The series 1 of Tempest is a political thriller, which is very intense and makes the viewers plunge into the environment of the dangerous and tense world of the Korean peninsula. The story of the series is of a former ambassador, Munju, whose acute wit and her sense of morality leads to her being sucked into a political scandal after she realizes that there is a conspiracy behind the high-profile assassination. Her probe shows that there is a dangerous game of deception between the North and South Korea that is threatening to destabilize the region. Next to her is Sanho, a darker mercenary with a small secret, whose kill capabilities and silent determination render him a surprising yet priceless partner. They all struggle through a perilous world of politics, conspiracy, and lies with everything to find out the truth.
The series does a very good job in covering the issues of trust, loyalty, and the ethical ambiguities of the people caught in the middle of geopolitical wars. It brings out the nature of the precariousness of peace and how individual sacrifices are usually required to secure it. It is further supported by the emotional heart of the story Munju with his unbending sense of justice and Sanho with his reserved loyalty, which adds depth, and resonance, and makes their journey both interesting and familiar. Photo-wise, the visual impression of the show is also vivid, as it is shot crisp and realistic in terms of production design that is able to vividly depict the dichotomous worlds of diplomacy and underworld missions. The tension and tension built are also increased by the suspenseful score and tight direction, that keep the viewers glued to the end.
Although Tempest is quite characteristically perfect in its narration, there are aspects of the plot that border on ambiguity, thus annoying audiences who demand the clarity. Nonetheless, this intentionally smoky effect reflects the reality that the characters are going through which is complicated and ambiguous. All in all, I was tense and optimistic at the end of watching the series because of its complex characters and thought-provoking topics. It is an emotionally intense and captivating take on the theme of truth and peace being frequently battled behind the scenes, and thus a must-watch to the political thriller fans.
