Is Paik Sanho dead in Tempest? Character's fate explored

Disney+’s Korean political thriller Tempest, starring Jun Ji-yun and Gang Dong-won, premiered on September 10, 2025, and wrapped up its first season with a gripping finale on October 1. At the heart of the series is Seo Mun-ju, a diplomat and former UN ambassador whose life is upended after the high-profile assassination of her husband, Junik. Teaming up with elite mercenary Paik Sanho, Mun-ju embarks on a perilous mission to uncover the truth behind the attack and protect Korea from a looming threat. Along the way, she discovers shocking secrets about her late husband, and as her world unravels, an undeniable bond begins to form between her and Sanho.

The finale unraveled several mysteries, including the identity of the main antagonist (beyond Director Yoo, Haana, and Du-jin), who happens to be Munju's mother-in-law, Okeson. Okeson grew up in the war-torn zone near an American military base, and all she wanted was to live in a free world, gain power, and avenge her loss. However, the final episode ended on a cliffhanger that left viewers wishing for a second season.

Paik Sanho's fate remains uncertain. In the finale episode, while he's on the ship, the bomb detonates, and he is nowhere to be seen. However, Munju feels he's still alive. Additionally, his remains were not found, indicating that he might have escaped the blast, although not unharmed.

Continue reading to know more.

Is Paik Sanho dead in Tempest? Here's what we know

Paik Sanho's fate in Tempest remains a mystery as of now. While the finale plot indicates that he's dead due to a bomb blast, Munju refuses to believe it. In the episode where they discover 20 kgs of C4 explosives on the ship, Sanho's military instincts kick in, and he tries to defuse the bomb. Meanwhile, a team arrives and rescues Munju. However, the bomb goes off, leaving Sanho's fate uncertain. In the end, we see the room with the C4 explosives open, and Sanho isn't there. Munju's heartbroken, but we learn that she still believes that Sanho is alive.

In the end, we see President Chae telling Munju that she's leaving for Beijing, although she promises to support her in the campaign. The president also informed that they had found no trace of Sanho's body in the remnants of the blast. The president applauds Munju's positivity and tells her that her belief is her strength.

In the next scene, we see Sanho burying Munju's necklace in the sand in a desert area. Now, whether it's a dream sequence or a reality, remains a mystery as well. Nonetheless, it would be truly fascinating to see Sanho and Munju reunite after all the hardships they encountered. But this would only be possible if Tempest is renewed for a second season. As of now, Disney+ has not renewed Tempest for a second season.

In the end, we also learn from Anderson Miller and Munju's meeting that Sanho was an American citizen who was to receive an award for his bravery and service. Anderson feels that Munju has the power to save the world, and Munju jokes about it. It's truly a warm moment to see Munju's hopes aren't shattered even after such a loss.

Also read: Tempest season 1 review — Political games, personal vendettas, and a finale that almost matched the ambition

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