The K-drama universe is divided after Disney+’s “Tempest” delivered one of the most controversial romantic moments of 2025, as Jun Ji-hyun’s Mun-ju shares an intense kiss with Gang Dong-won’s San-ho, igniting fierce debates about loyalty, love, and moving on from betrayal.
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Tempest Kiss That Set Social Media Ablaze
On September 17, 2025, Disney+ released episodes 4 and 5 of Tempest, and by the end of episode 5, the chemistry between Mun-ju (Jun Ji-hyun) and bodyguard San-ho (Gang Dong-won) intensifies when the two kiss. The passionate scene immediately sparked heated discussions across social media platforms.
The timing of the kiss proved particularly controversial, coming only days after her husband Jun-ik was assassinated in a church during the series’ opening episodes. However, many viewers quickly rallied to defend the moment, pointing out crucial context that changes everything.
The Cheating Husband Revelation Changes Everything
Episode 4 revealed the shocking truth that completely reframes the kiss controversy: Jun-ik already had a mistress, Kang Ha-na, with whom he shared a nine-year-old child. His family, including his grandmother and mother, showed support for the relationship as well, making Mun-ju’s situation even more heartbreaking.
This revelation transformed fan reactions from criticism to overwhelming support, with viewers arguing that her unfaithful husband forfeited any claim to her loyalty through his years of deception.
Fan Reactions: From Outrage to Celebration
The internet erupted with passionate responses once the full context became clear. Fans expressed their feelings with remarkable honesty and emotion:
| Reaction Type | Fan Sentiment | Key Arguments |
|---|---|---|
| Supportive | “Her cheater husband doesn’t deserve her loyalty” | Husband’s 9-year affair invalidates marriage |
| Celebratory | “They should kiss more!” | Chemistry between leads is undeniable |
| Defensive | “The marriage was already broken” | Political marriage, not love |
| Emotional | “She deserves happiness” | Mun-ju has suffered enough betrayal |
One passionate fan wrote: “I screamed when they kissed 😭 like her cheater husband doesn’t deserve her loyalty like that. tbh she should kiss her bodyguard moree”, perfectly capturing the sentiment of many viewers.
The Political Marriage That Was Never Love
Many fans were critical of her husband’s character, alleging that he cheated on Mun-ju for political gain, with several netizens questioning whether he deserved to be grieved, given his betrayal. The marriage appears to have been a political arrangement rather than a love story, making the romance with San-ho feel more authentic.
The marriage was already broken even before he died. He’s a purposed cheater, not just some ‘accidental cheating by being drunk case’. He deliberately cheated on her, even knowing she would have allowed him to divorce her, one fan astutely observed.
Jun Ji-hyun and Gang Dong-won’s Electric Chemistry
Beyond the controversy, viewers have been consistently praising the undeniable screen chemistry between the two leads. Gang Dong-won admitted that Jun Ji-hyun is the reason he decided to act in a drama again, marking his return to television after years of focusing on films.
Fans have described their connection as “INSANE,” with many celebrating not just the kiss but the emotional buildup that made it feel genuine and earned rather than gratuitous.
Tempest: More Than Just Romance Drama
Tempest dropped on Disney+ on September 10, 2025, becoming the No. 1 series on the platform, including Hulu, in South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The show has a total of nine episodes, weaving politics, spy craft, and a touch of romance into a compelling narrative.
The drama is earning praise for its pace and intrigue, and it currently has an 8.1 score on MyDramalist, indicating strong viewer satisfaction beyond the romantic elements that have captured headlines.
The Spy Thriller That Hooked Audiences
The story begins with the assassination of Jang Jun-ik, a presidential candidate, which rattles both South and North Korea. Seo Mun-ju, a former UN ambassador, begins digging and uncovers a chain of backroom dealings and secret ties.
Beside her is Baek San-ho, a special agent with a mysterious past, once a mercenary, with no clear nationality. San-ho turns into Mun-ju’s unexpected partner as the two chase answers inside a world of hidden networks and shifting loyalties.
What Makes This Kiss Different
Unlike typical K-drama romance moments, this kiss carries the weight of political intrigue, personal betrayal, and genuine emotional connection. The characters aren’t teenagers discovering first love—they’re experienced adults finding solace and authentic connection amid dangerous circumstances.
The kiss represents more than romance; it’s about finding genuine human connection after experiencing ultimate betrayal. Jun Ji-hyun’s Mun-ju discovers that real partnership and trust can exist, contrasting sharply with her sham political marriage.
Global Impact and Disney+ Success
A star-studded cast including Jun Ji-hyun (My Love from the Star), Gang Dong-won (Uprising) and Hollywood actor John Cho (Cowboy Bebop) headlines Disney+’s new K-drama series Tempest, giving the show international appeal and credibility.
The series represents Disney+’s continued investment in high-quality Korean content, following other successful originals that have performed well on the global streaming platform.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Star-Crossed Pair
The upcoming Tempest episodes, set to release on September 24, will push Mun-ju and San-ho deeper into the conspiracy behind Jun-ik’s assassination. Her bond with the mercenary ally becomes stronger following the shared kiss in episode 5. Tensions will also rise toward war, with nuclear threats looming over the peninsula.
Fans eagerly anticipate how their relationship will develop as the political stakes escalate and more dangers emerge. The kiss in episode 5 clearly marked a turning point that will have lasting consequences for both characters.
Cultural Context: Marriage, Loyalty, and Modern Love
The controversy reflects broader conversations about marriage, fidelity, and women’s autonomy in relationships. Korean audiences, traditionally conservative about such matters, have shown surprising support for Mun-ju’s choice, suggesting evolving attitudes about loyalty when trust has been shattered.
The discussion also highlights how modern viewers analyze character motivations more deeply, considering context and emotional truth rather than simply following traditional moral guidelines.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are fans supporting Jun Ji-hyun’s character kissing someone so soon after her husband’s death?
A: Fans discovered in episode 4 that her husband had been cheating on her for years, maintaining a mistress and a 9-year-old child. Many viewers argue that his betrayal invalidated their marriage, and that Mun-ju deserves genuine love and partnership after years of deception.
Q: Where can I watch Tempest and when do new episodes release?
A: Tempest streams exclusively on Disney+ and Hulu. New episodes are released weekly, with the next episodes scheduled for September 24, 2025. The series has 9 episodes total, running through October 2025.
