Tempest Review
Director: Heo Myung-haeng and Kim Hee-won
Date Created: 2025-09-10 19:39
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Tempest Review: Directed by Heo Myung-haeng and Kim Hee-won, and penned by Jeong Seo-kyeong, the nine-episode political thriller streams from September 10 to October 1. Disney+ 2025 series 북극성 is the much-awaited comeback for Jun Ji-hyun since her last drama Jirisan in 2021. She is seen playing diplomat Seo Mun-ju, joined by Gang Dong-won, John Cho, Lee Mi-sook, Park Hae-joon, Kim Hae-sook, Yoo Jae-myung and others. The drama revolves around grief, betrayal, and survival in the midst of a Korean political scene wherein a personal loss easily becomes a national emergency.
Tempest Episode 1-3 Recap
Tempest Episode 1 begins with a shocking killing. Assemblyman Jang Jun-ik, who is the husband of Mun-ju and a candidate for president, is shot in church just as he is touting a unified Korea. Mun-ju, who recently returned from a stint as a UN ambassador, is devastated. During the fray, she stumbles upon Baek San-ho (Gang Dong-won), a mysterious man who maintains a life in the midst of the assault. Family arguments quickly erupt, with Jun-ik’s family accusing Mun-ju of taking advantage of his death and pushing her to run for office herself.
In Tempest Episode 2, the mysteries behind the death of Mun-ju’s husband start unfolding. She discovers a prophetic letter from an American, Anderson Miller, forecasting North Korea’s nuke submarine and a future U.S. military strike. As family secrets in the Jangs are exposed—her brother-in-law Junsang for his own ambitions, Mun-ju senses betrayal from close to home. San-ho, revealing himself to be a mercenary hired via an American contractor, begins assisting Mun-ju as threats become deeper.
In the third episode, the story progresses into campaign politics. Faced with the encouragement of her in-law’s mother, Mun-ju figures as a likely candidate for president. She begins to win people’s sympathy, more particularly after surviving a traumatic bomb threat on a train. Despite her grief for having lost a child in the past, Mun-ju is determined and gives a touching speech on unity and peace. San-ho continues to track her in secret, protecting her while at the same time professing his deepening loyalty. It culminates in a scene suggesting a future nuclear disaster, a reminder to audiences that the conspiracy is not yet finished.
Tempest Review (Episodes 1–3)
It’s a classic Korean political drama at first glance, with a lot of weighty dialogue, complex alliances, and much power play. But what sets it apart is Jun Ji-hyun’s authoritative presence. Back on the small screen after years, she returns fiercer than before. As Seo Mun-ju, she walks a tightrope between vulnerability and strength: a bereaved widow, a suspected outcast, and a future leader. Seeing her evolution from diplomat to Presidential candidate is hands-down the best scene in the drama so far.
Jun Ji-hyun again demonstrates why she is one of Korea’s most admired stars. She does a superb job of expressing Mun-ju’s inner torment yet maintaining an outwardly peaceful, determined countenance. During Tempest Episode 3, when she delivers her speech about unity, it is both raw and motivational. Gang Dong-won as Baek San-ho also adds mystery and grit. He does not say a lot, but his bodily presence throughout, more than anything, in the pieces where there is action, holds you to the television set. His chemistry with Jun Ji-hyun is understated but very interesting, suggesting a collaboration that could blossom into something greater.
The Kdrama Tempest progresses at a slow pace. It does not build up a rapid-fire spy thriller, but rather develops the conspiracy over a period of time, intricately intertwining interpersonal family conflicts with mass-scale international uneasiness. Some may criticise the pace as slow, but for me, it was a good thing as it provided breathing spaces for the actors. Loyalty, ambition, and betrayal are examined with tact. It was particularly nice to see the way the show takes on Mun-ju’s issues as a female politician, with second-guessing from her in-laws, the people, and even the president herself.
Heo Myung-haeng’s and Kim Hee-won’s direction provides the K-drama Tempest with a sophisticated but high-tension appearance. Broad shots of rallies for each party, close shots in intense confrontations, and the eerie train bomb scene are memorable. At points, the cinematography encompasses subdued hues, something that continues the gravity of the narrative. Fight scenes are crisp and well-rehearsed without appearing excessive.
The tempo of Disney+ series Tempest also comes a bit too slow in some places, especially if you are someone who loves high-action thrillers. Its big supporting cast also means there are lots of different subplots, and it is tiring to attempt to remember every single newcomer and every single clandestine plan. Some of the politicking is heavy in some places, and it might make it tough for casual fans to get close. But despite those aspects, the stronger feeling of emotions and good performances bring it back around.
Kdrama Tempest Review: Summing up
So far, after watching Tempest Episode 1-3, I can safely say the drama has begun on a high note. It’s not only political machinations but survival and a search for the truth on the part of a woman. Jun Ji-hyun shines in the role of Mun-ju, and Gang Dong-won brings elements of mystery and action to the equation. Though pacing isn’t always breakneck, the weight of emotion and the realpolitik background are good enough for me to continue watching.
With six episodes remaining, I’d very much like to see if it’s even remotely possible for Mun-ju to transition from grieving widow to genuine leader, and if the nuke crisis ahead will wrap up all storylines. Tempest may not be for everyone, but for those who enjoy the political dramas of Korea with a dash of conspiracy, action, and simple human emotion, then Disney’s show is very much worth your time.
