1
This review may contain spoilers
A River that Bleeds Corruption & Decay!
If you are wondering why this show is called “The Murky Stream”, it is because the storyline reflects the grim corruption that is decaying the Joseon roots!
The storytelling isn’t simplistic, rather it is a complicated mesh work of hardcore characters that are trying to make a living. Their circumstances are unbelievable though. We are treated to raw, gritty individuals who are nothing short of desperate. It might be the workers lining up for chores on the river bank, or the bandits who control their daily wages, the indisputable thumbs & their forefingers or the corrupt Police Captain who controls this entire system. Starring Ro Woon, Shin Ye Eun, Park Seo Ham in lead roles, the show focuses on the situations, each of their characters is thrust into. There is barely any romance, enough friendship & brotherhood to carry the narrative forward. The show would fall flat of these three characters didn’t exist. As for Mu Deok, you are left to wonder why this haphazard character commands so much screentime; but in the second half, he becomes the backbone of the storyline (somehow).
Read the complete article here-
https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2025/10/19/the-murky-stream-series-review/#more-2106
The storytelling isn’t simplistic, rather it is a complicated mesh work of hardcore characters that are trying to make a living. Their circumstances are unbelievable though. We are treated to raw, gritty individuals who are nothing short of desperate. It might be the workers lining up for chores on the river bank, or the bandits who control their daily wages, the indisputable thumbs & their forefingers or the corrupt Police Captain who controls this entire system. Starring Ro Woon, Shin Ye Eun, Park Seo Ham in lead roles, the show focuses on the situations, each of their characters is thrust into. There is barely any romance, enough friendship & brotherhood to carry the narrative forward. The show would fall flat of these three characters didn’t exist. As for Mu Deok, you are left to wonder why this haphazard character commands so much screentime; but in the second half, he becomes the backbone of the storyline (somehow).
Read the complete article here-
https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2025/10/19/the-murky-stream-series-review/#more-2106
Was this review helpful to you?
