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Korean stars Jun Ji-hyun, Gang Dong-won talk about starring in Disney+ spy thriller 'Tempest'

By Jonathan Hicap

Gang Dong-won (left) and Jun Ji-hyun in "Tempest" (Disney )

Korean stars Jun Ji-hyun (aka Gianna Jun) and Gang Dong-won headline the Korean spy thriller series “Tempest” (aka “Polaris”).

The series will premiere on Sept. 10 exclusively on Disney+. In “Tempest,” when an assassination attempt is made on a presidential candidate, a multinational conspiracy involving rogue nations, security agencies, and classified intelligence will threaten the stability of the Korean peninsula.

It also stars Kim Haesook, Lee Misook, Park Haejoon, Yoo Jaemyung, Oh Jungse, Lee Sanghee, Joo Jonghyuk, John Cho and Michael Gaston.

Jun Ji-hyun in "Tempest" (Disney )

"Tempest" (Disney )

Gang Dong-won (left) and Jun Ji-hyun in "Tempest" (Disney )

Gang Dong-won in "Tempest" (Disney )

Poster for "Tempest" (Disney )

"Tempest" (Disney )

During a press conference in Seoul, the cast and directors talked about the series.

Jun Ji-hyun plays the role of Seo Munju, a former UN ambassador who will try to uncover the truth behind an attempt on a presidential candidate’s life. She is protected by Paik Sanho (Gang Dong-won), a mercenary with a suspicious history and a hidden backer.

Director Kim Heewon explained the meaning of the title “Polaris (Tempest).”

He said “the title refers to a star. It’s a shining star, which gives it a metaphorical meaning, but within the story, there is also a highly symbolic object tied to the name. You’ll discover how it’s connected at the end of Episode 3, so I hope you’ll check that scene to find out. We’ve been preparing this project for the past two years, working hard with excellent staff and actors. I came here today with the hope that many people will watch and enjoy it.”

On why she chose to star in “Tempest,” Jun Ji-hyun said, “Above all, because it was a work by Director Kim Heewon and writer Jung Seokyung, I really wanted to be part of it as an actor. And also, I really wanted to work with Gang Dong-won before it got too late, so I chose this project.”

She said her character “is a UN ambassador who gets caught up in a certain incident and investigates it. She’s quiet but friendly, firm, and capable of bold actions.”

"Tempest" press conference in Seoul (Disney )

Director Kim Heewon said Jun Ji-hyun was his pick when he was asked what kind of project with a powerful female lead he wanted to do with writer Jung.

“Yes, I think most Korean directors would agree there aren’t many actresses besides Jun Jihyun who can embody such a powerful female lead. She’s always at the top of casting lists, so we thought, “Should we ask her?” And the moment we reached out, she immediately said let’s meet. I felt like I had hit the jackpot,” he said.

Gang Dong-won said his character “is known as the ace of a global mercenary group. He’s mysterious, with unclear nationality and identity. By chance, he rescues Seo Moonjoo and decides, ‘I must protect this woman.’ From then on, he devotes himself to guarding her.”

He added, “Sanho is a very lonely character, full of worries. After meeting Seo Munju, he becomes determined to protect her at all costs, no matter what.”

On their pairing in the series, Jun Jihyun said she’s been a longtime fan of Gang Dong-won.

“Honestly, I’ve been a longtime fan of Dongwon. That was one of my reasons for joining this project — I really wanted to work with him. During filming, I admired his physical presence, but more importantly, I got to know him as a person. That made me an even bigger fan. His performance as Sanho brought extra synergy to my role as Munju,” she said.

Gang Dong-won narrated that “while filming, I was completely drawn into Ji-hyun’s charm. She always brought so much joy to the set, which made me really happy while shooting. Throughout, I kept thinking, ‘Wow, she’s truly amazing.’”

He is returning to drama after two decades. He said he chose “Tempest” because of Jun Ji-hyun.

“Honestly, I chose this project because of Jihyun. For some reason, Ji-hyun and I never managed to work together until now. So I was really glad for the chance. As for the long shoot — I’ve filmed movies that took eight months or more, so it didn’t feel particularly difficult. The only difference was that the daily workload was a bit heavier. But in terms of preparation and acting, it felt the same,” he said.

John Cho, who was not present at the press conference, plays the role of Anderson Miller, a US assistant secretary of State of Korean descent.

Jun Ji-hyun said she was curious about Cho’s acting style.

“When we worked together, his natural aura made everything flow smoothly. That atmosphere carried onto the screen, making it easy to focus. He has a unique charm,” she said.

Jun Ji-hyun and Gang Dong-won were asked how their “mature romance” will unfold in “Tempest.”

““Munju and Sanho come from completely different worlds, but are drawn to something unknown in each other. As they get closer, they reflect on themselves too. That relationship develops in interesting ways throughout the drama. On set, Dongwon and I even joked, ‘Have we ever acted this grown-up before?’ Watching the monitor, it really did feel like that — natural and mature, or as people say, ‘neujo’ (feels good),” she said.

Gang Dong-won said, “And I agree — if we had met earlier, the vibe would have been different. But now, it feels like two people who ‘know a little’ about life are looking at each other. That gave it depth.”

“Tempest” will premiere with three episodes on Sept. 10, followed by two episodes per week until the two-part finale on Oct. 1.

"Episodes 1–3 introduce the characters and backstories. But from Episodes 4–5, the pace accelerates drastically, with large-scale sequences every week. Secrets are revealed one by one at the end of each week’s episodes, so viewers will want to return. I edited with that in mind — to always make the audience eager for the next week,” revealed director Kim Heewon.