Jun Ji Hyun and Kang Dong Won, alongside the large star-studded cast, made plenty of buzz for the highly anticipated drama Tempest. Fortunately, the show has lived up to its expectations and can be easily deemed a must-see performance.
The political piece is thought-provoking and attention-grabbing right out the gate. The nine-part Disney+ thriller involves Moon Ju (Jun Ji Hyun), a UN ambassador with global stature who begins investigating the conspiracy behind an assassination attempt on a presidential candidate. After life-changing incidents, Moon Ju feels the responsibility to declare her presidential candidacy to uncover the truth.
Jun Ji Hyun’s character is probably her most mature and sophisticated role yet. Moon Ju has a demure air surrounding her. Her strong sense of justice makes her feel sharp and capable of leading a country. Albeit Jun Ji Hyun does a lot of acting with her eyes, often staring off with a jarring silent expression during emotional dialogue exchanges, she’s still satisfying to watch. Moon Ju’s empowered but narrow-focused mind can lead to her demise, however, as she inches closer towards the truth of a looming international threat to the Korean Peninsula. She is entangled in perilous incidents that put her life on the line until someone steps in to be her shield, if not her hero.
At her side is San Ho (Kang Dong Won), a mysterious special agent of unknown origins and nationality. Tasked with protecting Moon Ju, San Ho is a mere mercenary with no real emotional connection to the situation. Obligation evolves into personal interest, and San Ho feels responsibility towards safeguarding Moon Ju. Mainly stoic, the slow peeks into San Ho’s reserved but true mind are a treat that keeps fans rooting for his romantic development. The romance becomes evident as San Ho proves he is trustworthy despite Moon Ju’s suspicions after all the warnings she receives.
Viewers could expect the drama to be awfully dialogue-heavy due to the aged lineup. Yet, each character feels tactfully introduced, and each episode offers edge-of-your-seat thrills, keeping viewers engaged as it paces through Moon Ju’s tribulations as a diplomat and San Ho’s inner thoughts of being more than just a bodyguard. The drama doesn’t feel trapped in Korea due to its global plot and various actors. Moon Ju’s international influence feels believable, and John Cho, of course, adds to the element with his English. Kang Dang Won’s attempts are not that messy, but not so polished either. Collectively, Kang Dang Won’s character feels the most attractive as his past adds a third dimension to the plot and acts as a significant point in furthering the story, more so than being a mere plot device.
Despite the issues regarding the credit placement for the series, Kang Dang Won is absolutely more than a supporting role; his character holds value and steers the plot through his various life-threatening scenarios (car chases, detonating bombs, dodging bullets, you name it). Jun Ji Hyun is involved in the action but Kang Dang Won is engaged in the thick of it. A Mario saving Princess Peach sort of set up, not to say that Jun Ji Hyun’s character is completely helpless.
Scoring, cinematography and sets are well done. The music has a serious tone but maintains momentum to get our hearts pumping during fight scenes, creating a feeling of urgency. The scene where Jang Junik (Park Hae Joon) is shot in the cathedral will make anyone clutch their pearls in terror. The cathedral is a marvel to look at first, but there is an obviously eerie, unsettling vibe about the place the moment Moon Ju sets foot into it. This scene was a perfect example of Disney+ flexing its budget and showcasing its ability to create top-notch dramas just like Netflix.
>> Tension Reported Between Jun Ji Hyun and Kang Dong Won Over Screen Time and Credits for ‘Tempest’
Overall, Tempest may be another rogue agent thriller, but the high-budget visuals combined with a political romance make it far more compelling as this series marries both genres hand-in-hand. If a high-tension show with a handsome mercenary who can do it all has been on your list, this drama checks off all the boxes. The story is entertaining without being too heavy-handed regarding politics, making it an easy watch. Seeing Jun Ji Hyun’s growth is another notable aspect. (8.5/10)
