Korean drama Low Life made a gripping debut on July 16, 2025, instantly drawing attention for its raw, noir-inspired storytelling. With a potent mix of corruption, ambition, and moral decay, the show wastes no time pulling viewers into its bleak and turbulent world. Three episodes in, it has already carved out a distinct identity among this year’s dramas, earning praise for its unrelenting pace, morally complex characters, and moody cinematography that feels both grounded and stylized.
Directed by Kang Yoon Sung, best known for the hard-hitting film The Outlaws, Low Life cleverly weaves black comedy into a suspense-driven treasure hunt set against the backdrop of 1970s South Korea. The decade’s political instability, social unrest, and economic hardship serve as a compelling backdrop for a story that is as much about desperation and betrayal as it is about hidden gold. What elevates the series is its ability to walk the line between satire and drama, capturing both the absurdity and tragedy of human greed.
Following its premiere with three consecutive episodes, the series has now shifted to a weekly release schedule. Episodes 4 and 5 are slated to drop on July 23 at 4:00 PM KST on Disney+. Viewers in India can expect to watch them around 12:30 PM IST via Jio Hotstar. With only 11 episodes in total and two releasing each week, Low Life is set to conclude on August 13—making each release feel all the more urgent for fans who are already deeply invested.
At the center of the story are Oh Gwan Seok and his nephew Oh Hee Dong, two hustlers operating on the fringes of society. They discover a lead about valuable 14th-century Chinese ceramics buried off the coast of Sinan—a nod to the real-life 1975 shipwreck that inspired the webtoon The Hooligans, from which the drama is adapted. Fueled by desperation and backed by the powerful yet untrustworthy Chairman Chun, the two embark on a high-stakes mission. But with word of the treasure spreading, other players enter the game—each with their own motives and moral boundaries. What begins as a straightforward heist soon spirals into a dangerous maze of rivalries, double-crosses, and shattered loyalties.
The show features an ensemble cast with a strong mix of seasoned performers and fresh talent. Ryu Seung Ryong brings quiet intensity and emotional complexity to the role of Oh Gwan Seok, while Yang Se Jong’s portrayal of Oh Hee Dong captures the blend of youthful hope and growing cynicism. Im Soo Jung adds gravitas as Yang Jung Sook, a character whose role in the treasure hunt remains intriguingly ambiguous. Supporting actors like Lee Dong Hwi, Kim Eui Sung, and Jang Gwang deepen the world with performances that balance menace, humor, and vulnerability.
With just a few episodes released, Low Life has already proven it’s more than just a period thriller. It’s a gritty, layered exploration of how far people will go when pushed to the edge—and what’s left of them when the dust settles. As the stakes rise and alliances fracture, viewers are left wondering not only who will claim the treasure, but also who will survive long enough to enjoy it.