Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama Low Life (available on Disney+), which premieres on July 16, 2025, and promises to be one of the most anticipated Korean productions of the year!
This 11-episode series will arrive on Disney+ internationally and Hulu in the US with a special three-episode premiere, followed by weekly releases until the double finale on August 13. Set in the 1970s, the story follows an uncle and his nephew who, after receiving a proposal to go to the West Sea, embark on a treasure hunt to escape their life as sellers of counterfeits.
Classified as a dark comedy, the production is based on the webtoon “The Hooligans” by Yoon Tae Ho and features direction by Kang Yun-sung, who previously directed “Big Bet” and “The Outlaws” for Disney+. The cast is led by Ryu Seung-ryong (“Moving,” “Chicken Nugget”), Yang Se-jong (“Doona!” “Temperature of Love”) and Im Soo-jung.
Inspired by the real-life
Inspired by the real-life treasure ship discovery on Korea’s southwest coast in 1975, Low Life transports us to an era of dangerous opportunities and desperate dreams. The plot revolves around Oh Gwan-Seok (Ryu Seung-ryong), a man who will do anything to make money, regardless of whether it’s legal or not, and his nephew Oh Hee-dong (Yang Se-jong), who has worked for his uncle since he was little.
Set around a sunken treasure ship off the coast of Shinan in 1977, the drama unfolds a high-stakes survival story. The protagonist duo sees the underwater treasure hunt as a unique opportunity to escape the marginal life they lead selling counterfeit products.
Oh Gwan-Seok: The Ambitious Uncle
Ryu Seung-ryong, known for his striking role in “Moving,” portrays the family patriarch who stops at nothing to achieve his goals. Oh Gwan-Seok looked after his nephew since he was little and led him into the criminal world. His complex personality oscillates between family protection and unbridled ambition, creating a fascinating character who questions the limits of morality.
Ryu Seung-ryong’s performance promises to show the layers of a man who, despite his questionable methods, maintains a genuine bond with his nephew. His trajectory in the series explores how the need for survival can corrupt even the deepest family ties.
Oh Hee-dong: The Torn Nephew
Yang Se-jong, who won audiences over in “Doona!”, brings to life young Oh Hee-dong, a character caught between family loyalty and the search for a better life. Since childhood under his uncle’s care, he now works for Oh Gwan-Seok, but the treasure expedition might be his chance to redefine his destiny.
The chemistry between the two actors promises to be one of the series’ highlights, exploring the complex dynamics between mentor and pupil, protector and protected, partner and rival. Hee-dong’s development throughout the series shows his internal struggle between following his uncle’s footsteps or forging his own path.
The Dangerous Discovery
With the shocking tagline “Deceive”, the series promises moments of extreme tension when the treasure hunters face discoveries that could change their lives forever. The search for the submerged treasure becomes a race against time, where greed and survival mix in an explosive combination.
The series’ climax should explore not only the physical discovery of the treasure but also the emotional revelations about the characters and their true motives. The growing tension between characters culminates in decisions that will define not only their financial future but also the fate of their relationships.
Success on Disney+
As one of Disney+ Korea’s most ambitious original series for 2025, Low Life arrives with high expectations. The drama features top-tier 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 screenwriter of ‘Misaeng,’ the director of ‘Big Bet,’ and the cast of ‘Moving’ creates a promising combination that should captivate both Korean and international audiences.
If you love period dramas with suspense elements and complex family bonds, Low Life is the perfect series to binge on Disney+.
Low Life combines action, family drama, and historical elements in a production that promises to redefine the standard of Korean series on Disney+.
Series Details:
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)