Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama Tempest, which brings together two of Korea’s biggest stars in what promises to be Disney Plus’s most ambitious Korean espionage thriller yet.
Premiering on September 10, 2025, this Disney Plus exclusive consists of 9 episodes, releasing with a three-episode launch followed by weekly drops of two episodes each. Directed by Kim Hee-won and written by Chung Seo-kyung, Tempest stars Jun Ji-hyun and Gang Dong-won as a talented diplomat and international special agent who must uncover the truth behind an attack that threatens the stability of the Korean peninsula. This marks Gang Dong-won’s first drama series appearance since 2004, making it one of the most anticipated K-drama returns in recent memory.
Tempest doesn’t rely solely on star power to succeed. It combines political intrigue, international espionage, and high-stakes action while exploring themes of diplomatic duty, personal sacrifice, and the complex relationships between nations in an increasingly volatile world. This is sophisticated spy thriller storytelling that showcases Korean drama at its most internationally ambitious.
When Diplomacy Meets Espionage
A former diplomat uncovers a conspiracy that threatens the stability of the Korean peninsula. Tempest follows Seo Mun-ju, a seasoned diplomat and former ambassador to the United States, who teams with international special agent Baek San-ho to investigate a dangerous conspiracy. The series expertly balances the intellectual chess game of international diplomacy with the visceral reality of covert operations, showing how political stability depends on both public negotiations and secret actions.
The narrative structure spans from Seoul to Washington, creating a truly global scope that reflects the international nature of modern political conspiracies and their far-reaching consequences.
Jun Ji-hyun: Diplomatic Excellence
Jun Ji-hyun delivers what promises to be a career-defining performance as Seo Mun-ju, the talented diplomat whose sharp judgment has earned international trust. Jun Ji-hyun brings her trademark intensity and intelligence to a role that requires both sophisticated political acumen and physical capability. Her portrayal captures the complexity of someone who must navigate delicate international relationships while confronting dangerous conspiracies that could destabilize entire regions.
Jun Ji-hyun’s return to television after focusing on films demonstrates her commitment to this ambitious project and ensures that Mun-ju feels both diplomatically authentic and dramatically compelling.
Gang Dong-won: The Agent Returns
Gang Dong-won makes his highly anticipated return to television as Baek San-ho, the international special agent whose covert skills complement Mun-ju’s diplomatic expertise. Gang Dong-won brings his signature charisma and action capability to a role that requires both physical prowess and intellectual sophistication. His portrayal promises to showcase the complexity of modern espionage work, where agents must be as comfortable in boardrooms as they are in combat situations.
The chemistry between Gang Dong-won and Jun Ji-hyun creates the foundation for both professional partnership and potential romantic tension that drives the series’ emotional core.
When Conspiracy Threatens Peace
The series will reach its peak when the conspiracy targeting Korean peninsula stability forces both characters to risk everything they’ve built to protect their nation’s future. These high-stakes episodes will showcase the impossible choices faced by people whose personal lives become secondary to national security, while international tensions make every decision potentially catastrophic. Tempest promises to excel at showing how modern conspiracies operate across borders and through multiple levels of government and private power.
The action sequences should feel both authentic to real espionage work and dramatic enough to maintain television entertainment value.
Supporting International Cast
The supporting cast includes John Cho, Michael Gaston, Spencer Garrett, and other international actors, bringing authenticity to Tempest‘s portrayal of global political networks. Each character will represent different aspects of international relations and covert operations, from government officials managing public policy to private operatives working in the shadows. The series benefits from having both Korean and international talent that can authentically portray the cross-cultural complexity of modern espionage work.
Success on Disney Plus
Tempest represents Disney Plus’s most ambitious Korean content investment, positioning the series as a tentpole production that can compete internationally with major espionage thrillers. The 9-episode format allows for sophisticated storytelling without unnecessary filler, making it perfect for global audiences seeking premium Korean drama with international appeal. The elite creative team including Queen of Tears director Kim Hee-won and regular Park Chan-wook collaborator writer Chung Seo-kyung ensures production values that match the high-profile casting. Tempest demonstrates Disney Plus’s commitment to Korean content that can attract both regional and international audiences while showcasing the platform’s ability to support prestige television production.
Storm Warning
If you love sophisticated espionage dramas with A-list performances, Tempest promises to be the perfect series to experience on Disney Plus. This isn’t just another spy thriller but a high-stakes exploration of how individual actions can determine the fate of nations while showcasing Korean drama at its most internationally ambitious.
Why This Storm Demands Your Attention
Tempest has the potential to transcend typical espionage television by focusing on the intersection of diplomacy and covert operations while showcasing two of Korea’s biggest stars in their most sophisticated roles yet. This promises to be essential viewing for anyone seeking premium international thriller content that doesn’t compromise on either star power or storytelling complexity.
Series Details
Number of Episodes: 9 episodes
Platform: Disney Plus (international), Hulu (US)
Release Year: 2025
IMDb Rating: Not yet rated (premieres September 10, 2025)
Genre: Espionage Thriller, Political Drama, Action
Production Type: Korean spy thriller series
Status: Premiering September 10, 2025
Protagonist: Jun Ji-hyun (Seo Mun-ju), Gang Dong-won (Baek San-ho)
Main Cast: John Cho, Michael Gaston, Lee Mi-sook, Park Hae-joon
Antagonist: International conspiracy threatening Korean peninsula stability