This review may contain spoilers
Hate open ending
The storyline was pretty great overall. It hooked us from the very beginning with its intense setup and suspense, but unfortunately, it started to lose its way as the series went on. A lot of questions were left unanswered, which was frustrating.For example, who was the person in the video pretending to be Jang Junik? How did Munju lose her child? I really would’ve liked a deeper dive into the characters’ pasts—there was so much emotional depth that just got brushed over. I’m also not sure if I missed something, but who exactly hired Valkyrie to protect Munju?
Another big question for me: if Junik’s mother was exiled from Korea due to political issues in the U.S., how did they manage to return and build such a prominent business in Korea? That part didn’t quite add up.
And finally, I hated the ending. Open endings just aren’t for me—I prefer closure, especially after investing so much time into a show.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Power corrupts : an illustration. If there was any doubt, the very ending confirms it.A masterfully crafted political and spy thriller. And above all, a work of great literary quality : the author, Chung Seo-kyung, has written the screenplays for five films by Park Chan-wook. All the elements come together beautifully, keeping us hooked from start to finish. And we navigate grey areas, the ideal decision for these themes. Several times, our protagonists are faced with choices where only the lesser evil seems to be the solution, and all the suspense lies in how they find another way.
The two main characters already have a whole life behind them and strong personalities. It's nice to see people who are solid and know how to set their boundaries. Whether you agree with their decisions or not, you want to see what happens next, to see how they evolve. Some reversals border on grandiloquence, but we accept that. There's constant talk of reunification, given the number of spies in your country, it looks like it's already happened, guys.
"Do you like Proust, madam ?" The most beautiful question in the world. "Ah yes, the madeleine." The worst answer in the world.
Damn the chaebols.
Ps : Episode 3 shows an attack in Paris in 2008, which is pure fiction. Two attacks took place that year, but not here. (the work of pathetic fascists, by the way)
Ps2 : For those with a phobia of telephones, this series is a nightmare, as the phones never stop ringing and vibrating. It stressed me out.
Ps3 : In the last episode, at 41 minutes 29 seconds, the music is a quote from ‘Camille’, Georges Delerue's score for Godard's Contempt. My question is : why ?
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
How can a drama start so strong finish so weak?
After the first few episodes of watching Tempest, I had so much confidence by at the end of this drama I would be giving this a 10 out of 10. After the final few episodes, I actually think my 6.5 out of 10 rating is actually somewhat slightly generous. This started out brilliant, so what went wrong?First of all, I personally found all of the romance totally unnecessary and forced. This story didn't need romance and it kind of undermined the main story point. Secondly, everything felt rushed and because of this, the main story alongside the relationships that connected this main story became confusing to understand. Thirdly (although if I had all the time in the world I could definitely provide more reasons) would have to be, and I don't use this word lightly, the absurd amount of unoriginal cliches.
Positives of this drama however include the characters. The characters all felt very different from one another, the 'good' feel good and you want to root for them, the 'bad'... well, hating them is easy, and of course that's what you want to happen! Acting was also really good. Even if the story became bad/boring in the later stages, the story at the beginning and middle were superb/excellent.
Actually, I have no idea whether to recommend this or not. My head says yes, because the first few episodes were so good that I want everyone to watch it. However, the final ones were so weak that I couldn't recommend it. No matter what though, I definitely would say, it was 'interesting'!
Was this review helpful to you?
Action, politics, great acting, mature cast and themes.
Don't be distracted by the score, it's just butthutt people from China, Iraq, the US and all the countries this show managed to piss off because it's the truth, all political states are trash and self-serving. Just try watching it. Can't get better than this. Jun Ji Hyun's perfect comeback. One of the best korean dramas ever.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
9 eps aren't enough
Political Thrillers are very complex that requires a really good writer to create an epic story. #TEMPEST proves with its finale that its one of the best of the genre ever made.9 eps are just too short for this top tier pairing but im really glad that they didnt waste dongwon and jihyun’s insane chemistry like they gave us real love real yearning real angst. This kdrama also have so many super strong and powerful women. It's great to see this in a drama full of action, suspense, and investigation. The entire cast of the drama was very well cast!
Was this review helpful to you?
Iraq will not be disrespected ??
This show insults Iraq by reducing it to nothing but war and danger. Iraq is not just a name you can casually throw into a script for cheap action scenes, it is the cradle of civilisation long before you knew what the word means, a land whose people fought for its existence and whose history stretches far deeper than Korea’s. To erase our achievements and reduce us to a war zone, while exploiting our suffering for your entertainment is ignorant, insulting, and utterly disgusting. Iraq and its people deserve truth, dignity, and respect and we will no longer accept anything less. instead of spreading ignorance, get educated.And to those criticising us for defending our country being mentioned negatively, no nation with pride would stay silent if its name, history, and martyrs were reduced to cheap stereotypes. Defending Iraq is not an overreaction it is our right and our duty. And in fact it’s nothing to do with you! It’s simple don't mention us.
Was this review helpful to you?
pls drama gods let this show be great!
wow i went into this show blind because the writer- director duo gave us little women and i’m now locked in for the rest of the show!!! it’s such a jeffrey archer novel coded political thriller right up my alley!!the first 3 episodes were a great introduction! this show is like if The K2 focused only on the bodyguard part lol.
i love jun ji hyun and this is my first time watching kang dong won onscreen and now i gotta check out some of his films.
i can already see the chemistry and it’s going to be one of those “ it’s always the non romance dramas” kind of connection for me lol.
Was this review helpful to you?
Queen is back, RESPECT JUN JI HYUN
Jin Ji Hyun is one of the excellent actresses I have seen in the acting industry, This is a great production and the plot is interesting to watch. Acting is so brilliant, Please stop criticizing the FL for no reason. She’s just an actress. She’s doing her job , she’s just acting her role as what they given to her. Jun ji hyun is not the producer & director of this drama. If you wanna blame, then blame at them, why targeting the FL, she’s just doing her job as an actress, and this is just a drama, it’s fictional as we all know, it’s not the reality, why bothered over a dialogue that’s not even related to the reality, why can’t people understand this is just a fictional drama, it’s for the entertainment & not for arguments over a fictional story. Please respect Jun Ji Hyun . It’s not her fault. She’s just acting according to the given script. Don’t attack innocents for no reason. Respect her 🫡Was this review helpful to you?
Tempest: Trust in Turbulent Times
🔹 Would I rewatch? Yes,✨ If you were caught up in a storm of secrets and loyalties, could you keep hold of what matters most?
📕 Overview 🎬
🔹 Tempest is an espionage thriller centered on Mun Ju, a respected diplomat and former UN ambassador whose life is turned upside down after a shocking assassination with global repercussions.
🔹 As of this review, not all episodes have been released yet.
🔹 Jun Ji-hyun portrays Mun Ju with sharp intelligence and resolve, demonstrating how she navigates pressure and tough choices on both personal and political levels.
🔹 San-ho (Gang Dong-won), a mysterious international operative, becomes her protector as unseen threats close in.
🔹 The drama begins with calm, then quickly pulls Mun Ju into a web of political intrigue, secrets, and real threats to her safety and reputation
🔹 Mun Ju and San-ho's partnership leads them through conspiracies, shifting alliances, and moments that test their judgment and courage.
🔹 Tempest is ideal for anyone looking for suspense, dynamic leads, and a smart, emotional look at trust in dangerous times.
✨ How It Felt Watching 💙
🔹 The opening episodes create a sense of urgency and gradually build tension, setting the stage for characters who always seem just one step away from danger.
🔹 Watching Tempest was both captivating and comforting.
🔹I felt pulled in from the start and enjoyed the balance of suspense and honest emotion in every scene.
🔹 Themes like loyalty, risk, and personal courage were woven into every moment, making even quiet decisions feel meaningful.
🔹 I found myself caring about Mun Ju's choices, as the series got me thinking about trust and how family ties can shape every decision. Her challenges felt real, and I was always wondering what she would do next
✨ Cast & Acting
🔹 Jun Ji-hyun as Mun Ju: She drew me in from her very first scene. I could see her strength and vulnerability, and sometimes she made me hold my breath with just a look.
🔹Her choices felt honest, and I kept rooting for her as she faced every new challenge.
🔹 Gang Dong-won as San-ho caught my attention from the start.
🔹His intense expressions often make you wonder what he's thinking. He shows a genuine protectiveness that feels strong, and I liked seeing how his connection with Mun Ju developed as the episodes went on.
🔹Each scene left me wanting more of his story.
🔹The supporting cast adds a lot of life to the drama. They bring both humor and tension, and their smaller moments often make the world feel real.
🔹While I wished some side plots went deeper, the way the group interacts always made every episode richer and more believable.
🎞️ Production Style
🔹 The settings in Tempest are vivid and immersive, moving from tense official spaces to busy city backdrops.
🔹They really help create a sense of urgency and scale without losing emotional depth.
🔹 The pacing stays mostly steady and lets important moments breathe. 🔹Some episodes slow down to build atmosphere, but overall, the story keeps moving and feels well-crafted.
☕ Tea Notes
🔹 What worked: Jun Ji-hyun and Gang Dong-won have a chemistry that elevates every scene, and the storyline delivers suspense with a realistic, thoughtful touch.
🔹 What didn't: A few supporting roles aren't as fleshed out as I hoped, and some episodes drag a bit compared to the rest.
🔹 Would I rewatch? Yes, for the tension and emotional connections that kept me invested.
☕ SpillTheDramaTea's Rating: 10/10
🌿 Perfect cup, I’d pour it again anytime, always up for a refill
✏️ As SpillTheDramaTea, this show made me think seriously about trust, survival, and those tough decisions when nothing feels certain.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Jun Ji-hyun + Kang Dong-won = The Magic of Tempest
Tempest is an ongoing K-drama that blends political intrigue, espionage, and romance into a sleek, high-stakes thriller. The story follows Seo Mun-ju (Jun Ji-hyun), a former diplomat and UN ambassador whose life takes a dramatic turn when her husband—once a presidential candidate—is assassinated. Stepping into his political shoes, she not only pursues justice but also uncovers layers of conspiracy that threaten the nation itself. Along the way, she crosses paths with Baek San-ho (Kang Dong-won), a mysterious agent whose loyalty and intentions keep viewers guessing.What sets Tempest apart is its mix of star power and cinematic quality. Jun Ji-hyun delivers a powerhouse performance, balancing vulnerability and strength, while Kang Dong-won matches her with quiet intensity. Their chemistry is one of the show’s biggest highlights, thus making me their biggest fan both of and on screen.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I'm someone who waits for a kdrama to finish before i watch it because i hate suspense.The drama, was it worth the wait?. Yes it was.
Jun ji hyun is whoever she thinks she is.
Everything was necessary to the plot, from the drama, to the chemistry between the two main leads to the twist and suspense.
While about the political controversy, people love to read unnecessary meaning to things. This drama is just a fiction and should be regarded as such.
In as much as the drama was short, all in all its a good one. I laughed, cried, cringed and felt second hand embarrassments but i enjoyed every bit of it.
Was this review helpful to you?
Disney + Korea's redemption.... hopefully
"I went into this show solely for the cast, unsure about the political thriller theme, but I'm genuinely surprised and hooked.
It centers on a woman whose presidential candidate husband is assassinated, prompting her to uncover the truth. She crosses paths with a shadowy mercenary who becomes her protector. The show demands your attention; the storytelling is swift yet engaging, perfect for a nine-episode series. The acting is superb, and the themes of politics, suspense, and mystery are masterfully handled. It's rare to see a stellar cast paired with such a high-quality script. Disney+ Korea has finally delivered a winner this year!"
Was this review helpful to you?
