pls drama gods let this show be great!
wow i went into this show blind because the writer- director duo gave us little women and i’m now locked in for the rest of the show!!! it’s such a jeffrey archer novel coded political thriller right up my alley!!the first 3 episodes were a great introduction! this show is like if The K2 focused only on the bodyguard part lol.
i love jun ji hyun and this is my first time watching kang dong won onscreen and now i gotta check out some of his films.
i can already see the chemistry and it’s going to be one of those “ it’s always the non romance dramas” kind of connection for me lol.
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Queen is back, RESPECT JUN JI HYUN
Jin Ji Hyun is one of the excellent actresses I have seen in the acting industry, This is a great production and the plot is interesting to watch. Acting is so brilliant, Please stop criticizing the FL for no reason. She’s just an actress. She’s doing her job , she’s just acting her role as what they given to her. Jun ji hyun is not the producer & director of this drama. If you wanna blame, then blame at them, why targeting the FL, she’s just doing her job as an actress, and this is just a drama, it’s fictional as we all know, it’s not the reality, why bothered over a dialogue that’s not even related to the reality, why can’t people understand this is just a fictional drama, it’s for the entertainment & not for arguments over a fictional story. Please respect Jun Ji Hyun . It’s not her fault. She’s just acting according to the given script. Don’t attack innocents for no reason. Respect her 🫡Was this review helpful to you?
Tempest: Trust in Turbulent Times
🔹 Would I rewatch? Yes,✨ If you were caught up in a storm of secrets and loyalties, could you keep hold of what matters most?
📕 Overview 🎬
🔹 Tempest is an espionage thriller centered on Mun Ju, a respected diplomat and former UN ambassador whose life is turned upside down after a shocking assassination with global repercussions.
🔹 As of this review, not all episodes have been released yet.
🔹 Jun Ji-hyun portrays Mun Ju with sharp intelligence and resolve, demonstrating how she navigates pressure and tough choices on both personal and political levels.
🔹 San-ho (Gang Dong-won), a mysterious international operative, becomes her protector as unseen threats close in.
🔹 The drama begins with calm, then quickly pulls Mun Ju into a web of political intrigue, secrets, and real threats to her safety and reputation
🔹 Mun Ju and San-ho's partnership leads them through conspiracies, shifting alliances, and moments that test their judgment and courage.
🔹 Tempest is ideal for anyone looking for suspense, dynamic leads, and a smart, emotional look at trust in dangerous times.
✨ How It Felt Watching 💙
🔹 The opening episodes create a sense of urgency and gradually build tension, setting the stage for characters who always seem just one step away from danger.
🔹 Watching Tempest was both captivating and comforting.
🔹I felt pulled in from the start and enjoyed the balance of suspense and honest emotion in every scene.
🔹 Themes like loyalty, risk, and personal courage were woven into every moment, making even quiet decisions feel meaningful.
🔹 I found myself caring about Mun Ju's choices, as the series got me thinking about trust and how family ties can shape every decision. Her challenges felt real, and I was always wondering what she would do next
✨ Cast & Acting
🔹 Jun Ji-hyun as Mun Ju: She drew me in from her very first scene. I could see her strength and vulnerability, and sometimes she made me hold my breath with just a look.
🔹Her choices felt honest, and I kept rooting for her as she faced every new challenge.
🔹 Gang Dong-won as San-ho caught my attention from the start.
🔹His intense expressions often make you wonder what he's thinking. He shows a genuine protectiveness that feels strong, and I liked seeing how his connection with Mun Ju developed as the episodes went on.
🔹Each scene left me wanting more of his story.
🔹The supporting cast adds a lot of life to the drama. They bring both humor and tension, and their smaller moments often make the world feel real.
🔹While I wished some side plots went deeper, the way the group interacts always made every episode richer and more believable.
🎞️ Production Style
🔹 The settings in Tempest are vivid and immersive, moving from tense official spaces to busy city backdrops.
🔹They really help create a sense of urgency and scale without losing emotional depth.
🔹 The pacing stays mostly steady and lets important moments breathe. 🔹Some episodes slow down to build atmosphere, but overall, the story keeps moving and feels well-crafted.
☕ Tea Notes
🔹 What worked: Jun Ji-hyun and Gang Dong-won have a chemistry that elevates every scene, and the storyline delivers suspense with a realistic, thoughtful touch.
🔹 What didn't: A few supporting roles aren't as fleshed out as I hoped, and some episodes drag a bit compared to the rest.
🔹 Would I rewatch? Yes, for the tension and emotional connections that kept me invested.
☕ SpillTheDramaTea's Rating: 10/10
🌿 Perfect cup, I’d pour it again anytime, always up for a refill
✏️ As SpillTheDramaTea, this show made me think seriously about trust, survival, and those tough decisions when nothing feels certain.
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This review may contain spoilers
Jun Ji-hyun + Kang Dong-won = The Magic of Tempest
Tempest is an ongoing K-drama that blends political intrigue, espionage, and romance into a sleek, high-stakes thriller. The story follows Seo Mun-ju (Jun Ji-hyun), a former diplomat and UN ambassador whose life takes a dramatic turn when her husband—once a presidential candidate—is assassinated. Stepping into his political shoes, she not only pursues justice but also uncovers layers of conspiracy that threaten the nation itself. Along the way, she crosses paths with Baek San-ho (Kang Dong-won), a mysterious agent whose loyalty and intentions keep viewers guessing.What sets Tempest apart is its mix of star power and cinematic quality. Jun Ji-hyun delivers a powerhouse performance, balancing vulnerability and strength, while Kang Dong-won matches her with quiet intensity. Their chemistry is one of the show’s biggest highlights, thus making me their biggest fan both of and on screen.
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This review may contain spoilers
I'm someone who waits for a kdrama to finish before i watch it because i hate suspense.The drama, was it worth the wait?. Yes it was.
Jun ji hyun is whoever she thinks she is.
Everything was necessary to the plot, from the drama, to the chemistry between the two main leads to the twist and suspense.
While about the political controversy, people love to read unnecessary meaning to things. This drama is just a fiction and should be regarded as such.
In as much as the drama was short, all in all its a good one. I laughed, cried, cringed and felt second hand embarrassments but i enjoyed every bit of it.
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Disney + Korea's redemption.... hopefully
"I went into this show solely for the cast, unsure about the political thriller theme, but I'm genuinely surprised and hooked.
It centers on a woman whose presidential candidate husband is assassinated, prompting her to uncover the truth. She crosses paths with a shadowy mercenary who becomes her protector. The show demands your attention; the storytelling is swift yet engaging, perfect for a nine-episode series. The acting is superb, and the themes of politics, suspense, and mystery are masterfully handled. It's rare to see a stellar cast paired with such a high-quality script. Disney+ Korea has finally delivered a winner this year!"
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Good but confusing drama
I loved the two leads ..I felt like they made a convincing couple with great chemistry. The plot though..it was just too convoluted and confusing. This drama reminded me of one of my all time favorites..K2. However the plot was better in K2 but the lead couple in this drama make a better couple. I would have simplified the plot and focused more on the relationship of the lead characters .Tempest could have all the action and suspense but still have been a bit more on the relationship of the leads ..it would have been less confusing and more intriguing that way.
I do recommend watching it but expect a plot that goes awry a bit at the end. Personally I loved the two leads and their romance , they are interesting characters with lots of baggage and the romantic aspects could have been even more interesting with a bit more attention..and the ending ...definitely could have been better. Still I did like the drama and found it very entertaining
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This review may contain spoilers
this is my drama of the year
i am honestly shocked at the average ratings. people seem to hate the attempt at politics but if anything it seemed real to me. US bombing first, researching later, people being barred from places bcs of xenophobia, but i digress.i absolutely loved how the romance was incorporated in the storyline and the absolute feast it was to see jihyun and dongwon as munju and sanho. munju is shown to be such a perfect charecter who has had a fair share of struggles but still doesnt loose the goodness in her. her cheating husband trope confused me bcs i couldnt think of any other reason for him to do so but them loosing their child which anything makes everything sm worse.
sanho is absolutely the best male lead, green forest guy to ever exist. he did everything for munju, like laid down his life for her. i loved how he was always shown to have a thing for her before their romance became the main center piece. even the ending and his decision to stay away from her was so she doesnt loose her dream of being the president to save him and get cursed out by the public.
i liked how each charecter had some thought process put into making them, how there was a reason for why they acted the way they acted. munju's mother in law was an inherently bitter woman who wanted everyone to see how trash americans are and make money on the backs of the people who spread misfortune on the land. she was bitter that her mon left her and munju caught it. she just wanted to ruin everything and see it all dall down infront of her.
the idishia plot was funny but again kinda true. US loves sending their troops in other countries in the name of keeping peace there and small countries sometimes really do feel at their last nerve to have a weapon that keeps them safe. to me the whole plot felt happenable. there are people who benefit from wars and instigate it, regardless of whoever is the collateral damage. sometimes those people are the victims of such cases who cross the line into unsatible revenge making more victims.
if i was to talk about my favourite scenes from the drama i couldnt really choose bcs i LOVED dongwon's and jihyun's performance but the last scene in the ship before it blew up takes the crown. the way sanho easily put munju and her future before his own life and told her to move on with her life and he would always keep a look out for her–meaning that if she ever needs him, he will be there. he choose to stay away from her and not return to korea for her sake.
i also lastly want to touch up on the christmas song that played on the radio and how absolutely hauntingly pretty it was.
this whole drama had me at the edge of my seat week after week and after a run of bad less-than-16-ep-dramas, this one delivered so hard that i didnt feel like something was missing or was filler. thats why i feel like the s2 talks should be stopped. this masterpiece doesnt need another season.
thank you for coming to my ted talk
(it was my first review so i was basically rambling)
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Everything I love in one show
I loved Tempest from the very first second. I was over the moon when it was announced, especially since my absolute favorite actors – Gang Dong-won and Jun Ji-hyun – were in the lead roles. I am particularly thrilled that Gang Dong-won is finally back in a series – seeing him in every scene was an absolute joy. It’s rare that a series combines all of my interests so perfectly: political espionage, corruption, complex power struggles, action-packed sequences reminiscent of Vagabond, a love story that is emotionally gripping and well-executed, and even subtle Catholic symbolism, which I absolutely adore. It almost felt as if the series was made just for me.Gang Dong-won was fantastic – his fight scenes, his presence, the intensity he brings to every scene – simply brilliant. And Jun Ji-hyun – every few years she takes on a role, and it’s always a spectacle; here, she completely blew me away. The chemistry between them is not cheesy but sizzling and believable; there were moments where I literally held my breath, and my heart skipped a beat. At the same time, the love story never overshadows the political plot – it complements it perfectly, humanizing the characters and adding emotional depth.
The political conspiracy, espionage, and corruption within the government were, for me, the real highlights of the series. I was genuinely on the edge of my seat; every intrigue was tense, every move by the characters felt meaningful. I was especially impressed by how the series weaves together personal and political conflicts without ever feeling unrealistic.
The ending fit the series’ tone perfectly. It provides strong empowerment for Jun Ji-hyun’s character and delivers a satisfying political resolution. The romantic storyline leaves little surprise, but this very limitation makes it feel more realistic and emotionally impactful.
A small critique: the premise of a long-term marriage between a progressive Democrat and a Republican presidential candidate felt a bit unrealistic to me. Ideologically, their worlds are so opposed that I can hardly imagine how it would work for over twenty years. Also, I find the title Tempest somewhat generic – for me, Polaris would have been far more fitting, symbolic, and memorable.
Overall, Tempest is a series for fans of political thrillers, espionage dramas, and high-quality action. If you’re expecting a simple romance, this might not be for you. But for anyone who loves complex power plays, emotional depth, subtle symbolism, and gripping action, this series is an absolute highlight. For me, it was a perfect hit – thrilling, emotional, flawlessly cast and directed, and simply a feast for the senses.
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THE DRAMA OF THE YEAR
So sad that the first review you see of this drama is such a negative one that’s also bluntly untrue. Not about that. It’s just not true or the person doesn’t comprehend the show.The only critical thing on Tempest is the 9 episodes. But that’s solely disneys fault!
When a former UN ambassador and a secret-agent mercenary collide in a storm of lies, power and danger … you don’t just watch the control room you feel the explosion. 🔥hehe
Jun Ji-hyun + Gang Dong-won = the pair we needed. Chemistry? Off the charts. Stakes? Through the roof. If you’re looking for one K-drama this year — this is it. #Tempest #KDrama #MustWatch”
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Tempest: A flawless political thriller that shines, yet plays it too safe
Tempest arrives as a political thriller that, from its very first episode, radiates a sense of grandeur. The atmosphere is intriguing, dramatic, and at times contemplative—almost as if we’ve stepped onto a chessboard where every move carries more weight than it seems.The first thing that stands out is the production: impeccable visuals, with settings that feel closer to cinema than television. The investment is evident in every detail, from the cinematography to the special effects. This technical precision is admirable, yet it also leaves the impression that the drama seeks to impress before it dares to move us.
On the acting front, Jun Ji-hyun and Gang Dong-won carry the story with the strength one would expect. Their performances inject intensity into key moments, and the supporting cast responds with confidence. Still, there are passages where emotions feel carefully restrained, as if calibrated not to spill over. Depending on the viewer’s mood, that choice can be read as elegance—or as hesitation.
From a political perspective, the series dares to raise uncomfortable questions about power, ambition, and the cost of upholding ideals in the midst of an uncompromising international game. It resonates because it doesn’t stop at portraying conspiracies; it reflects ethical dilemmas that echo strongly in our own reality.
On a social level, it’s refreshing to see such a strong female lead within a genre that often leans heavily on male figures. That presence adds a fresh dimension, though it remains to be seen whether the narrative will dig deeper into the human side of leadership.
And the disappointment? Perhaps that, despite its ambition, the script sometimes plays too safe. There’s a lack of daring, of controversy, of those twists that leave a lasting mark. It’s a satisfying experience, yes, but it can also feel like a work to enjoy in the moment and then shelve without much nostalgia.
Even so, Tempest is a reminder that audiovisual art is not measured only in numbers or awards, but also in the conversations it sparks. As a viewer, I can only appreciate the immense effort behind such a production and wish that everyone involved finds pride and well-being in what they achieved. Because, in the end, a series is not just what we see on screen—it is the sum of passions, sacrifices, and dreams of those who made it possible.
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Do not destroy the concept of Kdramas!
I’ve always loved kdramas and felt like they were my comfort zone but this one is so disappointing and humiliating for Iraqis and I’m gonna defend them as an Arab.You gotta keep in your mind that a huge part of you audience is Arabs including Iraqis and you’re losing them day by day because of your irresponsible behaviour.This kdrama shouldn’t be aired and watched because it doesn’t deserve to.moreover it can’t be a face for south korea nor it’s dramas.I can’t even imagine that this kdrama could be the first kdrama that someone would watch! Be responsible and think carefully before you write a scenario again.I hope you take appropriate action.Was this review helpful to you?
