New Korean original series, Tempest, is set to premiere, with a premise that moves fluidly between political suspense and high-stakes action.
The show, which will be available in the U.S. on Hulu and internationally on Disney+ starting September 10, centers on a global conspiracy with ramifications reaching from Seoul to Washington. The cast is led by the Korean stars Gianna Jun and Gang Dongwon, alongside the American actors John Cho and Michael Gaston.
The series begins with an assassination attempt on a South Korean presidential candidate who is accused of being a spy for North Korea. This event sets in motion a web of state secrets and international deception.
A Diplomat Caught in a Conspiracy
Gianna Jun plays Seo Munju, a former diplomat and U.N. ambassador who takes on the task of investigating the assassination attempt. Her search for the truth quickly leads her to a Pandora’s box of deception, a complex entanglement of classified intelligence and clandestine alliances. Her pursuit of answers places her directly in the crosshairs of dangerous enemies.
Gang Dongwon co-stars as Paik Sanho, a highly trained mercenary with a suspicious past. He becomes an unlikely protector for Munju as she navigates this intricate conspiracy. The international cast also includes Cho as Assistant Secretary of State Anderson and Gaston as Secretary of Defense Eagleton. The American cast is rounded out by Spencer Garrett, who portrays President Houser, and Christopher Gorham.
Read more: ‘Tempest’: John Cho and Alicia Hannah-Kim Joins Jun Ji Hyun and Kang Dong Won in Disney+ Spy Drama
The series is directed by Kim Heewon, known for her work on the hit shows Queen of Tears and Vincenzo, and co-directed by the martial arts specialist Heo Myeonghaeng. The screenplay was written by Chung Seokyung, a frequent collaborator of director Park Chan-wook, with whom she worked on Decision to Leave.
Disney’s Expanding Korean Slate
Tempest is the latest example of Disney’s expanding investment in Korean content, following recent successes on Disney+ like Nine Puzzles, which was the most-watched Korean original on the platform in 2025.
The series will launch with three episodes on September 10. Two new episodes will then be released weekly, leading to a two-part finale on October 1. The series promises to blend political drama with intense action, aiming to secure its place among the streamer’s top K-content titles for the latter half of the year.
