A Dramatic Return After Four Years

After a long four-year hiatus, beloved South Korean actress Jun Ji-hyun makes her much-anticipated return in the thrilling new series 'Tempest' on Disney+. However, her comeback took an unexpected turn, igniting a fierce backlash from viewers in China.

The Controversial Dialogue That Started It All

In a particularly provocative moment during episode four, Jun’s character—an ex-UN diplomat turned presidential candidate—poses a disturbing question: "Why would China prefer war? That way, nuclear bombs would fall along the border areas." This line sent shockwaves through social media, with Chinese netizens labeling it as "fabricated" and "politically defamatory." As the outrage spread, commentators voiced their frustration, claiming that Jun’s words diminish the very essence of South Korea.

Calls for Boycott

The backlash was swift and severe. Many fans took to social media demanding a boycott of the actress and the show. "The relationships she built in China over the past 20 years are now shattered," one user lamented. The backlash didn’t end with the dialogue, as viewers also expressed their displeasure with how the Chinese city of Dalian was portrayed as dilapidated and unappealing.

Defending Their Idol

While criticism poured in, Jun Ji-hyun’s loyal supporters quickly rallied to her defense, urging critics to approach the situation with rationality and understanding, rather than hostility towards her and the production team.

What is 'Tempest' About?

'Tempest' delves into the high-stakes world of politics and espionage. The story follows Seo Mun-ju (Jun Ji-hyun), a deft former diplomat seeking to unravel a deadly conspiracy surrounding a presidential candidate accused of being a North Korean spy. With the help of Paik San-ho (Gang Dong-won), a mercenary shrouded in mystery, Mun-ju navigates through treachery that stretches all the way to the halls of power in Washington.

An Impressive Reception

Despite the uproar, 'Tempest' has shattered records, becoming Disney+’s most viewed Korean original premiere of 2025 within just five days of release. Will this controversy affect its trajectory? Only time will tell.