What happens when sunken treasure meets the desperate dreams of men with nothing to lose?
The answer arrives this July 16, as Low Life—a gritty new Korean crime drama from Big Bet writer-director Kang Yunsung—debuts exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar.
Set in 1970s Korea, Low Life dives into a time of political unrest, economic hardship, and fierce ambition.
When whispers of an ancient treasure ship spread through the coastal underworld, it ignites a deadly race between hustlers, criminals, and fortune-seekers who see one final shot at changing their fates.
Low Life – A Story of Family, Greed, and Second Chances
At the heart of Low Life are Oh Gwanseok and Oh Heedong, an uncle-nephew duo played by Ryu Seungryong (Moving, Chicken Nugget) and Yang Sejong (Doona!, Temperature of Love), respectively.
Known for their long list of failed get-rich-quick schemes, the two stumble upon the opportunity of a lifetime: a legendary sunken ship filled with gold and artifacts resting just off Korea’s coast.
As they plot to retrieve the treasure and finally live the lives they’ve only dreamed of, they must outsmart rival fortune hunters, corrupt officials, and each other. After all, when wealth is on the line, loyalty is the first casualty.
The series also stars Lim Soojung (Melancholia, Single in Seoul) as Yang Jungsook, a mysterious woman whose past may hold the key to the treasure’s true origins—and its deadly secrets.
From the Mind Behind Big Bet and The Outlaws
Low Life is written and directed by Kang Yunsung, known for his gripping and character-driven work in Big Bet and The Outlaws. With a knack for balancing dark humor, high-stakes drama, and pulse-pounding tension, Kang brings his signature storytelling style to a historical period rarely explored in K-dramas.
Expect intense character conflicts, morally grey choices, and a deep dive into Korea’s socio-political atmosphere during the 1970s—a time of change, corruption, and desperate ambition.
Episode Schedule: Binge or Pace Yourself
The 11-part series will premiere on July 16 with a three-episode launch, giving fans an immediate deep dive into the high-stakes drama. After that, two new episodes will drop each week, culminating in a two-part finale on August 13.
This staggered release format allows for both binge-watchers and weekly viewers to enjoy the series at their own pace—while keeping the suspense alive.
Low Life follows the massive success of other Korean originals on Disney+ Hotstar this year, including:
- Hyper Knife – a serial killer thriller that kept audiences on edge
- Nine Puzzles – the platform’s most-watched Korean drama of 2025
Coming up later this year are even more high-profile releases:
- Tempest starring Gianna Jun, Gang Dongwon, and John Cho
- Made in Korea featuring Hyun Bin and Jung Woosung
Disney+ Hotstar continues to expand its Korean content library, offering premium K-dramas with cinematic production values and compelling stories that resonate globally.
If you’re a fan of crime dramas, period thrillers, or just love a good story of desperation meets opportunity, Low Life is a must-watch. With strong performances, gripping storytelling, and a hauntingly realistic backdrop, this is more than just a hunt for treasure — it’s a journey through the darkest corners of the human spirit.
Stream the first three episodes of Low Life starting July 16, only on Disney+ Hotstar.
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