Hello, everyone! How are you? Today, I’m excited to review the drama Low Life (streaming on Disney+), set to premiere on July 16, 2025, and is expected to be one of the most awaited Korean series of the year!
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This series consists of 11 episodes and will be available on Disney+ globally and Hulu in the US, featuring a special premiere of three episodes, with subsequent weekly releases culminating in a double finale on August 13. Set in the 1970s, it tells the story of an uncle and his nephew who, after receiving an enticing offer to visit the West Sea, embark on a treasure hunt to escape their lives as counterfeit sellers.
Categorized as a dark comedy, the show is inspired by the webtoon “The Hooligans” by Yoon Tae Ho and is directed by Kang Yun-sung, renowned for his previous works “Big Bet” and “The Outlaws” for Disney+. The main cast includes Ryu Seung-ryong (“Moving,” “Chicken Nugget”), Yang Se-jong (“Doona!” “Temperature of Love”), and Im Soo-jung.
Based on True Events
Drawing inspiration from the actual treasure ship discovery off Korea’s southwest coast in 1975, Low Life immerses viewers in a time of perilous opportunities and desperate aspirations. The narrative centers around Oh Gwan-Seok (Ryu Seung-ryong), a man willing to go to any lengths to earn money, whether legal or otherwise, along with his nephew Oh Hee-dong (Yang Se-jong), who has been under his uncle’s wing since childhood.
Set against the backdrop of a sunken treasure ship near Shinan in 1977, the drama unfolds a gripping survival story. The duo views the underwater treasure hunt as a rare chance to escape their marginal existence selling fake goods.
Oh Gwan-Seok: The Driven Uncle
Ryu Seung-ryong, famous for his impressive role in “Moving,” plays the patriarch who will stop at nothing to realize his ambitions. Oh Gwan-Seok has cared for his nephew since he was young, leading him into a life of crime. His multifaceted character swings between familial protection and unrestrained ambition, presenting a compelling figure that challenges moral boundaries.
Ryu Seung-ryong’s performance is set to reveal the complexities of a man who, despite his dubious tactics, shares a genuine connection with his nephew. His character arc throughout the series delves into how the instinct for survival can taint even the strongest familial bonds.
Oh Hee-dong: The Conflicted Nephew
Yang Se-jong, who captured audiences in “Doona!”, embodies young Oh Hee-dong, a character torn between his loyalty to family and his desire for a better life. Having been raised by his uncle, he now assists Oh Gwan-Seok, but the treasure hunt could offer him a chance to reshape his future.
The chemistry between the two actors is expected to be a highlight of the series, examining the intricate dynamics of mentor and mentee, protector and protected, as well as partner and rival. Hee-dong’s evolution throughout the series illustrates his internal conflict between following in his uncle’s footsteps or carving out his own path.
The Perilous Find
With the gripping tagline “Deceive”, this series promises intense moments as the treasure hunters confront revelations that could transform their lives forever. The quest for the submerged treasure morphs into a race against time, where greed and survival intertwine in an explosive mix.
The series’ climax is expected to delve into not only the physical discovery of the treasure but also emotional truths about the characters and their genuine intentions. The escalating tension among characters leads to choices that will determine not only their financial fate but also the future of their relationships.
A Promising Release on Disney+
As one of Disney+ Korea’s most ambitious original series for 2025, Low Life comes with significant expectations. The drama showcases top talents such as Ryu Seung-ryong, known for his impactful role in ‘Moving’, along with Yang Se-jong, Im Soo-jung, and more. The collaboration between the writer of ‘Misaeng’, the director of ‘Big Bet’, and the cast from ‘Moving’ creates a promising synergy that is likely to engage both Korean and international viewers.
If you’re a fan of period dramas mixed with suspense and intricate family relationships, Low Life is the ideal series to binge-watch on Disney+.
Low Life fuses action, familial drama, and historical elements in a production that aims to elevate the standard of Korean series available on Disney+.
Series Information:
Number of Episodes: 11 episodes
Platform: Disney+ (International) / Hulu (USA)
Rating: Not yet available
Genre: Dark Comedy, Period Drama, Suspense
Main Cast: Ryu Seung-ryong (Oh Gwan-Seok), Yang Se-jong (Oh Hee-dong), Im Soo-jung
Antagonist: To be revealed (elements of greed and circumstances themselves)