Tempest

Seo Munju is a decorated diplomat who once served as South Korea's ambassador to the United Nations, and when a violent strike jeopardizes the peninsula's fragile stability, she and Sanho, a covert international agent with a secretive past, team up to trace who is really behind it. The investigation moves through back channels, diplomatic briefings, and dangerous fieldwork, and it tests loyalties on both sides of the aisle. Along the way they encounter domestic power players, shadowy operatives, and personal ties that complicate a straightforward answer. The show keeps scenes tight and focused, revealing new layers of motive and consequence without giving away ultimate resolutions.

Released in 2025, Tempest was created by Chung Seo-kyung and directed by Kim Hee-won. The series stars Gianna Jun and Gang Dong-won, with Lee Mi-sook, Park Hae-joon, and Oh Jung-se in key roles, and it’s framed as a high-stakes Korean drama with international plotlines.

Critical response has been generally positive, reflected in a 7.5/10 user average from early votes. Reviews note the show’s interest in the mechanics of diplomacy and espionage, the moral trade-offs characters make, and the chemistry between the leads. Pacing and tonal shifts between political maneuvering and on-the-ground operations are frequent talking points in critiques.

On social media and among viewers, Tempest has sparked discussion about how contemporary dramas portray geopolitics and the ethical gray areas of intelligence work. Gianna Jun’s performance as a powerful diplomat has drawn particular attention, and fans have been active in theorizing plot developments and sharing scene analysis.

As of now, Tempest hasn’t been reported as winning major international awards. Critics and viewers have highlighted its performances and writing, and depending on festival runs and awards calendars, further recognition could still follow.