Disney+'s New Hit Is a 100% Fresh K-Drama That Divided Critics and Viewers
Do you like large-scale political thrillers? If so, then this series is a must-see for you. However, if you prefer classic K-dramas, you might want to skip this one.
Disney+ has released Tempest, a large-scale drama starring A-list actors. This political thriller doesn't tell the story of just one conspiracy – rather, it unfolds a global catastrophe.
Tempest is undoubtedly a high-quality, high-budget production that has received critical acclaim, but what has upset ordinary viewers? Let's find out.
What Is 'Tempest' About?
The plot centers on Seo Mun-ju (Jun Ji-hyun), the widow of Jun-ik, a politician who was assassinated on the eve of the presidential election. The official story is that Jun-ik was a North Korean spy, but Seo refuses to believe it.
In order to clear her husband's name and prevent a looming war, she decides to take his place in high-level politics. Her only ally is the mercenary Baek San-ho (Gang Dong-won), whose motives are shrouded in mystery.
Together, they find themselves at the epicenter of a conspiracy where the interests of South Korean elites and shadowy forces collide.
'Tempest' Is the Perfect Blend of Political Thriller and Gripping Action
Tempest strikes the perfect balance between a smart political detective story and a spectacular action thriller. It's a complex web of intrigue, negotiations, and diplomatic duels where Seo Mun-ju uses her professionalism to find allies and uncover incriminating evidence.
On the other hand, it features dynamic, realistic fight scenes. Gang Dong-won performs many of his own stunts, creating the image of a mercenary whose movements are precise and deadly.
Director Kim Hee-won, who previously worked on another hit, Queen of Tears, masterfully alternates between tense dialogue in the halls of power and sudden outbursts of violence.
Why Did 'Tempest' Divide Critics and Viewers?
Tempest has received mixed reviews, as evidenced by its scores on Rotten Tomatoes. The series is filmed with the scope of a Hollywood blockbuster, featuring a large-scale political plot and expensive visuals.
Fans of Western political thrillers praised Tempest's seriousness and scope. However, viewers who prefer K-dramas for their emotional depth, personal stories, and romantic plots were disappointed.
Tempest leaves almost no room for tears, love triangles, or heartache – only cold calculation, betrayal, and the struggle for power.
What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Tempest'?
Decider critic Joel Keller wrote:
“With an excellent international cast and a potentially twisty espionage story, Tempest definitely shows potential.”
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Tempest has 100% from critics and 20% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.
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On IMDb, the K-drama has a score of 6.0/10.
