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| yna@yna.co.kr 2025-10-21 15:30:37
SEOUL, Oct. 21 (Yonhap) — “My biggest challenge was time,” said director Choo Chang-min, recalling his experience filming his first-ever series “The Murky Stream” for Disney+.
“In film, I’d shoot a two-hour story over three to four months. But this time, I had to shoot a nine-hour drama over eight to nine months, so I was constantly short on time. It felt like a problem with no clear answer.”
In an interview with reporters at a cafe in Seoul’s Samcheong-dong on Tuesday, Choo shared his thoughts on making the leap from film to drama.
Choo is one of Korea’s leading film directors, best known for the 2012 historical film “Masquerade,” which drew 12.3 million viewers and earned him the title of “ten-million director.” His other works include “Land of Happiness” and “Seven Years of Night.” “The Murky Stream” marks his first project for television audiences.
Although the format has changed, Choo said he focused on maintaining the same narrative density. The series centers on the lives of the lower class during the Joseon Dynasty — boatmen, laborers, and traders — grounding the story in realism.
“Most historical dramas tend to focus on nobles and aristocrats,” he said. “But I wanted to tell the story of common people. I think I chose this project because I’m drawn to stories rooted in reality.”
To enhance authenticity, Choo minimized computer-generated imagery (CG) and built an actual riverside ferry dock in Sangju, North Gyeongsang Province. “The CG team suggested building the dock on land and adding water later, but I thought it would feel less real,” he explained. “So we built a real dock, removed it during the monsoon season, and reinstalled it afterward for filming.”
He added that his decision was less about rejecting CG out of principle and more about comfort and familiarity. “I’m from an analog generation, so I naturally lean toward what feels tangible and real.”
The series stars Rowoon (real name Kim Seok-woo), Shin Ye-eun, and Park Seo-ham — young actors who, while popular, are not yet considered top stars. Choo said he deliberately wanted to work with fresh talent.
“I’ve mostly worked with seasoned actors known for their craft,” he said. “But I wanted to test myself by working with young, unpolished actors for a change.”
He noted that the casting process differs between film and drama. “For films with budgets over 10 billion won (US$7.3 million), you need big-name actors to attract investment and publicity. But dramas can afford to take more creative risks — that’s one of their strengths.”
Reflecting on his work with Rowoon, Choo admitted, “I honestly underestimated him at first because he’s an idol and very good-looking. But once he got immersed in the emotions of the scene, his acting was as powerful as anyone’s.”
He cited a key moment between Rowoon’s character, Jang Si-yul, and Wang Hae (played by Kim Dong-won), who fight to the death. “There’s a scene right after their battle where Si-yul laughs, and we finished it in one take. I rarely approve a scene on the first try, but Rowoon gave everything he had — down to his last drop of sweat. It was remarkable.”
Choo praised the energy of his young cast. “Their youth was such an asset,” he said. “Rowoon, Shin Ye-eun, and Park Seo-ham poured everything they had into their performances. They were like raw ingredients, and I could freely shape them as a director.”
Because most of the characters are laborers and outlaws, their appearances are often covered in sweat, grime, and dust — a choice that heightened the realism. “We made their makeup two to three shades darker than usual,” he said. “At first, people worried, but we agreed that this was what people’s skin tones might have looked like in that era.”
He laughed as he recalled, “Some crew members suggested letting the actors wash or shave at least once, but there was no such scene in the script — so we couldn’t.”
As for the possibility of a second season, Choo was cautious. “We didn’t prepare a follow-up story,” he said. “I just wanted to leave a bit of room and emotional resonance at the end. Of course, I can’t decide on a Season 2 alone. If Park Ji-hwan becomes a global star or Rowoon goes to Hollywood, maybe we won’t be able to do it. Ha ha.”
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