Jun Ji-hyun is coming back to the small screen. This time, she is stepping into the shoes of a strong and focused character. The upcoming Disney+ Tempest kdrama puts her in the center of a political thriller.
Political thrillers like Tempest kdrama often mirror real-world diplomatic tensions. While Moon-joo’s story is fictional, it draws from the same themes seen in actual global politics — assassinations shaking governments, high-level corruption, and the personal cost of exposing the truth. Viewers drawn to shows like Designated Survivor or Bodyguard will likely find familiar beats here, but with a distinctly Korean lens.
Many viewers know her from big hits like Assassination, The Berlin File, and The Thieves. Others remember her from dramas like My Love from the Star and Legend of the Blue Sea. More recently, she impressed audiences in Netflix’s Kingdom: Ashin of the North. After four years since Jirisan, she is ready for a fresh challenge. This is also her first time leading a Disney+ project.
In Tempest, she plays Seo Moon-joo. Moon-joo is a respected UN ambassador. She has a long career built on trust, diplomacy, and skill. Her life changes when a presidential candidate is assassinated. She witnesses the killing and becomes determined to uncover the truth. But the truth is buried deep in a mix of political secrets and dangerous enemies.
Moon-joo’s main ally is San-ho, played by Kang Dong-won. He is a special agent with no clear nationality and a shadowy past. He has fought in real combat zones and protected high-profile figures. San-ho steps in to save Moon-joo during the attack and chooses to stay by her side.
The series will explore how these two characters work together. They are from different worlds, but share a common goal — to expose the person behind the assassination.
A Team with High Expectations
The people behind Tempest, are not new to success. In today’s streaming wars, the creative team matters as much as the cast. Disney+ has been investing heavily in Korean content to compete with Netflix’s dominance in the region. The combination of Kim Hee-won’s direction and Jeong Seo-kyung’s nuanced scripts could make Tempest a flagship title for the platform — especially if it travels well internationally.
Korean political dramas have historically found success in markets like Japan, the US, and Europe, where audiences are increasingly open to subtitled thrillers. Director Kim Hee-won is known for stylish yet grounded dramas like Queen of Tears and Vincenzo. Co-director Heo Myung-haeng is recognized for high-impact action in The Outlaws 4 and The Wild West. The script is written by Jeong Seo-kyung, who created layered stories in Mother and Little Women.
This mix of talent suggests the series will have both sharp storytelling and striking visuals. But the real test will be how well these elements work together. Sometimes big names raise expectations but don’t always deliver on them. Viewers will be watching closely to see if Tempest meets the hype.
Jun Ji-hyun’s Role and Challenges
In this series, Jun Ji-hyun shows a different side of her acting. Moon-joo is not a light or romantic character. She is calm, disciplined, and willing to face danger for her country. The character’s patriotism comes from her upbringing. As a child, she studied with the Korean flag on her desk. She later built a diplomatic career in the United States before becoming a UN ambassador.
For Jun Ji-hyun, Moon-joo is not just a role — it’s a career milestone. Many Korean actresses in their 40s face pressure to either pivot into lighter dramas or take secondary roles, but here, she leads a high-budget action-political series on a major global streaming service. This move could inspire other actresses to seek complex, age-appropriate lead roles that challenge industry norms.
When the assassination happens, Moon-joo does not hide. She takes action, even knowing it could cost her everything. Jun Ji-hyun has said she was drawn to the character because of her quiet strength. That kind of role demands precision in acting — showing emotion without losing control.
Writer Jeong Seo-kyung has stated that she imagined Jun Ji-hyun as Moon-joo from the start. She also praised her for bringing a deep, unspoken understanding to the role.
The Other Lead: Kang Dong-won as San-ho
Kang Dong-won takes on his first spy melodrama in Tempest kdrama. His character, San-ho, is a skilled mercenary known for never failing a mission. Still, almost nothing is known about his real identity. He works in silence, strikes with precision, and avoids personal questions.
In the still photos released, San-ho is seen both in tense action moments and quiet exchanges with Moon-joo. His expressions suggest a man who is always calculating. Director Kim Hee-won described him as gentle on the inside but powerful in action scenes.
Jun Ji-hyun has mentioned enjoying their scenes together, saying their acting chemistry felt natural. This chemistry will be key for the series, as much of the story depends on the trust — or mistrust — between the two characters.
Release Plan and Viewer Interest
Tempest Kdrama will have a total of nine episodes. Three episodes will release on September 10. Two more will follow every Wednesday until the finale. This staggered release keeps the audience engaged over time.
The plot’s setup — a high-profile murder, political stakes, and two complex leads — is promising. But political thrillers can be tricky. They must balance action with believable drama. If either side feels weak, the story risks losing its impact.
How to Watch ‘Tempest’ KDrama
- Episodes: 9
- Airs: Sep 10, 2025 – Oct 1, 2025
- Airs On: Wednesday
- Original Network: Disney+
- Duration: 60 min.
Episode Schedule:
- Episode 1 – September 10 (Wednesday)
- Episode 2 – September 10 (Wednesday)
- Episode 3 – September 10 (Wednesday)
- Episode 4 – September 17 (Wednesday)
- Episode 5 – September 17 (Wednesday)
- Episode 6 – September 24 (Wednesday)
- Episode 7 – September 24 (Wednesday)
- Episode 8 – October 1 (Wednesday)
- Episode 9 – October 1 (Wednesday)
Schedule Timings
The drama releases at 4:00 PM KST on Disney+. Here's your timezone schedule:
💡 Tip: KST is 9 hours ahead of GMT. Use this to estimate future air times!
Final Thoughts
Jun Ji-hyun’s return is more than just a comeback. It is a test of how far she can push her acting in a serious, layered role. Tempest offers her a stage with high stakes, both in the story and in her career.
Kang Dong-won adds another layer of intrigue. His character’s mystery may keep viewers guessing until the final episode. With strong creators behind the camera, the ingredients are there for a gripping watch. Still, not every big project meets the level of its ambition. The political thriller genre is crowded, and audiences are quick to judge. Tempest will need both smart writing and believable performances to stand out.
If it succeeds, it could become one of the defining series for Disney+ in Asia this year. If not, it will be remembered as a show that had all the right parts but couldn’t make them work together. One thing is certain — this is not just another drama. It is a story about trust, truth, and the cost of finding it. And for fans of Jun Ji-hyun, this might be the role that shows her strongest side yet.
Countdown for Tempest
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Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
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