When Disney+ announced Tempest, the buzz was immediate. Jun Ji-hyun returning to the small screen opposite the magnetic Gang Dong-won? An international spy thriller with a reported budget between 50-70 billion won? A cast that includes John Cho and a roster of acclaimed Korean actors? Everything pointed to what could have been the K-drama event of 2025. Instead, what we got was a series that dazzles visually but stumbles narratively—a gorgeous tempest that ultimately loses its way.
The Setup: Promising Premise
The series centers on Mun-ju (Jun Ji-hyun), a skilled diplomat who previously served as UN ambassador, and San-ho (Gang Dong-won), an international special agent whose nationality and past remain mysterious. When an assassination attempt threatens a presidential candidate, Mun-ju finds herself pulled into a dangerous conspiracy that could destabilize the entire Korean Peninsula. Enter San-ho, the enigmatic mercenary assigned to protect her—but can she trust a man shrouded in secrets?
The concept has all the ingredients of a gripping political thriller. The show positions itself somewhere between The Bodyguard and high-stakes espionage dramas, with intelligent covert operations and political conspiracies that unfold clue by clue. The first three episodes do an excellent job of establishing the mystery, pulling viewers into a web of international intrigue involving North Korea, the United States, and rogue intelligence agencies.
The Strengths: Star Power and Production Values
Let’s talk about what Tempest does exceptionally well. The cinematography is peak K-drama excellence—every frame looks like it could be lifted from a high-budget feature film. Director Kim Hee-won, known for acclaimed works like Vincenzo and Little Women, brings a polished visual sensibility to the proceedings. The action sequences are well-choreographed, with combat that Mike Hale from The New York Times noted was particularly impressive.
Jun Ji-hyun and Gang Dong-won carry the series on their considerable star power. Both actors deliver committed performances, with Jun Ji-hyun bringing her trademark charisma to the role of the sharp, resourceful diplomat. Gang Dong-won, making his first drama appearance since 2004, has an undeniable screen presence—his portrayal of the mysterious San-ho oozes with quiet intensity. The supporting cast, including John Cho as US Assistant Secretary of State Anderson Miller, elevates the material considerably.
The addition of American actors was noted as an improvement over the typical expatriate casting in Asian productions, lending more authenticity to the international scope of the story.
The Problem: Lost in Translation
Here’s where Tempest begins to unravel. Despite the star-studded cast and impressive production values, the series suffers from fundamental storytelling issues. The script, written by Jeong Seo-kyeong, struggles to balance its political thriller ambitions with the romantic melodrama between its leads. One reviewer accurately described it as great actors wasted on a story that gets lost in its own complexity, noting that it should have remained a simpler bodyguard story rather than attempting sprawling geopolitical drama.
The political machinations become increasingly convoluted, with the series trying to juggle multiple conspiracies, international players, and shifting allegiances. Critics noted that the plot confusions and dialogue felt particularly noticeable, detracting from what could have been a tighter, more focused narrative. By the middle episodes, it becomes difficult to track who’s betraying whom and why—not in an intriguing puzzle-box way, but in a genuinely confusing manner.
Underutilized Chemistry
Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of Tempest is how it squanders the chemistry between Jun Ji-hyun and Gang Dong-won. The two leads have undeniable spark—there are moments, particularly in isolated scenes, where their connection feels electric. One viewer mentioned being drawn to the show after seeing a train scene that seemed incredibly compelling, only to find that the actual viewing experience didn’t deliver on that promise.
The romantic development between Mun-ju and San-ho feels rushed and underdeveloped. The series is so busy with its geopolitical conspiracy plotting that it doesn’t give enough breathing room for the central relationship to evolve organically. We’re told these characters are falling for each other, but we don’t always feel it in the way the story demands.
Controversial Reception
Tempest also found itself embroiled in several controversies. The series received backlash in Iraq over its portrayal of the country and in Vietnam over claims about South Korean soldiers as war heroes. There were also issues in China regarding Jun Ji-hyun’s character and certain cultural elements, leading to advertising complications for the actress.
These controversies highlight a broader issue: in attempting to create a globally-minded political thriller, Tempest occasionally stumbles into problematic territory, presenting oversimplified or stereotypical portrayals of various nations and conflicts.
The Verdict
Tempest is a frustrating watch because you can see the excellent drama it could have been. The bones are there—stellar cast, gorgeous cinematography, intriguing premise. But the execution falters, weighed down by an overly complex plot that doesn’t leave room for proper character development or emotional resonance.
At just nine episodes, the series feels simultaneously too short (not enough time to develop the romance) and too long (the conspiracy plot becomes exhausting). It’s the kind of show that looks spectacular in trailers and isolated clips but doesn’t quite come together as a cohesive whole.
Should You Watch It?
If you’re a die-hard fan of Jun Ji-hyun or Gang Dong-won, Tempest is worth watching for their performances alone. If you enjoy political thrillers and can forgive occasionally muddled plotting, you might find enough to appreciate. The production values are genuinely impressive, and there are standout moments throughout.
However, if you’re looking for the next great K-drama of 2025, you might want to look elsewhere. Tempest is a solid 7/10—enjoyable but not essential viewing, pretty but not profound. It’s a series that reaches for the stars but can’t quite escape the gravitational pull of its own ambitions.
What Works:
- Stunning cinematography and action sequences
- Strong lead performances from Jun Ji-hyun and Gang Dong-won
- Impressive international cast
- Intriguing initial setup
What Doesn’t:
- Overly convoluted political conspiracy plot
- Underdeveloped romance between leads
- Uneven pacing
- Controversial cultural portrayals
- Doesn’t fully utilize the talents of its powerhouse cast
Tempest storms onto our screens with style and star power, but ultimately, it’s a lot of sound and fury that doesn’t quite signify enough.
Rating: 7/10
Genre: Spy Romance, Political Thriller
Episodes: 9
Where to Watch: Disney+, Hulu
