Metro Manila, Philippines – K-Drama fans, brace yourselves for a storm and get your umbrellas ready. A brand-new K-Drama has landed on Disney+, and PULSE was in attendance at the premiere watch party of what’s sure to be your next obsession.
Bracing the ‘Tempest’ Storm
The new action drama Tempest premiered on Disney+ last September 10 with its first three thrilling episodes. To mark the occasion, the streamer threw a massive watch party at Xylo at the Palace in BGC. Guests—including influencers, content creators, and K-drama diehards—showed up in sleek all-black outfits, looking every bit like secret agents out of your favorite spy films.
The word “tempest” means a violent storm, and that’s exactly what viewers can expect. Set in the tense world of Korean politics, the series follows diplomat and former UN ambassador Mun-ju (Gianna Jun), whose politician husband is suddenly attacked by an assassin. Amid the chaos, she’s rescued by a mysterious mercenary (Gang Dong-won), and the two join forces to unravel a conspiracy tied to her husband—one that could shake the entire Korean Peninsula.
Tempest also comes with an impressive creative pedigree. The series is penned by Jeong Seo-kyeong, whose credits include Little Women and several collaborations with Park Chan-Wook (The Handmaiden, Decision to Leave). It’s directed by Kim Hee-won, the powerhouse behind Vincenzo and Queen of Tears.
It’s also a big return for some of hallyu’s brightest stars. Gianna Jun, best known for My Sassy Girl and more recently Kingdom, headlines the series. Opposite her is Gang Dong-won, who hasn’t appeared in a drama since 2004 but has since made his mark in films like The Priests and Peninsula. Rounding out the cast is Hollywood actor John Cho (Star Trek) along with other familiar faces K-drama fans will quickly recognize.
A Different Kind of Political Party
For the premiere, Disney+ went all in with a screening that felt more like a political carnival. The first episode, aired on the big screen for attendees, delivered a taut political thriller that plays like a Korean twist on Homeland or The Americans—fast-paced, full of intrigue, and spiked with messy family drama. For me, the scene that stole the night was Mun-ju facing off with her husband’s family over assets, trading barbs and insults that made my jaw drop.
The venue itself carried the theme. Xylo at the Palace was decked out with politics-inspired décor, including a podium photo booth where guests could play politician for the night, and a ballot box where votes doubled as raffle entries for exclusive Disney+ merch and signed Tempest posters. Adding more flair was the “Runway de Avance,” where the evening’s best-dressed attendees strutted for prizes. The winners? Pinoy Big Brother alum Charlie Fleming and Eat Bulaga “Foreignoy 2025” champ Kim Hyeonyul.
As the night went on, the energy stayed high with K-pop beats filling the club while fans snapped photos and hit the dance floor.
Now Streaming on Disney+
Expect plenty more tense confrontations and shocking twists as Mun-ju digs deeper into why her husband was attacked and who’s really behind it. The first three episodes of Tempest are now streaming on Disney+, with new episodes dropping weekly.