Credit: Disney Plus
The upcoming Disney Plus series Tempest has become the talk of the industry—but not just for its star-studded cast.
According to multiple insiders, tension has been brewing between leads Jun Ji Hyun and Kang Dong Won since the early days of filming, centering on billing order and screen time. The issue was further complicated by the fact that Studio AA, in which Kang holds a stake, is listed as a co-producer on the project.
From the outset, both stars reportedly pushed to secure top credit placement, with disputes over who would be listed first and how much prominence each would receive. Ultimately, posters featured their names side by side, while trailers went with the phrasing “Jun Ji Hyun and Kang Dong Won.” That wording sparked speculation online: Was Kang merely a special appearance? Did he have less screen time?
In the Korean industry, even among dual leads, credit order often becomes a sensitive issue, with second billing sometimes interpreted as a “supporting” role. One production insider explained, “Credit order is a matter of pride for actors, especially top stars. In some cases, disagreements over billing even lead to withdrawals from projects. ‘Tempest’ gained huge buzz simply by casting Jun Ji Hyun and Kang Dong Won, but labeling it as ‘Jun Ji Hyun and Kang Dong Won’ ended up hinting at conflict.”
Another source noted the high stakes involved in the production: “The cathedral set alone cost a significant portion of the budget, and the action sequences were difficult to pull off. The casting of Jun Ji Hyun and Kang Dong Won brought early attention, but whether it can reverse Disney Plus’ current slump remains uncertain.”
High-Stakes Thriller ‘Tempest’ Drops Poster and Trailer: Jun Ji Hyun, Kang Dong Won, John Cho Lead Ensemble
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