Get ready for one of 2024’s most anticipated K-dramas! “Tempest“ is set to premiere on Disney+ with a star-studded cast led by Jun Ji Hyun and Kang Dong Won. This espionage thriller promises to deliver heart-pounding action, political intrigue, and a conspiracy that threatens the stability of the Korean Peninsula.
With a production budget of ₩70 billion, making it the most expensive Korean series ever produced by Disney+, “Tempest” has all the ingredients to become a global phenomenon.
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Tempest Plot Overview: A Deadly Game of Politics and Protection
“Tempest” follows Moon Ju (Jun Ji Hyun), a renowned UN ambassador who sets out to uncover the truth behind an assassination attempt on a presidential candidate, and San Ho (Kang Dong Won), a special agent of unknown nationality who must protect her, as they confront a massive truth that threatens the Korean Peninsula.
The drama explores themes of lost identity, political manipulation, and the dangerous world of international espionage, where nothing is as it seems.
Main Characters & Cast
| Character | Actor | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Moon Ju | Jun Ji Hyun | Renowned UN Ambassador |
| San Ho | Kang Dong Won | Mysterious Special Agent |
| Anderson Miller | John Cho | Secret Organization Member |
| Im Ok Sun | Lee Mi Sook | Political Heavyweight |
| President Chae Kyung Shin | Kim Hae Sook | South Korean President |
| Jang Joon Ik | Park Hae Joon | Presidential Candidate |
What Makes Tempest Special?
Record-Breaking Production: The series cost ₩70 billion to produce, making it the highest production cost for a South Korean series produced by Disney. This massive investment ensures top-tier production values, stunning cinematography, and world-class action sequences.
Star Power: Jun Ji Hyun returns to the small screen after her acclaimed performance in “Jirisan,” while Kang Dong Won brings his action expertise from films like “Peninsula” to television for the first time in years.
International Appeal: With John Cho joining the cast and the involvement of Skydance as co-producer, “Tempest” is designed to captivate both Korean and international audiences.
The High-Stakes World of Tempest
The newly released stills reveal the complex web of relationships and mounting tension surrounding the central characters. Moon Ju stands confidently before a large crowd, radiating charisma and strength, while San Ho’s piercing gaze reveals his heightened alertness, ever watchful of threats around her.
Key Story Elements:
- A presidential assassination attempt that uncovers deeper conspiracies
- Political maneuvering involving South and North Korea
- A secret organization with world-shaking power
- Spies who have lost their identities seeking redemption
Behind the Scenes: Creative Team
“Tempest” boasts an impressive creative lineup:
- Directors: Kim Hee Won and Heo Myung Haeng (The Roundup: Punishment)
- Writer: Jung Seo Kyung
- Music: Jung Jae-il and Dalpalan
- Action Choreography: Seoul Action School
This combination of talent ensures both compelling storytelling and spectacular action sequences.
Release Schedule & Where to Watch
“Tempest” will premiere with three episodes on September 10, followed by two new episodes weekly starting September 17, for a total of nine episodes.
The series will be exclusively available on Disney+, making it accessible to global audiences simultaneously.
Episode Release Pattern:
- September 10: Episodes 1-3 (Premiere)
- September 17 onwards: 2 episodes weekly
- Total: 9 episodes
Why Tempest Could Be 2024’s Biggest K-Drama
The combination of A-list stars, massive production budget, international collaboration, and timely political themes positions “Tempest” as a potential game-changer for Korean content on global platforms. The spy thriller genre has proven successful internationally, and with Disney+’s marketing muscle behind it, this series could reach unprecedented audiences.
The chemistry between Jun Ji Hyun and Kang Dong Won, who must learn to trust and work together despite being wary of one another, promises “subtle yet compelling chemistry that viewers can look forward to.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does “Tempest” premiere and where can I watch it?
A: “Tempest” premieres on September 10, 2024, exclusively on Disney+. The premiere includes three episodes, with two new episodes releasing weekly starting September 17. The series will be available to Disney+ subscribers worldwide simultaneously.
Q: What makes “Tempest” different from other K-dramas?
A: “Tempest” stands out as the most expensive Korean series ever produced by Disney+ with a ₩70 billion budget. It features international collaboration with Skydance, stars Hollywood actor John Cho alongside Korean A-listers, and focuses on high-stakes political espionage rather than typical romance or family themes, making it unique in the K-drama landscape.
