A controversy has emerged following the release of a much-anticipated Disney show. In the series Tempest, Jun Ji-hyun’s scripted line about China drew backlash online, highlighting how a brief scene sparked widespread criticism.
Why is Tempest facing backlash from Chinese audiences?
Tempest, the new South Korean spy thriller on Disney+ and Hulu, is facing backlash from Chinese audiences after a controversial line delivered by lead actress Jun Ji-hyun. In one episode, her character Munju says, “Why does China prefer war? A nuclear bomb could fall near the border,” which many Chinese social media users interpreted as portraying their country as belligerent.
This sparked outrage online, with viewers calling for global brands to sever ties with Jun Ji-hyun. Reportedly, luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, La Mer, and Piaget have since removed her from their social media accounts. (via BBC)
The dispute ties into a longer history of cultural tensions. Since 2016, South Korean content has faced an unofficial ban in China following Seoul’s deployment of the U.S. THAAD missile system, which Beijing opposed. Although never formally acknowledged, this ban sharply reduced the presence of K-pop and K-dramas in China.
In recent months, signs of easing appeared when South Korean performers, such as the hip-hop group Homies, were allowed to hold concerts in China for the first time in years. The Tempest controversy, however, has reignited nationalist sentiment online, with one Weibo comment stating, “Keep the K-drama ban to the death, thank you,” receiving more than 10k likes.
The show also drew criticism for depicting Dalian city with run-down buildings and using a carpet resembling the Chinese flag. Viewers further objected to Jun Ji-hyun’s accent while reciting a Chinese poem.
Some defended the actress, arguing she did not write the line and was only performing a script. “Jun Ji-hyun is just an actor. It is impossible for her to understand the history of a country,” one Weibo user wrote. Others rejected this defense, saying, “She has a choice of script, she can read the script!”
Despite the backlash, Tempest continues to perform well on Disney+ and Hulu, topping streaming charts across South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. At the same time, the controversy has provided fresh momentum for Chinese audiences supporting restrictions on Korean entertainment.