Disney+'s first original historical drama, "The Murky Stream", pulls back the veil.
On the 23rd at the Elliena Hotel in Gangnam, Seoul, Disney+ held a production presentation for "The Murky Stream." The event was attended by Rowoon, Shin Ye Eun, Park Seo-ham, Park Ji-hwan, Choi Gwi-hwa, Kim Dong-won, and director Chu Chang-min.
"The Murky Stream," Disney+'s first original historical series, which will be released on Sep. 26 (Fri), is an action drama about people who, surrounding Gyeonggang, where all of Joseon's money and goods converge, each pursued different dreams to overturn a corrupt world and live like humans.
Director Chu Chang-min, who drew 10 million viewers in 2012 with "Masquerade," took the helm, and "The Murky Stream" is also attracting attention as Chu Chang-min's first series directing project. The script was written by writer Cheon Seong-il, who returns to a historical series 14 years after "Chuno."
That day director Chu Chang-min explained, "Existing historical dramas have often dealt with kings, nobles and yangban, but what drew me to the writer's script was the story of the lower class. The story of the walpa (ruffians) is truly attractive, and the walpa who live in the current Han River and handle incidents felt appealing."
On the casting behind-the-scenes he said, "First, I wanted to work with young people. I met the three personally, and they had great ambition as actors. They wanted to transform, to take on challenges, to become good actors. That's why I decided. And to make up for their lack of experience, I thought we needed seasoned, outstanding actors, so we cast slightly older actors." He added, "Of all the productions I've done so far, this set feels the most enjoyable. All the actors had close bonds with each other, and I joined in as an older brother with them. Some felt like sons and daughters. It was a happy set," creating a warm atmosphere.
On questions about making it a seasonal series he said, "I think the story is certainly expandable. But it was not made with the sequel in mind. It is complete through episode 9. Personally, if people like it and many enjoy it, expansion might be possible," leaving the possibility open.
Rowoon plays Jang Si-yul, a walpa of the Mapo ferry station. Returning in a different image through the work, he recalled, "I was also very surprised. Before the makeup test I once had a meal with the director. He said, 'I want to take away your biggest weapon, 'handsomeness.'' So I waited in my heart. The time in makeup was enjoyable, and knowing I could show a different side made me think, 'If I just work hard, I can act for a long time.'"
He continued, "I'm proud to say our production had almost no indoor sets. About 98% were open sets, and the night lighting was really beautiful. I recommend watching it with the lights off. As an actor, what was comfortable was that the sets were so realistic that I could honestly say our set was good and comfortable anywhere." About the action he said, "The director wanted each character to have a main weapon that fits them, so focusing on that will be enjoyable. We worked really hard and intensely on the action. I'm proud because there are many realistic scenes."
He described how he changed internally and externally through "The Murky Stream." He said, "Before doing this work I made a promise to myself. I read the script for the first time and was drawn strongly to it, but as the shoot approached I became so anxious I couldn't sleep. I asked myself, 'Did I fully enjoy this process up to this point? There will be moments on set when you're stuck and worried.' But every set is the same. I realized I can't do it alone. I admitted I'm always an anxious person when I meet a new project. Externally, my fears disappeared, and it became a precious work that made me want to let go more."
Shin Ye Eun plays Choi Eun, a merchant who leads Joseon's top trading company. She explained, "Choi Eun is the cherished, beloved daughter of the Choi trading company, raised elegantly. But she walks the path of commerce, is exceptionally bright and wise, and is someone who stands up to situations and incidents boldly and confidently. I did abacus a time or two in elementary school, but I also took formal lessons."
She also spoke about the atmosphere on set. She said, "Not a single scene was passed over lightly. Even if it took many takes, we tried to draw out the best. In that process the director and the actors helped a lot. They contacted me separately and gave me good advice and words. I learned a lot from watching how they behaved on set."
About Rowoon she said, "We filmed in midsummer and the set had nothing to block the sun. Rowoon would sweat a lot. Most people tried to dry their sweat, but he said, 'I don't care. I'll go with my natural sweat,' and didn't mind; he even liked it and kept the natural look. As someone who's experienced more, even though we're peers, he had more experience. Though outwardly always bright, internally he's solid and weighty; I felt that on set. I was truly moved and thought he will grow into an even bigger actor. Not in body, but in heart."
He said of Seo-ham, "He was a tear-trigger; you could feel how much he loves acting and respects the profession. I don't know which projects we'll meet in next, but wherever Seo-ham acts, I feel I must absolutely cheer for him. There must be a reason he acts, and he will grow; though we are peers, I felt there is much more to learn from him," conveying warmth.
Rowoon said, "When I heard I'd be working with Ye-eun, I was told she really works hard. I was almost naked on set, so even in the heat I didn't feel that hot. Ye-eun wore many layers and must have been uncomfortable, but when she came, the mood brightened. When we acted a scene together I got very nervous, but watching Ye-eun she helped a lot by showing how it should be done. I'd love to work again with such a passionate actor; I felt I'd met a precious treasure of an actor."
Park Seo-ham replied, "Rowoon tried to give me more than 100. You could feel he really wanted me to do well. He always tried to teach me everything he knows. I felt he truly loves acting and has great passion; even amid hardship he ran around. Even in scenes that weren't his, he watched the monitor and commented." He added, "Ye-eun also always suggested we read the script together first. On set she made me feel relaxed. She would take walks and talk; she made the space feel familiar," creating a warm atmosphere.
Park Seo-ham takes on the role of Jeong Cheon, a Podo-cheong official who punishes corruption, marking his first historical drama. Describing the character he said, "He's a principled, upright, exemplary person with the dream of making the world a better place to live; he's sensitive and fights against corruption." He added, "As I'm a military official, I had to use a sword. I practiced swordsmanship and horse riding. I mainly practiced clean sword lines," outlining action points.
For Park Seo-ham, whose return to acting after military discharge, he said, "I've wanted to say this since last night: I felt I gained many fathers. The director and others made me feel affectionate. Seeing the directors and seniors made me choke up. Every time I went to set it felt like a holiday home. Even during standby they would monitor each other. Through this opportunity I want to work harder and definitely visit the director during a holiday," expressing his overwhelming feelings.
Especially toward Rowoon, who will enter the military after "The Murky Stream," she said, "While working with Rowoon, though he's younger, I learned so much and want to say thank you." She added, "I think he will develop a lot even after he goes. I think he won't waste that time and will grow with this passion and return a more wonderful man," offering encouragement.
Park Ji-hwan plays Mu-deok, a walpa who maintains order at the Mapo ferry station. About the character he said, "Mu-deok is at the Mapo ferry station, called the Han River, the center of logistics where merchants and laborers are needed. As money gathers, scoundrels who parasitize it appear, and the class that occupied that space is the 'walpa.' Mu-deok once had it good there, but now has been driven out and his squalor has become ordinary. While pondering how to get out of this world, he learns the secret of the handsome youth Si-yul and moves forward together."
He continued, "Since my clothes were dirty, I could lie on the ground even if I was tired; it wouldn't show if I didn't wash. So being together we smelled a lot. But Rowoon smelled good," he testified, and Rowoon explained, "I also go out without washing. After about a year of filming, we became like a family and became desensitized to each other's smells," drawing laughter. Park Ji-hwan added, "The atmosphere was more joyful than tense. If not for the director, such relationships might not have formed. Rowoon has many qualities we could lean on, and watching that made our chemistry better. Rowoon carried and led the scenes," adding warmth.
Choi Gwi-hwa plays Lee Dol-gae, who is at the center of Podo-cheong corruption. He joked, "His name is 'Dol-gae,' isn't it? He's a bit twisted," and explained, "Dol-gae manages the walpa and, through all kinds of evil deeds, profits like a hyena." He also said, "I always wanted to work in rhythm with the director. I feel I learned a lot. Each director has a different style. He was a particularly different director. I feel I had a really good experience and learned a lot."
Kim Dong-won gave a strong performance as the mysterious figure Wang Hae. He explained, "Wang Hae outwardly lives on Joseon soil as a Joseon person, but inside he carries the blood of the Jurchen and is a former Jurchen military leader. He is a character gathering strength to realize his will."
He said, "What I focused on most was that when you think of the Jurchen, I wanted to show not simple cruelty but the strangeness and individuality of a foreigner. Above all, Wang Hae struggled to survive stubbornly in war, so I worked to ensure that narrative was well reflected in his movements."
"The Murky Stream" will be released exclusively on Disney+, starting with episodes 1–3 on 9/26 (Fri), with two episodes released each week, for a total of nine episodes.
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]