A Turbulent Period Drama Set to Shake Up Disney+
Disney+ is diving headfirst into historical K-drama territory with ‘The Tyrant’s River’ (Dakryu), its first-ever original period action series. Set to premiere on September 26, the drama paints a chaotic picture of the Joseon Dynasty through its fierce ensemble cast—Rowoon of SF9, Shin Yeeun, and Park Seoham, among others.
What’s ‘The Tyrant’s River’ About?
Set in fictional Kyunggang, the bustling heart of Joseon’s trade and wealth, the series follows a crew of misfits trying to reclaim their humanity in a corrupted world. Written by Jung Sungil (of The Glory) and directed by Ju Changmin (The Crowned Clown), this gritty tale promises vendettas, rebellion, and a lot of sword-swinging swagger.
The Cast — Rough, Raw, and Ready
- Rowoon plays Jang Siyul, a rogue with a haunted past and blazing eyes who asks, “Who can we trust in a world like this?” Definitely not your average flower boy prince.
- Shin Yeeun turns heads as Choi Eun, a determined merchant saying, “Joseon is too small, too stale.” She comes armed with ideals—and a literal torch.
- Park Seoham is Jeong Cheong, a perfectionist civil officer forced to wade through a morally rotting system, sword in hand and principles on edge.
- Park Ji Hwan’s Mu-deok drops a line dripping with irony: “Only scoundrels pretend not to notice when things go bad.” He leads a ragtag gang of scene-stealing misfits in full street-theater glory.
- Choi Gwi-hwa plays the corrupted state official Lee Dol-gae, trying to stomp out dreams (and dreamers) with old-school brutality.
- Kim Dong-won as Wang Hae warns ominously, “You think your dream world is coming? Think again.”
A Cinematic Tease of Power and Purpose
The newly released teaser trailer cuts through with tension, revealing each character’s motive. Rowoon’s Siyul emerges from obscurity into a cutthroat riverside trade zone ruled by gangs, not merchants. Meanwhile, Shin Yeeun’s idealistic entrepreneur and Park Seoham’s bureaucratic perfectionist clash as they try to clean up the corrupted port.
We also meet the misfit gang members—Wolwori, Gaechun, Chunbok, and Malbok—played by a who’s-who of rising talents like Park Jungpyo and Yoon Daeyeol. Think Robin Hood, but grittier and with better hair and wardrobe.
Release Schedule
‘The Tyrant’s River’ will premiere exclusively on Disney+ with its first three episodes launching September 26. After that, two episodes will be released weekly for a total of nine action-packed chapters.
The Takeaway
If you’re ready for a period drama that swaps court politics for riverside rebellion, mark your calendar. With Rowoon shedding his idol image for something darker and Disney+ flexing its K-drama muscles, ‘The Tyrant’s River’ could be the streaming underdog of the fall. Will it flow or just ripple? We’ll be watching.
