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Why You Shouldn't Skip Streaming K-Drama 'Tempest' on Disney+

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<div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:958px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1758463335965the cast of disney plus kdrama tempest.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">The cast of Disney+ K-drama <em>Tempest</em> (from left): Gang Dongwon, Jun Jihyun, Oh Jungse, Kim Haesook, Yoo Jaemyung, Lee Misook, Park Haejoon, Lee Sanghee, and Joo Jonghyuk | Photo courtesy of Disney+</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>Spy romance K-drama <strong><em>Tempest</em></strong> is currently the most-viewed Korean Original on streaming platform <strong>Disney+</strong> globally this year. Starring <strong>Jun Jihyun</strong> and <strong>Gang Dongwon</strong>, <em>Tempest</em> follows <strong>Seo Munju</strong> (Jun Jihyun), a diplomat and former ambassador to the United Nations, and <strong>Baek Sanho</strong> (Gang Dongwon), an international special agent. In the midst of a political turmoil, which threatens the future stability of the Korean peninsula, they get entangled in each other’s business.</p><div><strong>With five episodes so far and four more to come, we list down the reasons why you shouldn’t skip streaming Disney+’s <em>Tempest</em>:</strong></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="925" height="525" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IIbhy91RTWQ?si=3eJFwOxkJ986Ejwp" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>The star-studded cast and the actors&#x27; top-notch acting</strong></div><p>“Tempest” means a violent storm. But this show’s other title, “Polaris,” means star. “It’s a shining star, which gives it a metaphorical meaning,” director <strong>Kim Heewon </strong>said during the show’s press conference. <em>Tempest</em> indeed features a brilliant cast, led by world-class artists Jun Jihyun and Gang Dongwon. A Hollywood and Korean crossover series, its cast also includes <strong>John Cho</strong>, <strong>Michael Gaston</strong>, <strong>Spencer Garrett</strong>, <strong>Christopher Gorham</strong>, <strong>Alicia Hannah-Kim</strong>, and <strong>Jacob Bertrand</strong> alongside renowned Korean actors<strong> Lee Misook</strong>, <strong>Park Haejoon</strong>, <strong>Kim Haesook</strong>, <strong>Yoo Jaemyung</strong>, <strong>Oh Jungse</strong>,<strong> Lee Sanghee</strong>, <strong>Joo Jonghyuk</strong>, and<strong> Won Jian</strong>. </p><p>Having such an ensemble cast—with each actor contributing to the richness and complexity of the storytelling—makes <em>Tempest</em> hard to miss. </p><p>It’s also noteworthy how well done the casting is. When they were deciding on the female lead for the series, director Kim Heewon had no other actress in mind but Jun Jihyun. “I think most Korean directors would agree there aren’t many actresses besides Jun Jihyun who can embody such a powerful female lead,” she said. “She’s always at the top of casting lists, so we thought, ‘Should we ask her?’ And the moment we reached out, she immediately said, ‘Let’s meet.’ I felt like I had hit the jackpot.”</p><p>Director<strong> Heo Myeonghaeng</strong> also had nothing but praise for Dongwon, saying, “I’ve worked with Dongwon on many projects, probably more than with any other actor. As you all know, his physicality is outstanding. Even when he does the same moves as other actors, there’s an extra charisma only he can show.” </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:958px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1758464085004gianna jun jun ji hyun on disney plus kdrama tempest.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Gianna Jun (Jun Jihyun) | Photo courtesy of Disney+</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:958px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1758464111145gang dongwon on disney plus kdrama tempest.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Gang Dongwon | Photo courtesy of Disney+</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>The relevant plot and action-packed execution, thanks in part to the directors&#x27; collaboration</strong></div><p>Anywhere in the world and even in other industries, besides politics, people are no strangers to politicking, scheming, and power struggles, making the story relevant today. But it’s not only about politics and espionage; the series also has hints of action, thriller, mystery, drama, and, of course, romance. </p><p>With Gang Dongwon’s Sanho becoming the bodyguard of Jun Jihyun’s Munju, the expectation for action was high, and Gang Dongwon did not disappoint with his plausible portrayal. </p><p>Also worth mentioning at the core of it all was the collaboration between directors Kim Heewon and Heo Myeonghaeng. “I respect Director Kim greatly, so I focused on supporting and enhancing her direction. I tried my best to help wherever she needed and share in solving challenges,” director Heo Myeonghaeng said. </p><p>Director Kim Heewon, on the other hand, mentioned that <em>Tempest</em> marked their third project together, so they already knew how their directing styles could complement each other. “At this point, it feels like sharing one computer. He knows my strengths and weaknesses so well. He guided me whenever I faced challenges, especially with action sequences or roles requiring physical presence. Without his help, I couldn’t have made this drama,” said Kim Heewon, who also has directing credits for award-winning K-dramas like <em>Crash Landing on You</em>, <em>Vincenzo</em>, <em>Little Women</em>, and <em>Queen of Tears</em>.<em></em><em></em><em></em><em></em></p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:958px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1758464264444disney plus kdrama tempest director kim heewon.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Director Kim Heewon | Photo courtesy of Disney+</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:958px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1758464296925disney plus kdrama tempest director heo myeonghaeng.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Director Heo Myeonghaeng | Photo courtesy of Disney+</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div><strong>The lead stars’ chemistry</strong></div><p>Romance blooms in the middle of a crisis, and it happens so naturally. With Baek Sanho doing everything he can to protect Seo Munju, their chemistry develops despite the not-so-ideal circumstances. </p><p>Describing her character, Jun Jihyun shared, “She’s quiet but friendly, firm, and capable of bold actions.” Though strong and independent, Seo Munju finds herself relying on Baek Sanho, whom Gang Dongwon characterizes as someone mysterious—“he rescues Seo Munju and decides, ‘I must protect this woman.’ From then on, he devotes himself to guarding her.”</p><p>Jin Jihyun shared that she has always wanted to work with Gang Dongwon, citing him as one of the reasons she decided to take on this project. “I really wanted to work with Gang Dongwon before it got too late, so I chose this project,” she mentioned. “Honestly, I’ve been a longtime fan of Dongwon (laughs). That was one of my reasons for joining this project—I really wanted to work with him. During filming, I admired his physical presence, but more importantly, I got to know him as a person. That made me an even bigger fan. His performance as Sanho brought extra synergy to my role as Munju.”</p><p>The feeling is mutual because Gang Dongwon also couldn’t help but express his admiration for the actress, emphasizing her pleasant personality off-cam. “While filming, I was completely drawn into Jihyun’s charm. She always brought so much joy to the set, which made me really happy while shooting. Throughout, I kept thinking, ‘Wow, she’s truly amazing,’” he shared. “For some reason, Jihyun and I never managed to work together until now. So I was really glad for the chance.”</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:958px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1758464669086gang dongwon gianna jun jun jihyun on disney plus kdrama tempest.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Jun Jihyun and Gang Dongwon | Photo courtesy of Disney+</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div><strong><em>Catch the romance and action on Tempest, only on Disney+</em></strong><em></em><em></em></div><div style="text-align:left"><br/></div>

<p>The most-viewed Korean Original on streaming platform Disney+ globally this year, "Tempest" is more than a political/espionage series—it also has hints of action, thriller, mystery, drama, and, of course, romance.</p>

The most-viewed Korean Original on streaming platform Disney+ globally this year, "Tempest" is more than a political/espionage series—it also has hints of action, thriller, mystery, drama, and, of course, romance.

Why You Shouldn’t Skip Streaming Disney+ K-Drama ‘Tempest’

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Why You Shouldn’t Skip Streaming Disney+ K-Drama ‘Tempest’

Grace Libero

Published September 21, 2025 10:30 PM PHT

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Updated September 21, 2025 10:37 PM PHT

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