Jun Ji-hyun, Gang Dong-won make dazzling return with Disney+ espionage romance 'Tempest'

Actors Jun Ji-hyun, left, and Gang Dong-won pose during a press conference for the Disney+ Korean original series "Tempest" at Seoul's Four Seasons Hotel, Tuesday. Yonhap

By Park Jin-hai

• Published Sep 2, 2025 3:40 PM KST

The long-awaited Disney+ Korean original series “Tempest,” featuring Jun Ji-hyun and Gang Dong-won, has at last emerged from behind the curtain, sending ripples of excitement among global drama fans.

Led by a dream team of creators, the blockbuster espionage romance marks a comeback for both stars after years away from the small screen — and already stands tall as one of Disney’s tentpole releases in Asian original content for 2025.

Front and center in “Tempest” are Jun and Gang, who command every frame with magnetic synergy.

Jun, returning to drama for the first time since 2021’s “Jirisan,” and Gang, stepping back onto the small screen after a stunning 21-year absence since “Magic,” both expressed excitement about their joint project.

“I wanted to work with Gang Dong-won before it was too late. I’ve long admired his style and, after getting to know him better, became an even bigger fan. Our characters’ chemistry felt especially strong with him as San-ho,” Jun said during a press conference at Seoul’s Four Seasons Hotel Tuesday.

Gang returned the praise with equal warmth. “On set, I found myself captivated by Jun Ji-hyun’s charisma and presence. She truly is impressive in person.”

Even before its release, the mere pairing of these two actors had ignited widespread buzz.

“Every day on set was a delight," director Kim Hee-won said. “Personally, I favor directing with an eye for beautiful visuals, but with these two, I didn’t have to labor for it. Through them alone, the drama’s central theme — strength intertwined with beauty — unfolded naturally, all on its own."

Penned by screenwriter Chung Seo-kyung, best known for her collaboration with director Park Chan-wook on projects such as “Decision to Leave” (2022), “The Handmaiden” (2016) and “Thirst (2009),” the drama stands out as a political thriller with melodramatic undertones.

The plot revolves around Mun-ju (Jun), a Korean diplomat and former U.N. ambassador who is swept into a political conspiracy following an assassination attempt on her husband, a presidential candidate. Tasked with her protection is San-ho (Gang), an enigmatic special agent without a nationality. Together, they are drawn into a sprawling conspiracy that threatens the Korean Peninsula.

Despite the scale — which touches on diplomacy, security, espionage and international intrigue — Kim described the show’s core as a lyrical romance.

Jun and Gang are especially excited for audiences to see what they call a “mature melodrama,” where two very different people from separate worlds become drawn to each other over the course of an explosive investigation.

Blend of genres, universal emotions

While “Tempest” promises high-octane sequences, its creators emphasize the universality of its emotional stakes, including love, disappointment, despair and hope.

“When we’re young and watch world news, it often feels like something distant, not related to us. But as we grow older, we begin to realize that those events are like huge waves approaching us directly,” Kim said.

“The show invites viewers to ask themselves, ‘What should I be watching for in the place where I live?’ I believe this question resonates not only with Korean audiences but also with viewers around the world.”

The nine-part series will premiere Sept. 10 with three episodes, followed by two new installments released each week, before wrapping up with a two-part finale on Oct. 1.