Tempest

“Tempest” (Korean: “북극성”), also known as “Polaris” (literal title “North Star”), is a Korean spy-romance thriller, which premiered on Disney+ (internationally) and Hulu (in the U.S.) on September 10, 2025. This nine-episode series is directed by Kim Hee-won (“Vincenzo”, “Queen of Tears”) and co-directed by martial-arts specialist Heo Myung-haeng (“The Roundup: Punishment”, “Badland Hunters”), with a screenplay penned by acclaimed writer Jeong Seo-kyung (“Little Women”, “Decision to Leave”).

Plot Synopsis

Centered on Seo Mun-ju (Jun Ji-hyun), a seasoned diplomat and former Ambassador to the U.S., the series kicks off after an assassination attempt on a presidential candidate ignites an international conspiracy. Accompanied by Baek San-ho (Gang Dong-won), a mysterious mercenary-agent of unknown origin, Mun-ju navigates a web of espionage that could shake the stability of the Korean Peninsula – and even reach to Washington, D.C.

Cast & Characters

Main Cast

• Jun Ji-hyun as Seo Mun-ju – The composed diplomat thrust into political chaos.
• Gang Dong-won as Baek San-ho – A highly skilled, enigmatic operative with a hidden past.
• John Cho as Anderson Miller – U.S. Assistant Secretary of State.
• Kim Hae-sook as Chae Kyung-sin, the President of South Korea – strong, warm, and politically savvy.
• Plus Lee Mi-sook, Park Hae-joon, Yoo Jae-myung, Oh Jung-se, Lee Sang-hee, Joo Jong-hyuk, Won Ji-an,
• Michael Gaston, Christopher Gorham, Spencer Garrett, Susan and others in key supporting roles.

Reception & Buzz

Anticipation

The reunion of Jun Ji-hyun and Gang Dong-won, both big names in film, has generated immense excitement as this marks their first drama together.

Trailer & Visuals

“Tempest” teaser clips emphasized high-stakes action and sleek, cinematic styling.

Critics & Preview Feedback

Industry outlets highlight “Tempest” as a high-production-value political thriller with a strong emotional core, blending espionage with character-driven drama.

Poster Reaction

While buzz is high, some early promotional imagery was criticized by netizens for its dated aesthetic, sparking lively online discussions.

Fun Facts & Creative Team Highlights

Well Known Writter

Writer Jeong Seo-kyung is known for depth-rich scripts in acclaimed films like “Decision to Leave” and “The Handmaiden”.

Action Direction

Heo Myung-haeng brings dynamic martial arts sequences, while cinematography by Lee Mo-gae ensures visual impact.

Strategic Release

Disney+ premiered the first three episodes on September 10, following by two new episodes weekly, leading to a finale on October 1.

Summary

“Tempest” is poised to be one of 2025’s most talked-about K-dramas – merging espionage, romance, and political intrigue with cinematic scale and emotional depth. Anchored by powerhouse leads, a globally skilled production team, and a propulsive narrative, it sets out to be both thrilling and unforgettable.

Where to Watch

Streaming Access

• Globally: Disney+.
• U.S.: Hulu.

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