Jun Ji-hyun has been commended for her dignified response to the so-called “anti-China” controversy surrounding Tempest.
During the wrap-up interviews held on October 2 in Seoul, writer Jung Seo-kyung and director Kim Hee-won addressed the issue that arose from Jun Ji-hyun’s character’s dialogue, which Chinese netizens criticized as portraying their country negatively.
Jung Seo-kyung explained: “From the start, our intent was to portray Korea within a fictionalized world. The nations in the drama share names with real countries, but they are not depictions of actual states. We could have renamed them all, but that risked breaking immersion. China in the script is also just a fictional entity with the same name.”
Director Kim Hee-won added: “Jun Ji-hyun is very attentive to global viewers. The cast performed sincerely without political intent, focusing solely on delivering their roles.”
Both creators expressed deep appreciation for Jun Ji-hyun’s response during the controversy. Jung Seo-kyung remarked: “Jun Ji-hyun showed remarkable composure. Even while knowing fans could have been disappointed, she comforted us, apologized on behalf of the team, and gave us strength. She is much like her character, Seo Moon-joo, who pushes forward without wavering.”
Kim Hee-won recalled her presence on set: “She is a truly global star with no political agenda, only the will to satisfy viewers. When we felt isolated during filming, she would always encourage us by saying, ‘Do your best.’ She was someone we could lean on.”
The controversy stemmed from a scene where Jun Ji-hyun’s character, UN ambassador-turned-presidential candidate Seo Moon-joo, asks: “Why does China prefer war? A nuclear bomb could fall on the border.” The line quickly spread on Chinese social media, with some accusing the drama of distorting China’s image.
Despite Disney+ not being officially available in China, Chinese viewers reportedly tried to watch the series through unofficial channels, leading to harsh criticism of Jun Ji-hyun and even affecting her advertising deals.
Tempest closed successfully on October 1, telling the story of Seo Moon-joo as she investigates an assassination attempt while uncovering a vast conspiracy threatening the Korean Peninsula, alongside elite agent Baek San-ho (Kang Dong-won).
Jun Ji-hyun’s steady attitude throughout the controversy has reinforced her image as a top star who balances professionalism with empathy.
Sources: Netizenbuzz
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