InterviewRowoon sheds pretty-boy image for gritty role in ‘The Murky Stream’

Actor Rowoon / Courtesy of Walt Disney Company Korea

Disney+’s first Korean period drama, “The Murky Stream,” throws Rowoon into a completely unexpected transformation.

Instead of the pretty-boy looks he’s known for, he’s covered in soot, sporting ragged clothes and an unruly beard — almost unrecognizable as he steps into the role of a rogue during the Joseon era (1392-1910).

The singer-turned-actor, who first rose to fame with K-pop boy group SF9, deliberately sheds his polished persona this time. In fact, director Choo Chang-min reportedly set out to “strip Rowoon of his biggest asset — his handsomeness.”

True to his word, Rowoon tosses aside his refined image for a downtrodden underclass figure and delivers a performance marked by raw emotion and the pain of family tragedy.

“At first, some people didn’t recognize me. I realized that since I’ve mostly done romantic comedies, they probably expected something like that — so my new image must’ve surprised them. But the fans actually said it suited me well and I thought so too," he said during an interview with The Korea Times at a cafe in Seoul Wednesday.

Asked if he was hungry for something new in acting, the 29-year-old replied, “Good looks often don’t last long. I often wondered if they could truly be my advantage, or how long I could persuade audiences and fans with just that. That anxiety was always at the back of my mind."

Set against the bustling port of Gyeonggang (the old name for the Han River), where fortunes and supplies flood in, “The Murky Stream” tells the story of people striving to retain their humanity and pursue divergent dreams in a chaotic world.

Rowoon’s character, Siyul, tries to suppress his urge to fight injustice, hiding his inner turmoil with clear, unwavering eyes. When the actor spits out lines like, “If you made me work, you ought to pay me,” in a voice stifled by hardship, he embodies a “tiger caught in a trap,” a recurring metaphor in the drama. And when violence becomes inevitable, his imposing physique comes to the fore, overpowering his foes in intense action scenes.

Actor Rowoon is seen in the Disney+ Korean original "The Murky Stream." Courtesy of Walt Disney Company Korea

He explained that "The Murky Stream" is fundamentally a story about growth.

"I believe this work captures the essence of growing up," Rowoon said. "I think the desire to create the world you want is something mostly felt when you're young. The process of facing reality, giving up and rationalizing those compromises — that's what becoming an adult is about. I found that journey compelling in this story."

The actor received great help from Choo in developing and portraying Siyul and the experience ultimately gave him newfound confidence in acting.

"When working with a master like Choo, such a meticulous person, I wondered if I could fully enjoy the entire process. When I read the script alone, I felt so overwhelmed — how should I act, how would my scene partner react? I was swept up in vague fears," he said.

"After hearing my story, the director told me, 'You're quite lonely, aren't you?' While acting, I felt like Siyul helped me work through something personal. Expressing emotions that weren't written in the script felt cathartic and liberating."

Having heart-to-heart conversations about life with the director, Rowoon found himself connecting deeply with the role.

"Through 'The Murky Stream,' I didn’t just grow into someone who can take on any role — I discovered that acting itself brings me joy. This project showed me that even the process is enjoyable. It made me want to keep acting for years to come."

With his mandatory military service beginning Oct. 27, this drama is both a turning point and a farewell for Rowoon.

"Honestly, I feel grateful even for the chance to be forgotten, because it means that when I come back, I have the opportunity to return in an even cooler way," he said.

"Through this project, I realized that I approach acting with genuine seriousness — and that I truly enjoy both performing and watching it. It gave me the confidence that I can become a truly good actor."

Looking ahead to his return in his 30s, he responded playfully.

"I think I'll be incredibly sexy, honestly ... I'm so excited about it. I'm looking forward to my 40s, even my 50s. I think I'll be able to let go more and experience things differently — that anticipation really excites me."