Will you be the same person if you find a sunken treasure, or will greed take over you? The new Korean drama series “Low Life” will take you on a journey to see how a treasure not only changes a person’s fate but also unleashes the monster within them. Find out everything about the new crime-adventure “Low Life,” including its premiere date, star-studded cast, and more below!
“Low Life” Korean Drama (2025)

Helmed by renowned director Kang Yun-sung of “Outlaws,” the upcoming Disney+ original series, “Low Life” (also known as “Pine” (“파인”)), is set to premiere in July. The series boasts a powerhouse cast that includes seasoned actors and rising stars. Set in 1970s Korea, it showcases how perseverance can turn into ambition, greed, and betrayal when people discover a treasure deep within the sunken ship. As they dig deeper, the dirtier they get.
Storyline
Set in 1977 in a coastal village near Sinan, “Low Life” follows a group of people entangled in a high-stakes treasure hunt. When rumors spread that priceless cultural artifacts are inside a sunken ship off the coast of Shinan, it draws many people with different natures to dive into the sea. From hardworking locals to cunning criminals, they take to the sea to claim their share, each driven by their own greed and desire for riches. The series follows their intense journey to survive as deception, betrayal, and corrupting influences come into play after they suddenly acquire wealth.
The story centers on the dynamic relationship between the experienced conman, Oh Gwang-sook, his naive nephew Oh Hee-dong, and Yang Jae-sook, a savvy matriarch of Heungbaek Industries.
“Low Life” Cast and Characters
Main Cast
Ryu Seung-ryong as Oh Gwang-sook
Oh Gwang-sook is Oh Hee-dong’s uncle. He is one of the first to act when rumors of a sunken treasure spread. Described as a master con artist, he is aiming for one final big score.
Yang Se-jong as Oh Hee-dong
Oh Hee-dong is Oh Gwang-sook’s wide-eyed nephew. His uncle drags him into a dangerous treasure hunt. This becomes his first foray into the world of crime and deception.
Im Soo-jung as Yang Jeong-sook
Yang Jeong-sook is a powerful and ambitious woman. People know her as the “matriarch of Hongbaek Industries.” Her plans and involvement greatly complicate the treasure hunt for everyone else.
Supporting Cast
In the supporting cast, many acclaimed veteran actors will bring to life the planners, competitors, and locals of a 1970s coastal village.
- Hong Ki-joon
- Jang Gwang
- Jung Yun-ho
- Kim Eui-sung
- Kim Jong-soo
- Kim Min
- Kim Sung-oh
- Lee Dong-hwi
- Lee Sang-jin
- Lim Hyung-jun
- Woo Hyun
Special Appearance
- Go Yoon
Fun Facts & Reasons to Watch
Based on a Webtoon
The drama is an adaptation of the popular webtoon “Pine” (파인) by acclaimed writer Yoon Tae-ho, known for his works, including the popular K-series “Misaeng” and the film “Inside Men.”
Casting Changes
Actor Ji Chang-wook was initially in talks for the role of Oh Hee-dong. Unfortunately, he dropped the offer in October 2023. Later, Yang Se-jong takes on the role.
A New Role for Im Soo-jung
The drama marks a bold new role for actress Im Soo-jung. She takes on the role of Yang Jeong-sook, a character driven by intense ambition. Others know her as the “savvy matriarch of Heungbaek Industries” and skilled with money.
Comeback Idol in the Cast
This gripping series marks the return of Jung Yun-ho (U-Know from TVXQ) to the small screen since his last appearance in the 2023 series “Race.”
Stellar Ensemble Cast
The series features A-list actors and rising stars, from veteran actor Ryu Seung-ryong (“Moving”), Yang Se-jong (“Doona!”), and Im Soo-jung (“Search: WWW”). Meanwhile, the supporting cast includes an extensive number of respected actors, including Lee Dong-hwi, Kim Eui-sung, and Kim Sung-oh.
A Powerhouse Creative Team
Besides featuring a stellar cast, the series was created by top creators. Director-writer Kang Yun-sung is the man behind the blockbuster film “The Outlaws” and the hit series “Big Bet,” where he wrote the screenplay and took the director chair. This series is also a live-action of a popular webtoon by Yoon Tae-ho. You can anticipate a gripping and well-crafted story from this collaboration of top-tier talents.
Thrilling Plot that Will Keep You on Your Toes
Last but not least, the perfect recipe for a tense and compelling crime-adventure drama is here. The premise of a sunken treasure hunt combines the themes of human greed, survival, and betrayal in a 1970s setting. Intriguing?
“Low Life” Premiere Date
The 11-episode Korean drama “Low Life” will premiere exclusively on Disney+ on July 16, 2025, with the first three episodes, followed by two new episodes each Wednesday.
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