Difference between revisions of "Tempest (Korean Drama)"

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Drama: Tempest (English title) / Polar Star (literal title)
Revised romanization: Bookgeukseong
Hangul: 북극성
Director: Kim Hee-Won, Heo Myung-Haeng
Writer: Jung Seo-Kyoung
Network: Disney+
Episodes: 9
Release Date: September 10 - October 1, 2025
Runtime:
Language: Korean
Country: South Korea

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff ©

Seo Mun-Ju (Gianna Jun) is a diplomat and a former ambassador to the United States. She has built great trust in the international community through her insightful judgment and actions. She learns that there were political maneuvering behind an assassination case involving South and North Korea. Meanwhile, Paik San-Ho (Gang Dong-Won) is an elite mercenary. He is a mysterious figure whose nationality and past are both shrouded in secrecy. Seo Mun-Ju and Paik San-Ho together pursue the truth behind the major incident.

Notes

Gang Dong-Won makes his first appearance in a drama series since 2004 SBS drama series "Magic." Gang Dong-Won also works as a producer in drama series "Tempest."

Cast



Gianna Jun	Gang Dong-Won	John Cho	Lee Mi-Sook	Park Hae-Joon
Seo Mun-Ju	Paik San-Ho	Anderson	Lim Ok-Seon	Jang Jun-Ik



Kim Hae-Sook	Yoo Jae-Myung	Oh Jung-Se	Lee Sang-Hee	Jung Young-Sook
Chae Kyung-Sin	Yu Woon-Hak	Jang Jun-Sang	Yeo Mi-Ji	Lim Ok-Seon's mother



Park In-Hwan	Lee Seung-Hee
Father Yang	Sergeant Kim Yong-Jun

Additional Cast Members:

Joo Jong-Hyuk - Park Chang-Hee
Um Tae-Goo - Kim Han-Sang
Won Ji-An - Kang Han-Na
Park Kyung-Geun - Choi Jung-Gyu (ep.1)
Kwak Jin - Chinese broker (ep.2)

Trailers

Comments

Cha Seo Bo Feb 02 2026 4:33 pm Ready for the haters to comment negatively on my opinion, but too much religion for those of us who may not be so inclined so I can't enjoy this drama. So stopped watching but to all those who enjoy please do so!

Angel Jan 14 2026 3:26 am I hope GDW does more kdrama series! He is such ch a diverse well talented actor!

Dammyican Dec 14 2025 7:51 pm This drama suppose have season 2. Best I have watched so far this year

Nancy Dec 11 2025 10:46 am Finally I have my best K-drama of 2025 Such a masterpiece!!

Aami Nov 25 2025 3:53 pm I wish there was a season 2, I wish the main character was still alive.

Shairli Nov 08 2025 7:01 am What a comeback GDW! Excited that he was paired wth another fav ie the versatile Gianna Jun. Good chemistry & acting, subtle yet emotions delivered. Best choice by the writer/director. Other line-ups were also brilliant. Binge-watched & wishing for more episodes, just not enough. Though the ending was sad but as expected & as it should have. Hope to see more project ms from GDW & GJ but I know they are very selective. Good work crew & casts!

Russell Nov 04 2025 12:47 am No 13 year old could come up with a script as brilliant as this one.

Russell Oct 21 2025 1:38 am One of the most exciting and sexy dramas of the year 2025. Great production values: superb acting, writing, direction, intense OST. If political dramas are not your cup of tea then stay away, but others who like to watch something more realistic and intense check it out for sure.

Lily Oct 20 2025 11:47 am I had high expectations for this drama since I love Jun's work. But it was just an ok for me. Of course her acting skills are still A+++! This drama is watchable but won't watch it again. The scripts was a meh for me.

The ML was so cringe omg. Like those unnecessary hugs and touch (a bit over the top). I don't think I watch him before since I mostly watched drama and he's more into movies. So overall it was just a 5/10 for me.

Cheryl Oct 17 2025 6:19 pm This is a very good drama. It has a lot of plot twists and turns and the storyline is intriguing. I liked the chemistry between Gianna Jun and Gang Dong-Won and the cast is filled with talented actors. The only thing I would say was a negative for me was all the gun fighting. I've watched over 100 K dramas and many of them thrillers and I have appreciated the lack of gun violence is K dramas, it is one of the reasons that I watch them. That aside, it is a great watch that will keep surprising you until the end.

Mel65076 Oct 17 2025 6:17 am For me... Its tooo much skinship for a bodyguard..

Sarah Oct 15 2025 1:55 pm Their chemistry was insane. I loved this series so much. I Highly Recommend It.

Jillibean Oct 08 2025 7:01 am Best kiss scene in the history of Korean dramas.

Jillibean Oct 05 2025 9:10 am else fe: watch him in the film Golden Slumber. Phenomenal performance.

elsa fe Oct 05 2025 7:04 am I decided to watch this drama because of gianna jun, but i ended up falling with gang dong-won. i will be looking forward for another drama. he so damn sexy..

Jillibean Oct 05 2025 4:36 am The cast was excellent, though the story was a little confusing at times regarding everyone's real motivations to be in politics when it's not exactly a peaceful life option. I get that she wanted to find out who ordered her husband to be killed but she suddenly had tons of money after his death and could have hired her own team to get answers for her, without running for the Presidency.

Sky Oct 05 2025 2:06 am Loved it! Twist after twist! Action, romance, politics, all blend greatly in this series. I need more of this kind of beautifully executed and produced series! Congrats!

P/S: The actors/actress speak English well, which is a very good improvement in Korean drama. Love it! Kudos!

Rinna Oct 04 2025 8:09 pm I’ve been a big fan of Gianna Jun since My Love from the Star, her performance never disappoint! I’m not a big fan of politic drama but I watch this one of Gianna and ended up falling in love with Kang Dong Won, too also the story is easier to understand as someone who has a little knowledge of politic. They also have the best chemistry on screen, my only complaint is it’s too short, we need more episode T_T

Ghinie Oct 02 2025 11:41 pm Kudos to all Tempest cast and staff. A million thumbs up for me. The chemistry on both the ML and FL was superb. I can't stop swooning over Gang Dong-Won hahaha! The story os one of the best and I know the ending is a lil bit hearbreaking but if you really think about every scenes, you will know what really happened. But then I'm still hoping for S2.

Kim Oct 02 2025 10:21 pm Watchable, the Korean actors are trying so hard with their English which I couldn’t understand though

Sushi87 Oct 02 2025 4:16 pm Well done overall. Didn't expect the intense love story but it was done well.

Finally real Hollywood actors!

Lovergirl Oct 02 2025 1:55 pm One of the greatest shows I've had the privilege of watching.

@ Clo Ant it seems this series is too advanced for you, the English was translated and spoken well, they had professionally trained American actors and the cast worked with SAG-AFTRA to be a signatory project. This is Legit, no other Korean show has had this before. Some notable American actors include John Cho, Christopher Gorham, Michael Gaston, Sebastian Roche, and Jennifer Beals.

Chey Oct 02 2025 3:25 am Loved, loved , and loved this to bits! This and Motel California are my Top 2 Best Dramas of 2025. Jun Ji Hyu and the rest of the cast didn't disappoint especially Lee Mi Suk! I've first watched the latter in Money Flower with Jang Hyuk. I love watching her on my screen. And here in Tempest, she nailed her character with those deadpan expressions. I loooved it! Lastly, her Stylist has had her on point! I'm drawn to the straight hair of late and all her clothes are simply a feast to my fashionista eyes. I wish I'll grow old as gracefully as Lee Mi Suk, who's BTW married to a plastic surgeon.

What an excellent serie!

The_bestdrama Oct 01 2025 8:00 pm The best drama this year, awesome, incredible, so intense. Great acting from both lead. Masterpiece !!!

Rosagwapa Oct 01 2025 4:17 pm You better produce season 2 for Tempest

Radhika Udagedara Oct 01 2025 3:03 pm I really love it . Worth watching. Just a little bit not happy about the ending. Still the main characters are awesome

Shaoly Oct 01 2025 8:50 am Just finished this drama. Not so appealing but it was worth of watch. Unlike many dramas it has a decent ending at least.

Ishola damilola idris Oct 01 2025 8:31 am This drama is so fantastic

unikmie Sep 30 2025 8:47 am i am KDW big fan. I like almost all his movies and dramas.can't wait for the final

Mariana Sep 26 2025 7:29 am @Josepn theVagabond- Absolutely the same thought. When I saw the action exactly the assassination of Charlie Kirk, I had in mind. Otherwise, this drama keeps you hooked.

Joseph theVagabond Sep 25 2025 4:57 pm Shocking!

How on earth is this movie so eeriely Similar to the events that transpired in the US on Sept 10, 2025!? This could herald Tempest as an enigma of a drama series, though it was filmed several months before the murder of Charlie Kirk...

I hope to get to finish this... I'm still in the first two episodes... but I must say it has the marking of being a masterpiece, and a great mirror to world events today...

The Cast, specially Gianna, is truly superb... Hope the crescendo will keep me glued to the screen until the end of the series! (Oh, communist China shouldn't take this drama too seriously! Why would the pinks off it as anti-China, anyway? Fiction is fiction though it resembles true-to-life events and personalities. Ok, China?..)

Pancakes Sep 25 2025 11:44 am A masterpiece, from the acting, casting, script and directing. The chemistry is burning, I’m obsessed with the leads, one of the greatest and hottest kiss scene I’ve ever watched. The plot twist after plot twist will keep you on your toes all while making sense. It moves fast but flows seamlessly. Gianna Jun does it again, and KDW’s comeback is one of the strongest. 100/10 can’t wait for the finale.

thrillme Sep 25 2025 11:17 am How is the 1st ep matching what happed in America 9/10? the character type and context isn't the same thing but still.

Gregory Chew Sep 25 2025 9:17 am This is good drama although the English is direct translated however we need to understand the importance of the drama and script writer who have create intense drama. This is really great as feel like the humanity still exist as due the civil wars divided the North and South. Nicely done and just finish episode 2 which builds up momentum is so great

Clo Ant Sep 24 2025 6:49 pm I hate to say it, but this was so poorly executed. The script is nonsensical and the conversations feel so forced. I've noticed before in kdramas with English script, it feels like the English dialogue is written in Korean first by the scriptwriter and then translated, and you can tell. The idiosyncrasies of Korean and English are unique to either language, and when you translate word for word or translate poorly, it's noticeably strange even when spoken fluently.

For example, Korean I find they use metaphor a lot more, and there's a specific scene in episode 5 where they're speaking in English and talking about a yellow river. This doesn't feel out of place in a Korean conversation, but as the convo is happening in English, it does feel jarring because English speakers don't commonly communicate metaphor through scenes tied to nature.

I came to the show after seeing an insta video of the scene on the train, and the melodrama and chemistry seemed soooo compelling in that isolated clip! But...it doesn't actually watch like that. I know the actors are great, but because the script and production aren't up to par, they're working with what they've got and it affects their performances and the on-screen chemistry. I thought this was going to be 2025's version of K-2. That drama was a masterpiece...Tempest is not that.

Crissy Sep 24 2025 3:49 pm Haven't watched a drama this calibre! Love both the ML and the FL. Great chemistry. Can't wait for the last 2 episodes. Hoping for a Season 2; otherwise, hope they'll wrap it up without loose ends

Skyisforever Sep 24 2025 3:40 pm I can’t sleep because I’m so addicted to this drama The chemical of FL and ML leads is really out of this world Love them together the best! The plot give me exciting in every scene This drama is so charming itself I need 16 episodes Never enjoyed this much since Vagabond

Maria Errica Lim Sep 24 2025 3:18 pm Stayed up until dawn to wrap up the two episodes. Finally found out the mind-boggling questions, and all of the theory that where whipped up on my mind lead to a point that's been twisted from the very start. With those thrillingly intriguing plots, the undeniable chemistry between the two leads fueled up the overall masterpiece. The highest-paid Korean actress once again proved why she's the reigning queen. Seems like a very long wait for episodes 8 and 9.

DineBell Sep 24 2025 12:56 pm What an unexpected twist! With only two episodes left, it's sad. I really hope they have a happy ending. Please!

Vanessa Sep 24 2025 11:26 am I really love this drama like wahhh their chemistry!!! And I knew it from the very beginning, there's a lot of plot twist I swear!!! omg I hope they will have another drama together again soon! Love You My Love Paik San-Ho!!!!!

Queen Bee Sep 24 2025 9:19 am I’m falling in love with gang Dong-won! So glad to know he’s one of the producers of such amazing dramas ?

Brenda Sep 23 2025 10:06 am I am not a fan of political dramas but this is actually my other favorite drama after Bon Appetit Your Majesty with all the dramas airing right now.I wish it was more than 9 eps

Jane Sep 22 2025 9:38 pm Really a nice and thrill Drama. Only 5 episodes?

Joshua King onyema Sep 22 2025 11:19 am I love this movie. Every bit of it. Paik is my hero I love the way the writer put them together in romance, he protects her with àll his heart body ànd spirit. I hope it won't take long time to release more episodes and seasons

Tai Sep 21 2025 6:00 am It's only 5 episodes released but I've already re-watched it 3 times, the drama is just so good, the chemistry right from episode 1, is so beautiful and well executed.

As someone who has been watching kdrama for more than 13years, it's been a long time I actually care so much about a drama, and it's the very first time I'm rewatching a drama before it's completion.

-- Sep 20 2025 3:03 am This drama gives me chills.

FromU Sep 19 2025 3:31 am The latest episode is still at Ep 5 but it has already been good. I hope this won't be insensitive but the plot is good for me. Blame the writers for the choice of sensitive topics but those things aside, the drama is extra good. The actors did great and it's the first time I actually saw how good (great) Jun Ji Hyun's acting is. The last time I was extremely impatient for the next episode is while watching My Love From The Star, but it was almost 10 years ago. No matter how good Kdramas are these days, I usually can wait for the next week. But this thing is so exciting. The comments below doesn't really reflect the actual greatness of the drama, in fact, they are misleading. Their feelings are completely valid but if you're the type of person who's able to watch dramas mentioning your country in ways you would not like, you would enjoy watching this.

Mi mi mi Sep 18 2025 9:39 am Nothing short of appreciating a good kdrama

Wonderwhy Sep 17 2025 11:16 pm Everytime the story pan to US storyline... it become lame and all the worst things come from those storyline... the dialouge, english speaking.... very bad! its like a storyteller

Lio Sep 17 2025 3:41 pm Watch it!! The chemistry is insane ! i love gang dong won and her leading lady they both act really good and natural. Hoping for more project together. I hope romance movie or series next time

Xoxo Sep 17 2025 10:41 am have to say, it's very well done. One of the best this year. The leads have a great chemistry, subtle but intense. It's the eyes that speaks volumes and that scene where they swapped seats was just electrifying.

Sarah Lee Sep 14 2025 10:48 am The Plot is relevant to Today's context of Spies, Political assassination, Feminism, Diversity... what's More than a Political film is the Chemistry between Giana Jun & Gang Dong-won is off the chart. Normally I don't expect anything for drama that cater to be distributed to the West. But I think this one rose up to be of a league of its own. Finally Giana landed on a Role that bring out the best from us & made us female fans cheering for her. Please please, dont sacrifice Love for career. I pray for happy ending for Mun Ju. Strong woman don't need to be alone all the Time, she deserves true Love, while becoming what she was meant to be. What shall I call this Ship? Mun-ho ship? San-Ju? MunSan? JuHo?

Janette Sep 14 2025 8:32 am I just watched the first three episodes. I have to say, it's very well done. One of the best this year. The leads have a great chemistry, subtle but intense. It's the eyes that speaks volumes and that scene where they swapped seats was just electrifying. He moved her legs over to his so that he can lift her over to the other seat, but this action managed to look so sexy. JJH looks as beautiful as when she was in My Love. Sometimes she looks mature but when she smiles, she still looks like the young actress in My Love. Really enjoying this drama.

RC Sep 14 2025 4:37 am Great to see Gang dong won appear in kdrama tv show it's been years he has done a tv drama. I love his movies and a long time fan of both him and jun ji hyun. It's only been 3 episodes and I'm already loving the drama, all the cast are doing an amazing job.

Great pairing of Gang dong won and jun ji hyun. ❤️

sj Sep 13 2025 10:05 am finally kang dongwon make appearance in drama again!! with jun jihyun too... this is so epic, can't wait for eps 4... Great Jobbb~~

Sania Sep 12 2025 11:19 am My favorite Director, Writer, Actoress. Here I come

peppipo Sep 12 2025 6:32 am This drama really kicks off with a promising start, plot is honestly still a bit confusing, with conspiracies stacked on top of conspiracies, but somehow the political angle doesn’t feel boring at all, If anything...it just keeps pulling me deeper into the mess.

My gut says this drama isn’t gonna give us the kind of happy ending we’re hoping for with the two leads. Maybe they’ll each find their own version of peace, but together? Nah, that feels impossible. So yeah, manage your expectations, people this ain’t your typical “happily ever after” ride lol

seokjinie Sep 12 2025 6:08 am Ep3 train scene is insane! The chemistry is off the charts!

habibimbab Sep 12 2025 12:22 am she is a miracle my eyes can see gang do won acting drama again, thrilling her genre, and they are very mysterious along with the roles and plot.

seokjinie Sep 11 2025 6:24 pm Goosebumps!!! Ep 1 is like a premonition of C. Kirk's death?!?! Waht a coincidence!

Anw, the cast is Amazing!!!! Jun Ji Hyun never disappoints !!!

I thought I would never recover from the fail of Twelve !

Disney+ still has it for K-series

IMO78 Sep 11 2025 11:33 am Love it! Best of 2025 so far. 3 eps in but OMG, Gianna-Jun and Gang Dong-Won, two of the best Korea actress and actor in one drama, plus all the top notch h actors as well, with this storyline I love it so much. I’m a big fan of Gang Dong-Won movies, with Gianna added in it’s a plus plus plus. Give it try everyone it’s really good, emotional, you can feel the pain, the greed, of the actors n actress in this drama that’s how great it is.

Cutie Pie Sep 10 2025 5:54 pm Jun ji-hyun and Gan do-won are perfect, what a visually stunning couple. I love the genre of politics, conspiracy with a sprinkle of romance. An intelligent and elegant female lead and a composed and powerful male lead, boss & boyguard. Powerful female characters, a stellar supporting cast with veteran actors paired with a powerful storyline and you have a masterpiece in your hands. 3 episodes are 10/10 already, I’m excited to see what’s to come.

DineBell Sep 10 2025 9:29 am Wow! I was on the edge of my seat while watching the first 3 episodes. Perfect leads & power storyline.

Gin Sep 10 2025 7:44 am I watched the first episode in Disney.. Jun ji hyun and Gan do won is perfect casting. Storyline is Bang and brilliant.

wed Sep 07 2025 7:48 pm This is about to bag awards

nami Sep 02 2025 8:08 pm Kang Dong Won admitted that Jun Ji Hyun is the reason he decided to act in a drama again. Can you believe how many years have passed since his last drama? Such a mysterious ajusshi… I can’t imagine how crazy it would have been if both of them had acted together in the 2000s.

Chamonks Sep 01 2025 11:34 pm I hope this isn't just a drama that gets all the attention but ends terribly. I wish the cast all the best.

Katy Thomas Aug 18 2025 4:46 am Can't wait to see this drama. Great lead couple. And great cast.

Yuri K Aug 10 2025 11:23 am Gang! Dong! Won!!! He's finally on drama series after more than 15 YEARS! damn excited

Lars Jul 20 2025 3:21 am When will Tempest be showing in Europe (Scandinavia)

Sauzey Jun 14 2025 12:13 pm Watching this just for John Cho

Jillibean Mar 20 2025 3:10 pm I've missed Gianna Jun. No one else like her in the business in Korea. Been watching her for over twenty years. Looking forward to this new project. It sounds intriguing.

ur lover Feb 18 2025 4:18 pm omg mommy glad to see you comeback

Nan Feb 17 2025 9:59 pm Writer, directors, actors... Disney+ won't go home without a fight and I'm happily watching it! In a fair world Netflix wouldn't even bother existing.

So Lala Nov 17 2024 12:23 pm Of course they came down the Chungmuro mountain for That director-writer duo. As written!

irish Oct 26 2024 10:02 am I’m so excited for this!! I’m sure jun ji hyun will slay this role and i can’t wait for her tandem with kang dong won!

Kg Sep 22 2024 9:54 am Looking forward to this collaboration! Both actors are legendary! Love every one of their works!

Eka Jul 23 2024 9:36 am Omg omg omg, this is a present, can’t wait, nooooo I can’t wait, I want it now

Jenna Jun 15 2024 4:05 pm OMG!! Glad they're back! 2 of my most fave actors! Was hoping should be air on Netflix though.. but nonetheless will wait for this! Kamsamnida!

Zee Jun 15 2024 1:55 pm I'm so excited!!!! I'm literally screaming. I can't wait for this to come out

BrightL Jun 12 2024 8:43 am What ?? Cant wait... love both fl and ml

Adel May 29 2024 10:16 pm Excuse me ?! The cast ?! Jun ji hyun & Gong dong won ?!!! I Can't Wait ?

Jew May 29 2024 10:05 pm Wow! Gang DW is back to Kdramaland after 20years!

Adore May 29 2024 1:30 pm Finally my baby Jun Ji Hyun is coming back! Thank God ♥️

siyoon May 29 2024 8:40 am 2025???? I'll wait a whole year for this drama...

Gianna fan May 29 2024 12:21 am I’m so excited for this!!! Can’t wait!!!

@@ Line 66: / Line 66: @@
 * [[Um Tae-Goo]] - Kim Han-Sang
 * [[Won Ji-An (1999)|Won Ji-An]] - Kang Han-Na
+* [[Park Kyung-Geun]] - Choi Jung-Gyu (ep.1)
 * [[Kwak Jin (1979)|Kwak Jin]] - Chinese broker (ep.2)

Difference between revisions of "Tempest (Korean Drama)"

Revision as of 18:24, 10 September 2025

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Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff ©

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