Disney+ is diving deep into murky waters with Low Life, its newest original crime drama set in the gritty world of 1970s South Korea. Based on a webtoon and inspired by a real-life treasure ship discovered off the coast of Sinan, the series promises an energetic mix of crime, greed, and colorful characters. With a dynamic ensemble cast and the creative force of Director Kang Yoon-sung (The Outlaws, Big Bet), Low Life gears up to deliver a sharp, retro-styled thrill ride.
Fortune favors the bold. Stream #LowLife 16 July on #DisneyPlusSG. pic.twitter.com/IAMhoZCQqX
— Disney+ Singapore (@DisneyPlusSG) June 23, 2025
What Is Low Life About?
Set in 1977, Low Life centers on a ragtag group of hustlers, tomb raiders, appraisers, drivers, and corrupt police officers from different parts of Korea—Seoul, Busan, and Mokpo. Each character, desperate for a taste of fortune, is drawn into a high-stakes hunt for a sunken treasure ship buried in the sea off Sinan’s coast.
As these flawed individuals gather in Mokpo, their clashing personalities, ulterior motives, and tangled loyalties ignite an all-out war of betrayal and survival. Expect tension to rise with every new episode, as new characters enter the fray and the hunt turns deadly.
The drama captures the rustic and restless spirit of the 1970s through its retro mise-en-scène and region-specific dialects, weaving in cultural nuances and moral ambiguity with every twist. Ceramic artifacts featured in promotional posters serve as powerful symbols of the coveted treasure and the greed it awakens.
Meet the Cast and Their Characters
From respected veterans to rising stars, Low Life boasts a stacked cast:
Ryu Seung-ryong, Yang Se-jong, Im Soo-jung, Kim Eui-sung, Kim Sung-oh, Hong Ki-joon, Woo Hyun, Lee Dong-hwi, TVXQ’s Yunho, Im Hyung-joon, Lee Sang-jin, Kim Min, Kim Jin-wook, and more. This multigenerational lineup sets the stage for a “feast of personalities,” as Director Kang puts it, with every character bringing strong motivations and even stronger conflicts.
Ryu Seung-ryong as Oh Gwan-seok
Fresh off his hit film Amazon Bullseye and award-winning Disney+ series Moving, veteran actor Ryu Seung-ryong transforms into Oh Gwan-seok—a scheming, street-smart hustler who’s willing to cross any line to make ends meet. With his nephew Oh Hee-dong by his side, he scrapes by on petty fraud and theft. But when he hears whispers of sunken treasure from a Seoul antique dealer, he pulls off a dangerous mission that may finally change his luck or destroy him.
Ryu Seung-ryong, known for his versatility across genres, brings charisma and gravitas to Gwan-seok. His chemistry with co-stars and ability to melt into the 1970s setting will likely be a highlight of the series.
Yang Se-jong as Oh Hee-dong
Playing Gwan-seok’s sharp and loyal nephew is Yang Se-jong, who sheds his usual clean-cut image to embody the rugged and impulsive Oh Hee-dong. Raised on schemes and survival, Hee-dong has a no-nonsense attitude and a strong moral streak buried beneath layers of hardship.
Yang Se-jong was immediately drawn to the script’s intensity. “It made my heart race,” he shared. “Hee-dong is bold and manly, and working with Director Kang helped me bring him to life.” The transformation is one that fans of Yang Se-jong won’t want to miss.
Director Kang noted that this tougher role offers a refreshing change for viewers familiar with Yang Se-jong’s softer past performances (Doona!, My Country: The New Age, Still 17, Temperature of Love, Dr. Romantic).
Im Soo-jung as Yang Jeong-sook
Adding a layer of elegance and danger is Im Soo-jung as Yang Jeong-sook, the iron-willed head of Hongbaek Industries. Decked out in bold 1970s fashion and sharper instincts, she’s a character who stops at nothing to get what she wants.
Im Soo-jung described her role as a bold departure from her previous work. “Jeong-sook is a woman who never hides her desires,” she explained. “She’s someone who forges ahead, completely unbothered by anyone standing in her way.” Her presence promises to stir the waters as the treasure hunt intensifies.
When and Where to Watch
Low Life premieres exclusively on Disney+ starting July 16 with the first three episodes. The release continues weekly with the following schedule:
- July 23: Episodes 4 & 5
- July 30: Episodes 6 & 7
- Aug. 6: Episodes 8 & 9
- Aug. 13: Episodes 10 & 11 (Finale)
With 11 episodes in total, the series promises to maintain suspense throughout its run, steadily unfolding new alliances, betrayals, and surprises.
The series is part of Disney+’s expanding Korean content lineup for 2025, which also includes:
- Unmasked – Kim Hye-soo, Jung Sung-il, Joo Jong-hyuk
- Hyper Knife – Park Eun-bin, Sol Kyung-gu
- Nine Puzzles – Kim Da-mi, Son Suk-ku
- Tempest – starring Jun Ji-hyun and Gang Dong-won (Upcoming)
- The Murky Stream – starring Rowoon and Shin Ye-eun (Upcoming)
- The Manipulated – starring Ji Chang-wook, Do Kyung-soo, and Lee Kwang-soo (Upcoming)
- Made in Korea – starring Hyun Bin and Jung Woo-sung (Upcoming)
Low Life Teaser Trailer
Low Life Official Trailer
With an irresistible mix of regional charm, retro style, and moral gray zones, Low Life is shaping up to be one of Disney+’s most gripping Korean dramas. If you love ensemble casts, treasure hunts, and high-stakes drama, this tension-filled 1970s tale is for you.
Who’s your favorite character from the Low Life crew? Tell us which team you’d join—Seoul, Busan, or Mokpo—on Instagram and X/Twitter!
Featured Image Credit: Disney Plus Singapore Official X
