The highly anticipated Disney+ drama Tempest, which brought together stars Jun Ji-hyun and Kang Dong-won, concluded quietly on October 1, leaving behind a bittersweet legacy.
Tempest follows Moon-joo (Jun Ji-hyun), a former UN ambassador with international acclaim, as she investigates the assassination of a presidential candidate. She is protected by the mysterious special agent San-ho (Kang Dong-won) as they uncover a colossal threat facing the Korean Peninsula.
In the final episodes, 8 and 9, Moon-joo and San-ho’s feelings for each other became more apparent amid the escalating tension. In a memorable moment, San-ho reassures Moon-joo, saying, “I’ll protect only you, Moon-joo. So don’t stop running; I’ll follow you.” The combination of compelling storytelling, visuals, and music built up to a climactic ending.
Despite the star power and high production values, the drama struggled with ratings. According to Good Data Corporation, North Star ranked fourth in buzz behind Bon Appétit, Queen Mantis, and You and Everything Else right before the final episodes aired.
Even Disney+, which heavily promoted the series as one of the year’s top releases, faced challenges in attracting new subscribers and retaining existing ones. The drama’s production cost reportedly reached 50 billion KRW, but it failed to meet expectations.
Tempest also drew criticism for remarks perceived as belittling China. In the series, Moon-joo comments, “Why does China prefer war? Nuclear weapons could fall near the border,” which sparked backlash from some Chinese netizens claiming the line harmed China’s image. The controversy briefly fueled discussions around the Hallyu ban in China.
Despite the issues, all episodes of Tempest remain available for streaming on Disney+.
Sources: Naver
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