On September 10, the South Korean drama Tempest, directed by Kim Hee-won and starring superstar Jun Ji-hyun, premiered to audiences. Known globally for her breakout role in My Sassy Girl(2001) and her iconic performance in My Love from the Star, Jun is one of the most influential figures in the Hallyu (Korean Wave) phenomenon. Her past works have enjoyed tremendous success in China, both critically and commercially.
However, the latest series has stirred significant controversy among Chinese viewers. The backlash centers around a particular line delivered by Jun’s character, Seo Mun-ju, in Episode 4. When she asks, “Why does China favour war?”, social media in mainland China erupted in anger. Many netizens denounced the line as a blatant insult to China’s international image and a misrepresentation of its stance on peace.
The controversy deepened when viewers noticed that a scene apparently shot in Hong Kong—with visible traditional Chinese characters on shop signs—was presented as taking place in Dalian, a major city in northeastern China. The grim and unflattering portrayal of the city led to accusations that the production team was deliberately propagating negative and outdated stereotypes about Chinese urban life.
Critics online questioned the creative choices, with one commenting, “If you’re calling it Dalian, why not film it there?” Another said, “They made Dalian look awful. I always thought it was a beautiful tourist destination.”
As of now, neither the show’s producers nor Jun Ji-hyun have issued an official statement addressing the backlash. However, the incident has already caused considerable damage to her reputation among Chinese audiences. Fans who once admired her now feel betrayed, with some suggesting this controversy could end her career in the Chinese market entirely.
