Jun Ji Hyun’s new Disney+ series, Tempest, has attracted attention worldwide, but not all of it is positive. The political thriller, which premiered on September 10, has faced backlash in China over certain scenes and lines that some viewers see as critical of the country.
The story follows Seo Mun Ju, a former UN ambassador and presidential candidate, who gets caught up in an assassination attempt and a complex international conspiracy. Jun Ji Hyun stars alongside Kang Dong Won, and their on-screen chemistry has been widely praised.
In episode four, her character says, “Why does China prefer war? A nuclear bomb could fall on the border.” This line upset some Chinese viewers, who say it portrays China in a negative light. Scenes meant to show Dalian, Northeast China, were filmed in a dark, rundown area in Hong Kong, which critics say misrepresents the city’s modern and vibrant look.
Jun Ji Hyun also recites a poem by Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai in the series, and some viewers criticized her pronunciation.
Ironically, Disney+ is not officially available in China, and many people watched Tempest using VPNs or unauthorized streaming sites. Despite this, the controversy grew quickly and led to calls for boycotts. Some netizens called for the Hallyu ban on Korean entertainment to stay in place and sent protest emails not only about the show but also about Jun Ji Hyun’s brand deals.
As a result, luxury brands like La Mer and Piaget removed her ads from Chinese e-commerce platforms. Even Louis Vuitton’s Weibo page saw a flood of critical comments.
Despite these issues, Tempest continues to do very well on Disney+. It has become one of the most-watched Korean original releases of 2025 across Asia and beyond. Fans have praised Jun Ji Hyun, Kang Dong Won, and the full cast for their strong performances. The intense story and character interactions have kept viewers hooked.
While the backlash in China creates challenges for Jun Ji Hyun’s career and endorsements, many fans say the series should be seen in context and not judged by a single, scripted scene.
Episodes six and seven of Tempest will release on September 24, with the final two episodes scheduled for October 1. Fans worldwide are eagerly waiting to see how the series concludes and whether the ending will leave a possibility for a second season.
