Jun Ji Hyun has become the center of online discussion after controversy erupted in China over her latest Disney+ drama, Tempest. However, her management has stepped forward to deny speculation that the actress is being blacklisted or losing brand endorsements.
On September 23, her agency told OSEN that claims about her Chinese advertising deals being canceled were “groundless.” The representative explained that the company had spoken directly with its Chinese partners and received confirmation that no contracts had been terminated. According to the agency,
It is correct that the scheduled event and commercial shoot have been postponed, but they were not canceled. The decision to postpone the event was made before the release of Tempest and, at the time, was explained as being due to local circumstances.
The issue stems from a scene in North Star where Jun Ji Hyun’s character, Seo Moon Joo, makes a pointed remark: “Why does China prefer war?” The line sparked a heated reaction online, with some Chinese netizens calling for a boycott of the actress.
As the debate grew, rumors spread that the 43-year-old actress had been dropped from endorsements with major brands, including cosmetics and luxury products.
Her agency, however, has insisted that these claims are unfounded and stressed that postponements are temporary. “Nothing has been canceled,” the representative emphasized.
Jun Ji Hyun is currently leading Tempest, a high-tension spy melodrama where she plays a UN ambassador caught in an investigation after a presidential candidate is assassinated. Alongside Kang Dong Won, who plays San Ho, a secretive agent assigned to protect her, she uncovers a conspiracy that threatens peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Meanwhile, Tempest Episodes 6 and 7 will drop on September 24, 2025, followed by the finale episodes 8 and 9 on October 1. Each runs about an hour, with new installments released weekly. The spy drama has a total of nine episodes and streams on Disney+ in available regions, while viewers in the U.S. can watch it on Hulu.
