First Impression: Jun Ji-hyun and Kang Dong-won’s Espionage Romance in “Tempest”

Disney+ and Hulu are gearing up to release Tempest, one of the most hyped Korean dramas of the year. The series is anchored by two of South Korea’s biggest stars: Jun Ji-hyun and Kang Dong-won. Rather than sticking to straightforward action, Tempest mixes political conspiracy, spy-thriller tension, and a melodramatic story that feels both suspenseful and emotional.

At the heart of the story is diplomat Seo Moon-ju (Jun Ji-hyun), who finds herself caught in a relentless pursuit of truth after the shooting of a presidential candidate. Entangled in her quest is San-ho (Kang Dong-won), a former mercenary shrouded in mystery, whose mission is to protect Moon-ju while they navigate conspiracies that threaten the nation. 

Read on as we break down what to expect from Tempest in this review. 

A Melodrama Blooms Amidst Tension

The teaser for Tempest wastes no time in setting the tone. Gunshots erupt at what begins as a peaceful gathering, throwing the crowd into panic. Amid the confusion, Seo Moon-ju and Baek San-ho encounter each other for the first time, a meeting that will shape the course of the story.

Moon-ju, a UN Ambassador respected for her decisiveness, sees her world collapse when her husband, Jang Jun-ik (Park Hae-joon), a presidential candidate, becomes the target of an attack. In the aftermath, she steps into the election in his place and finds herself drawn into a political landscape filled with corruption, betrayal, and danger at every turn. On the surface, Moon-ju seems destined for success, but each step toward power intensifies the threats against her, creating a tension that is both personal and political.

The story may incorporate classic elements of the spy thriller, including assassination attempts, bombings, and conspiracies, but these moments are not presented as isolated action beats. Rather, they act as part of a larger narrative centered on Moon-joo and San-ho. Bound at first by mistrust, the two gradually open up to one another as moments of vulnerability push them closer. Their relationship develops slowly, which becomes as suspenseful as the unfolding political crisis.

Embracing Joan of Arc

Moon-ju’s resilience quickly becomes one of the show’s defining traits. Refusing to retreat in the face of constant threats, she adopts an almost martyr-like determination. “I don’t care if I’m destroyed,” she declares, embodying a spirit the public comes to compare to Joan of Arc. 

Her candidacy crystallizes in a memorable moment when she stands at Gwanghwamun Square under the looming threat of terrorism. Reading her speech with conviction, she declares, “I will run toward hope without fear of anything, without stopping. To protect all of this in peace, I declare my candidacy for the presidency.” It’s a scene that not only elevates viewer immersion, but also establishes her dual image as both political warrior but also a figure the public can rely on.

At the same time, Tempest ties Moon-jus’ personal struggles to broader geopolitical issues: the tense relationship between the two Korean Peninsula nations, the looming threat of nuclear escalation, and the delicate dance of U.S. diplomacy. Characters debate North Korean human rights, hint at reunification, and discuss political forces pulling strings behind the scenes.

Yet the scale of the story sometimes overshadows its characters; while the narrative powerfully conveys urgency, it risks flattening emotional depth. Moon-ju is undeniably strong, but her arc is often framed through her husband’s influence or San-ho’s protection. This “prince on a white horse” setup lingers, leaving viewers curious to see if the later episodes will give her independence beyond these dynamics. 

A Long-Awaited Collaboration

Beyond its storyline, Tempest is fueled by the star power of its cast. For Jun Ji-hyun, also known as Gianna Jun (My Love From the Star, Assassination), this marks her first drama since Jirisan. Kang Dong-won (Uprising, A Violent Prosecutor) makes an even more notable return as this series marks his first TV role in 21 years. Their pairing alone has drawn industry-wide attention, with both actors acknowledging that working together was part of the project’s allure.

Adding to the buzz is John Cho (Searching, Star Trek), making his long-awaited K-drama debut as Anderson Miller, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State. His appearance, alongside Hollywood actor Christopher Gorham, signals the production’s intent to appeal to global audiences. The cast also features stalwarts of Korean cinema, including Kim Hae-sook and Park Hae-joon.

While Jun and Kang bring star power that resonates in Korea and abroad, Cho and Gorham help position the drama within the streaming platforms’ global strategy. At the same time, veteran Korean actors ensure the story remains grounded in its local cultural and political context.

Huge Production Scale

Behind the camera, Tempest boasts an equally stacked lineup. The script comes from screenwriter Jeong Seo-kyeong, a longtime collaborator of director Park Chan-wook whose credits include Decision to Leave, The Handmaiden, and Thirst. Directing duties are split between Kim Hee-won (Queen of Tears, Little Women, Vincenzo) and Heo Myeong-haeng (The Roundup: Punishment). This combination blends television greatness with cinematic spectacle, making the series one of the most ambitious Korean dramas in recent years.

The production scale is also evident in its set design. From a towering cathedral where Jang Jun-ik’s assassination occurs, to denoting a bomb attack inside a bullet train and lavish chaebol estates, each location is crafted with meticulous attention to atmosphere.

These details highlight the creators’ intent to deliver not just a TV drama, but a cinematic experience. It’s a series where narrative complexity, star casting, and visual display align, where the hybrid genre drama appeals both locally and internationally.

From its global cast to its meticulous production design, Tempest reflects Disney+ and Hulu’s determination to deliver content that resonates far beyond Korea. The political backdrop, the espionage thrills, and the blooming romance are all designed to capture a wide audience. At the same time, the heavy tone demands focus, asking viewers to not only watch but to immerse themselves in a layered narrative.

Tempest is a nine-part series that will begin streaming its first three episodes on Disney+ and Hulu starting September 10!

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