Low Life is a 2025 South Korean criminal drama series available on Disney+. Kang Yun-sung directed and wrote the film, which stars Ryu Seung-ryong, Yang Se-jong, and Im Soo-jung. The plot revolves around Gwan-seok and his nephew Hee-dong, who join a perilous attempt to collect priceless pottery from the sea near Mokpo.
Supported by a rich investor but surrounded by secret intentions, the crew faces treachery and greed as the quest escalates. Low Life delves into the darker side of ambition and survival through powerful performances and compelling writing. The series debuted on July 16, 2025, and is still broadcasting.
Gwan-seok and Hee-dong lead a gang of scam artists in Low Life as they search a sunken ship for priceless ceramics. Tensions increase with competing treasure seekers and intricate relationships. This gripping drama from the 1970s gains depth from the powerful performances of Lim Soo-jung, Yang Se-jong, and Ryu Seung-ryong.
More about Low Life episodes 1, 2 & 3
The plot of Low Life, which is set in South Korea in the 1970s, centers on a gang of con artists and treasure seekers who are looking for priceless pottery that has been lost at sea. A trade ship carrying Chinese porcelain and cash collapses off the coast of Sinan in 1323, marking the start of the narrative. Many years later, the primary characters center on this buried wealth.
Yang Se-jong's character Hee-dong encountered difficulties in 1962 as a result of his father's political standing. Ryu Seung-ryong plays his uncle, Gwan-seok, who assists him and teaches him survival and con tactics. They reestablish contact with Song Ki-taek, an authority in antiques and scams, following their incarceration. Ki-taek promises money up front and offers a job to locate the submerged ceramics. Chairman Cheon is a strong guy who supports the objective; his wife, Jung-sook (played by Lim Soo-jung), is a shrewd and powerful lady.
Hee-dong is first apprehensive, but rejoins once his relationship ends. Gwan-seok sends Hee-dong to Mokpo to learn more about the wealth. There, Hee-dong meets locals and Seon-ja, a young lady who informs him that she is being paid to spy on him. The narrative emphasizes the issues of trust and rivalry, since many people are also seeking riches. Ki-taek and Gwan-seok meticulously organize the expedition, knowing that Jung-sook controls the financing and tactics.
Jeon-chul, Jung-sook's right-hand guy, and Dae-sik, Ki-taek's trusted man, are among the new team members. When Hee-dong and Jeon-chul clash, tension increases. Pressure is created as the mission's expense rises. In the meantime, a formidable rival in the treasure search is Professor Kim, a scam artist with ties to the Yakuza.
As she places restrictions on the mission's budget, Jung-sook's power increases. Hee-dong pays her a visit in Seoul in an effort to win her approval by showcasing priceless ceramics. Jung-sook, as portrayed by Lim Soo-jung, adds intrigue and intellect while implying ulterior intentions that might influence the mission's conclusion.
In Mokpo, the crew is having difficulty finding a boat and qualified divers. Conflicts and conflicts highlight the group's weakness in togetherness. Professor Kim arranges for a vital diver, Bok-geun, to be temporarily freed from prison, complicating matters. As the search begins, both teams find that the treasure quest is more perilous and intricate than expected.
The first three episodes of Low Life include a superb cast that provides dimension to the plot. Ryu Seung-ryong's Gwan-seok is a savvy and experienced leader, but Yang Se-jong's Hee-dong demonstrates vulnerability and progress. Lim Soo-jung's Jung-sook is sophisticated and intriguing. The connection between the actors supports the slow-building narrative and inspires anticipation for the next episodes.
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