The Disney+ drama 'Diluge' features Rowoon's last role before enlistment, showcasing a gritty story set in Joseon.

The Disney official video distribution service Disney+ has started exclusive distribution of the drama 'Diluge' under the content brand 'Star,' which is currently a hot topic. It is Disney+'s first original period drama series and is also attracting attention as it is the last work before the enlistment of the popular young star, Rowoon. Set in Kyongan, where gold and resources from all over Joseon gather, it depicts the turbulent story of three men and women struggling to live humanely in a lawless world. Fans are likely to be swept away by Rowoon's new charm as he passionately portrays a rough man filled with melancholy, which is completely different from his previous roles. Rowoon, who is 190 cm tall with a handsome face and a bright, friendly personality, is loved by fans worldwide. He debuted in 2016 as a member of the idol group SF9 and has since been active in dramas. In 2023, he announced his dedication to acting. 'Diluge' can be said to be a monumental work for Rowoon as he takes a leap forward as an actor. In the past, he was praised for his handsome looks in 'Accidentally Found Hal' and was called 'the nation's younger man' in 'Senior, Don't Put on That Lipstick,' creating a strong sweet and romantic image. He has also experienced period dramas in 'Lovers of the Red Sky' and the comedic 'Wedding Battle,' but his appearance in these two works, where he stylishly wore hanbok, is different from what he shows in 'Diluge.' This time, he plays the role of the silent young man Chang Si-yul, who struggles with heavy labor at a ferry in Mapo. Living a harsh life at the bottom of society, he is a lone wolf among workers, with a nihilistic gaze. His stubble and trendy man bun hairstyle, along with his sunburned face, exude a wild charm, making it hard to recognize him as Rowoon. However, his height, which stands out a head and a half above others, and his undeniable elegance make him stand out in the desolate ferry area, truly a 'crane in a dung heap.' From his shabby back flows a man's melancholy, even suggesting a decadent allure. Additionally, in the opening of episode 2, he challenges intense action. Utilizing his long limbs, his powerful and weighty movements crush the opponent's fists with bare hands, which is impressive. In the river scene, he showcases his well-trained upper body, creating a heart-thumping moment with his beautiful abs. The protagonist, who is cloaked in the loneliness unique to a person with no one to call his name, hiding his past, and having no place to return to, is a poignant portrayal. For Rowoon, who is set to enlist on October 27, his performance in 'Diluge' is a significant gift to his fans and marks a major turning point for him as an expressive artist. Two characters, Choi Eun and Jeong Jeong, intertwine with Si-yul. Eun, born as the daughter of the Choi merchant group, is smart, proud, and straightforward. Gifted with a natural talent for business, she takes over her father's merchant group in place of her brother, who has failed the civil service exam for ten years. Eun is played by Shin Ye-eun, who portrayed the high school days of the character Yong-jin, who bullies the heroine in 'The Glory,' and played the capable owner of an inn in the period drama 'Lovers of the Red Sky.' Her tough gaze, not backing down from men who look down on her just for being a woman, is captivating. On the other hand, Jeong Jeong, who aspires to be a clean official, is played by Park So-ham, a former member of the five-member idol group KNK, who gained attention in the drama adaptation of the popular Korean BL novel 'Semantic Error.' Park So-ham, who originally has a height and charm that rivals Rowoon, plays a serious and uptight officer of the police department. Although he passes the civil service exam with excellent results and achieves his dream of becoming an official, he ends up fighting against the ugly reality of the corrupt police department as a young idealist. Furthermore, the character Mudok, who leads the ruffians of Mapo, is played by the unique Park Ji-hwan, known for works like 'Soul Busters' and 'Our Blues.' His exquisite acting, where sadness and humor are intertwined, is a must-see. The 'band of ruffians' gathered like family under Mudok is played by a cast of notable supporting actors, including Park Jung-pyo. Their relentless energy and comical depictions, as they struggle to survive at the bottom of society, add accents to the story. How will they live in a chaotic era? The story of young people chasing their dreams 'Diluge' is set in a Joseon where the once clear Kyongan has turned into a muddy stream and fallen into chaos. The central story revolves around three characters: Chang Si-yul, who hides his past and lives as a lowly worker at the ferry, Choi Eun, a strong woman leading the best merchant group in Joseon, and Jeong Jeong, an honest official. Childhood friends Si-yul and Jeong, who once dreamed of becoming military officers, become separated due to an incident. Years later, the two, who have walked completely different paths, miraculously reunite as a rough man and an elite official during a conflict. Eventually, the fates of the three intertwine and are tossed about by the tumultuous times... The protagonist Si-yul, played by Rowoon, works desperately for a day to earn one sho of rice, from which taxes are deducted, leading to even suicides in the harsh and unreasonable daily life. It is evident that he is not a person who should be in such a place, but the deep wounds in his heart are told through his dark gaze. When it comes to a fight, crushing the opponent's fist in one blow is a piece of cake. Due to a stab wound in his abdomen, he is sometimes suspected of being a fugitive or a legendary swordsman. Even when power figures unjustly beat him for 'that rebellious and cheeky gaze,' Si-yul maintains his composure, showcasing a quiet coolness! With taxes imposed on everything, the blood and sweat of the people are being squeezed away in the name of taxes, connecting the pain and anger to the issues we face in modern society. At the end of episode 2, Jeong, while on his way to meet someone, finds a man bowing on the roadside and hurriedly dismounts his horse, calling out, 'Si-yul, you bastard, are you alive?' and hugs him. At that moment, viewers learn for the first time that the protagonist, who until now has only been called 'youngster' and whose name no one cared about, is 'Si-yul.' The human emotions that revive in Si-yul's seemingly dead eyes... What kind of past does he have? How will Jeong and Eun intertwine with Si-yul? One can't help but look forward to the future. Trust from period drama fans is exceptional! The production team of 'The Crowned Clown' and 'Mr. Sunshine' has teamed up. 'Diluge' was officially invited to the 'Onscreen Section' of the 30th Busan International Film Festival held in Korea on September 18, where anticipated works are premiered for streaming dramas. The opening ceremony also drew attention as the main cast and director appeared on the red carpet. The director making his first attempt at directing a drama through this work is Joo Chang-min, who made the film 'The Crowned Clown' a big hit and recently garnered attention with 'The Truth of the Presidential Assassination Trial: 16 Days.' The script is written by Jung Sung-il, who has returned to period dramas after a long time. About 15 years ago, the screenwriter sparked the 'abs period drama boom' with 'Chuno,' and this time, he shifts the focus from slaves to ruffians, creating a unique world filled with rough yet earnest and dark passion once again. With eight months of filming, the meticulously crafted film-quality visuals and engaging story are built into a total of nine episodes. The drama 'Diluge' promises to bring a tidal wave of emotion to its viewers.