As anticipation builds for the September 10 premiere of Tempest on Disney+ Hotstar, the creative team behind the series gathered in Seoul to share their vision and artistry.
The event, “Creators Conversation,” revealed how this ambitious spy romance is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated Korean dramas of 2025.
With an international storyline, a star-studded cast, and direction from Kim Heewon (Queen of Tears), Tempest promises to redefine the genre by blending espionage, romance, and action into a seamless, emotionally powerful narrative.
A Powerful Story Anchored by Gianna Jun
Tempest marks the Disney+ Hotstar debut of Gianna Jun, one of Korea’s most beloved stars, in a gripping role as Seo Munju, a former diplomat drawn into a deadly conspiracy.
When a presidential candidate’s life comes under threat, Munju embarks on a perilous mission for the truth.
Her unlikely protector is Paik Sanho (played by Gang Dongwon), a mercenary with a hidden agenda and shadowy backers. Their intertwined fates unfold against the backdrop of a sprawling international conspiracy, reaching all the way to Washington, D.C.
For writer Chung Seokyung, the story began with the idea of a romance led by a powerful woman:
“I wanted to tell a story universal enough for as many people to feel it could be their own. From that seed, the narrative gradually took shape,” she explained.
Chung hopes that Tempest resonates both as a distinctly Korean story and as a universal tale of power, ambition, truth, and trust.
A Vision of Realism and Emotional Depth
Director Kim Heewon emphasized the team’s commitment to authenticity and emotional weight:
“We wanted viewers to feel this was a story that could plausibly unfold in real life. The drama’s structure ensures that action continuously drives new developments, keeping the narrative grounded yet thrilling.”
Director Heo Myeonghaeng, who oversaw the action choreography, explained the goal was to balance spectacle with credibility:
“Sanho’s action scenes are rooted in his survival skills from countless missions. Every movement reflects the discipline of someone who has mastered it all.”
This attention to realism is designed to heighten not just the tension but also the romance between Munju and Sanho, which evolves through moments of longing, tension, and rediscovery.
Production on an Unprecedented Scale
One of the most ambitious aspects of Tempest lies in its production design. Kim Byunghan, whose credits include Narco-Saints and Ashfall, spoke about the magnitude of the project:
“With approximately 200 distinct locations across 13 countries, this is the most ambitious design project of my career. Our goal was to create visuals that are both cinematic and authentic.”
The vast scope is matched by cutting-edge visual effects. VFX supervisor Hong Jungho (Parasite, Along with the Gods) described his approach:
“We worked to ground the effects in realism, establishing tone, mood, and atmosphere as the foundation. Our aim was to enhance the story without overshadowing its emotional resonance.”
With such a scale, Tempest is poised to rival the look and feel of Hollywood thrillers while retaining the emotional intimacy that defines great Korean dramas.
A Global Story with Local Heart
Disney+ Hotstar is positioning Tempest as a flagship title for its growing slate of Korean originals. Carol Choi, Executive Vice President of Original Content Strategy at The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific, expressed high expectations:
“It is a cross-genre series blending espionage, romance, and action. Like many of our global hits, it touches on universal themes but stays rooted in a distinctly Korean perspective.”
This approach reflects Disney+ Hotstar’s recent success in Asia with hits such as Nine Puzzles and A Shop for Killers. Tempest is expected to expand that momentum, drawing audiences from Korea to the wider Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
Why Tempest Is the Series to Watch in 2025
- Star Power: Gianna Jun headlines in her first Disney+ Hotstar role, alongside Gang Dongwon.
- Top-Tier Creators: Written by Chung Seokyung and directed by Kim Heewon (Queen of Tears).
- Epic Scope: Filmed across 13 countries, with over 200 unique locations.
- Genre Fusion: A spy thriller infused with romance and action.
- High Production Value: From visual effects to design, every detail is crafted for global impact.
Tempest premieres on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar. The series will debut with three episodes, followed by two episodes weekly, culminating in a two-part finale on October 1.
For fans of gripping storytelling, Tempest is set to be the next unmissable K-drama phenomenon—one that combines international intrigue with a deeply human romance at its core.
So mark your calendars and prepare to be swept away by the storm.
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