'Venture into National Project: Junho Lee and Min-ha Kim's New Challenge in 'Taepung Company'
In the tvN drama 'Taepung Company' (directed by Lee Na-jung and Kim Dong-hwi, written by Jang Hyun), the relentless pursuit of success by company men Kang Tae-pung (played by Junho Lee) and Oh Mi-seon (played by Min-ha Kim) continues amidst the IMF crisis. Despite numerous challenges, the duo has managed to keep Taepung Company afloat. They avoided bankruptcy by returning imported Italian fabrics, secured their first international deal by exporting Shu-Park safety shoes, and rescued Go Ma-jin (played by Lee Chang-hoon) during the customs clearance of Kang Sung helmets, solidifying their bond as true colleagues.
The journey has been anything but smooth. Even after obtaining permission to return the fabrics, they faced interference from CEO Pyo Park-ho (played by Kim Sang-ho), resulting in only partial success. The safety shoes were exported via deep-sea fishing vessels, and the helmet deal was marred by a bribery scandal, salvaging only 140 units. Although not complete victories, their perseverance in overcoming adversity has won the hearts of viewers.
Now, Taepung Company 2.0 embarks on a new challenge. This time, the project is a government-led initiative, promising a 'completely safe national project' with no shipping issues or unexpected setbacks. The teaser video shows Kang Tae-pung's determination as he declares, "We must get into this." The ambitious challenge of the 'crisis-breaking duo' raises anticipation among viewers.
The excitement extends beyond Kang Tae-pung and Oh Mi-seon, as the reunited Taepung Company staff also play a crucial role. Go Ma-jin provides steadfast support with his sales expertise and sharp advice, while Bae Song-jung (played by Lee Sang-jin), who was preparing for the customs broker exam, returns to the company. Their collective efforts to navigate Taepung Company 2.0's course amidst the IMF crisis highlight the enduring 'company man solidarity.'
Meanwhile, tension rises as Cha Seon-taek (played by Kim Jae-hwa), who was searching for a promissory note in episode 10's ending, keeps a close watch on Taepung Company. As interest grows in Cha Seon-taek's next move, tension also mounts on Pyo Sang-seon's side. After causing losses to the company during the Shu-Park incident, Pyo Hyun-jun (played by Moo Jin-sung) faces harsh criticism from his father, Pyo Park-ho, who questions his ability to compete with Kang Tae-pung. Determined to redeem himself, Pyo Hyun-jun's distorted rivalry with Kang Tae-pung intensifies. The released stills of Kang Tae-pung and Pyo Hyun-jun facing off hint at another fiery showdown as Pyo Sang-seon enters the national project.
The production team stated, "Despite the IMF crisis, the passionate challenge of the two company men, Kang Tae-pung and Oh Mi-seon, continues. We hope viewers will look forward to the upcoming episode, where the 'completely safe' national project could become Taepung Company 2.0's new breakthrough." Episode 11 of 'Taepung Company' airs on Saturday, the 15th, at 9:10 PM on tvN.
Lim Chae-ryung, Ten Asia Reporter syjj426@tenasia.co.kr