The spy romance series Tempest, starring South Korean superstar Jun Ji-hyun, has found itself at the center of a cultural and political controversy in China. A fictional line uttered by Jun’s character, a diplomat, questioning China’s preference for war and the potential for a nuclear strike near its border, has sent shockwaves through Chinese social media.
This fictional dialogue has been interpreted by many Chinese netizens as a malicious mischaracterization of China’s stance, leading to a vocal backlash. The outrage has fueled calls for brands to sever ties with Jun Ji-hyun, and has also brought renewed attention to China’s unofficial ban on South Korean entertainment, which has been in place for nearly a decade.
While China has never officially acknowledged the ban, it is widely believed to be a retaliatory measure against South Korea’s 2016 decision to deploy a US anti-missile system, which China views as a regional security threat. Despite recent signs of a potential easing of restrictions, with some South Korean artists holding concerts in China, the Tempest controversy has reignited calls for a strict adherence to the ban.
Beyond the controversial line about war, eagle-eyed viewers have pointed out other scenes in the series they deem offensive. Depictions of China’s Dalian city, allegedly filmed in Hong Kong, have been criticized for portraying the region in a negative light, with some suggesting it makes China appear run-down. Additionally, a scene featuring a table setting resembling the Chinese flag, and criticism of Jun Ji-hyun’s accent when reciting an ancient Chinese poem, have further fueled the online criticism.
Jun’s agency has stated that her brand endorsements, some of which have been reportedly removed from social media, were unrelated to the drama and had concluded prior to its release. This incident highlights the powerful influence of Chinese consumers and their willingness to leverage their spending power to protest perceived insults to national pride, a phenomenon that has impacted numerous international brands in the past.
While some have defended Jun, arguing that she is merely an actor and not responsible for scriptwriting, these voices have been largely drowned out by the intense public reaction. The controversy underscores the delicate balance of cultural exchange between South Korea and China, especially in the face of ongoing geopolitical sensitivities.