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Two of Korea’s biggest stars, Jun Ji-hyun and Kang Dong-won, are joining forces for the first time in Disney+’s upcoming nine-part drama Polaris, premiering September 10.

At a press conference held Tuesday at the Four Seasons Hotel in Jongno, Seoul, both actors revealed that working with each other was the decisive factor in taking on the project.

Jun, returning to television for the first time in four years since Jirisan, said, “Above all, I wanted to work with Kang Dong-won before it was too late.” Kang replied, “I also chose this project because of Jun Ji-hyun. It’s strange we had never worked together until now, but I’m glad we finally did.”

In the series, Jun plays Seomun Ju, a former UN ambassador running for president, while Kang portrays Sanho, a mercenary-turned-special agent showcasing high-intensity action.

Reflecting on their collaboration, the pair noted how their maturity shaped their performances. “We even asked each other, ‘Have we ever acted this much like adults before?’” Jun said. Kang added, “Had we met earlier in our careers, it would have felt very different. Watching the footage, it felt like two people who really know the world looking at each other.”

Polaris was written by acclaimed screenwriter Jeong Seo-kyeong, known for Decision to Leave, The Handmaiden, and Thirst, and directed jointly by Kim Hee-won of Queen of Tears and Heo Myeong-haeng of The Roundup 4. The high-profile production has drawn attention since its early stages.

The ensemble cast includes Kim Hae-sook as Korea’s first female president, Im Ok-seon, the head of a powerful shipping conglomerate, and Lee Mi-sook as a behind-the-scenes political powerbroker. Supporting roles are filled by Park Hae-jun, Yoo Jae-myung, Oh Jung-se, and Joo Jong-hyuk, with Korean American actor John Cho (Star Trek, Searching) also joining the lineup.