolutely magical to me. I felt that this drama beautifully showed what life was like for people back then, and I really have to appreciate that. Finally, the main characters didn’t look like they’d just walked out of a hanbok rental shop, but like they’d stepped straight out of paintings from that era. Which was also really beatiful to see.

From other reviews, I understand that this definitely isn’t a story for everyone, and I also think the book portrays things a bit differently. Still, I find it a very well-made kdrama, and I think if there were more historical dramas like this one, I’d watch them more often. I’ll definitely come back to this drama once I get to the book. I really want to meet these fascinating characters again, that’s for sure.

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The Cowardice of Great Ideas

What could have been the story of a single man standing against a corrupt and oppressive system over something as ridiculous as a small sack of rice —and, in that simplicity, define the perfect anti-hero: someone who doesn’t fight for the people, nor for justice, but out of pure exhaustion— turns into a feast of soulless fights, weightless characters, fake intensity, and villains striking caricature poses.

Everything moves with a sleepy rhythm, a scattered plot, and a message that drowns in empty metaphors. The Murky Stream doesn’t lack ideas; it lacks courage.

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One Word - Rowoon saved this drama !

The drama starts off strong. The story is set in the 16th century backdrop, coming to the drama's story- the bandits are controlling the trade ports in the Joseon kingdom. Basically this might be the core story In the first three episodes it shows the bandits' hierarchy, the protagonist's partial backstory, and the other main characters' introductions. And there's a scene that is very short but impactful on the entire drama; that scene is not fictional—it really happened.

Acting is appreciable; charming boy Rawoon's surprises with his makeover into a raw and rustic character, revealing a new side of his a new side of acting but we barely get to hear any character dialogues from him.
Despite limited screentime Shin Ye-Eun's leaves a strong impression as well as Park Ji Hwan.

Technically the production values are top-notch with the re-creation of 16th-century Joseon era atmosphere; the production design team succeeded in bringing the originality of the people in that Joseon era—their costumes, makeovers and location sets feel authentic. Good Cinematography.

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Too heartbreaking and violent

I almkst dropped at end of epiosde 2 because of how tragic and heartbreaking it is,but kept watching and it didnt improve in that aspect. I can deal with like sword fighting and dying like that but just being brutally punched OVER AND OVER AND OVER like im sorry no i cant watch that. And to see the poor people get starved,beaten to death and treated like garbage? No. And the old man who hung himself because his family starved to death like this show is not for the kind of heart. If you are calloused and hard from watching a lot of stuff like this then go ahead but if you have a kind heart and dont like to see people getting treated like this for episode after episode then i dont suggest it.

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GREAT PRODUCTION AND ROWOON NAILED IT

First off, the production is superb! From the wardrobe and makeup to the settings, and locations, everything looks realistic which is amazing and it fits the tone of the story perfectly.

The drama mainly focuses on the three characters whose stories are connected through revenge, loyalty, and survival. Si Yul, a man who has trauma and loses his friends and is consumed by the need to avenge them. The death of his friends was truly heartbreaking and became the turning point for his character. The other two leads also have solid roles that add meaning to the story.

The show’s world, filled with barbarians, corrupts, and chaos. The fight scenes are amazing, the choreography is smooth, and very satisfying to watch. I also love the chemistry among the cast, especially the gang. Their bond felt genuine, and there were even small bits of humor.

Rowoon absolutely nailed this role. It’s definitely one of his most mature performances so far, you can really feel his emotions and inner conflict. The story itself is straightforward, no confusing twists or overcomplicated plots. I think in my opinion, this needs season 2 , as there are other unanswered happening in the story.

I wouldn’t recommend this if you’re expecting something super intense or mind blowing. It’s not that type of drama. But it’s still a good watch, solid, and made better by Rowoon’s presence and the overall production quality.

Plot 7.5/10
Acting and Characters 8.5/10
Cinematography 9/10
Writing 8/10
Pacing 8/10
OST/Score 8/10

Overall 8

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Lots of bloody fights

I liked the series. However, it's not a show everyone will enjoy and watch. There are too many fight scenes and too much blood. It's almost impossible to see a decent man. There's no romance. There's no romance. There's a female character, but it seems far from romantic.
It's a cautionary tale. They captured the situation of the time beautifully. It's done very close to reality. This is where we know that being too realistic doesn't appeal to people. This is also why the viewership has dropped. I think it's a cautionary tale. It's also a revenge drama, and it's a depiction of evil, poverty, lawlessness, injustice, the hegemony of the upper class, and a system where the powerful oppress the weak. Of course, there are those who defy the order, those who try to enforce the law, but they don't let them do it. They've portrayed it beautifully.

I liked the director. I liked the plot. I hope there's a sequel. I liked the play and the actors. There are some things I didn't like, but they don't mean much. For example, the situation of General Curcen. First of all, the actor lacks the charisma of a general. Second, it's nice that he shows his true self, but he also gets crushed. Both of these things don't make sense together. The actor couldn't distinguish between them. It didn't work. A general takes a beating like a general. He experiences pride like a general. He also expresses his crush like a general. When he's beating someone, he's like a general, but when he's being crushed, he's like a homeless person, unemployed, or a vagrant. No way.
So, there were a few flaws in the character and the portrayal of it. Of course, in my opinion. Secondly, the excessive amount of blood and fight scenes, along with the constant lack of visuals, affected watchability. Monotony prevailed. This series dominated by poor visuals. I think it would have been much more engaging if the plot had been diversified with a few more incidents.
As for the actors, Ro Woon was a perfect fit for the role; the image transformed him; he looked different from his real self. His acting was quite good. I really liked it. Shin Ye Eun was rarely seen. He was good when he did. I think the star of the series was Choi Gwi Hwa. I've seen this actor in a few dramas this year, and we'll see him in more. I think his performance is a candidate for Best Supporting Actor of 2025. I really liked it. Well done. I hope he wins an award. Park Seo Ham also appeared in very little, but he was good. Park Ji Hwan also did a great job, and his image was spot on. He suited him very well. He was also a great actor. The group of thugs with him were similar. They performed well. Another actor who suited the role was Jeon Bae Su as Chief Kang, who was also very good. He suited the role very well. I liked it. Choi Won Yong also appeared in very little, but he was a good one. I liked it. Kim Dong Won seemed a bit good at first as the General, but then he couldn't carry the General burden. He should have used the same attitude constantly. It seemed to me he couldn't maintain it. Kudos for his effort. Overall, I liked the cast. I've also noted the notable ones. I also congratulate the director. I recommend it to those who haven't seen it and appreciate realism.

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