tvN's 'Typhoon Family' Premieres with Impressive Ratings, Capturing Nostalgia and Drama

Two years after their acclaimed on-screen chemistry in JTBC's 'King the Land,' Lee Junho and Lim Yoon-a are back in the spotlight. Following the successful conclusion of Lim Yoon-a's 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty,' Lee Junho takes the baton with 'Typhoon Family.' The show has already captured attention with its promising ratings from the first episode.

The premiere of tvN's weekend drama 'Typhoon Family' on the 11th recorded an average nationwide household rating of 5.9%, peaking at 7.1%. In the metropolitan area, it achieved an average of 5.7%, also peaking at 7.1%, securing the top spot across all channels, including terrestrial networks, during its time slot. It also became the highest-rated premiere among tvN's weekend dramas in 2025. The 2049 target demographic ratings were equally impressive, with a nationwide average of 1.8% and a peak of 2.4%, leading all channels in its time slot. (Based on paid platforms including cable, IPTV, and satellite, provided by Nielsen Korea)

The episode captivated viewers by perfectly blending elements of the era, such as scenery, emotions, music, and fashion, evoking a sense of nostalgia. From the opening sequence that mimicked the subtitle fonts of TV programs from that time to the use of pagers, tapes, and city phones that only worked near public phones, the meticulous attention to detail by the production team transported viewers back to that era.

The stellar performances of the two young leads were pivotal in garnering praise. Lee Junho portrayed 'Kang Tae-pung,' a free-spirited youth of the 90s, with a diverse and detailed performance that captured the essence of the era through his expressions, speech, and even singing and dancing. His nuanced portrayal of conflicting emotions amidst the turmoil of the IMF crisis heightened the drama's intensity.

Kim Min-ha, playing 'Oh Mi-seon,' a resilient eldest daughter balancing work and studies while caring for her two younger siblings and a grandmother with dementia, conveyed the strength and warmth of a 90s office worker through her expressions and gaze.

The opening, set to the popular song 'I Have No Problem(나는 문제없어),' depicted a day at the small business Typhoon Company in Euljiro, awakening the atmosphere of 1997. The employees, from President Kang Jin-young (Sung Dong-il) to accountant Oh Mi-seon (Kim Min-ha), sales manager Go Ma-jin (Lee Chang-hoon), general affairs deputy manager Cha Seon-taek (Kim Jae-hwa), management director Koo Myung-kwan (Kim Song-il), and logistics deputy Bae Song-jung (Lee Sang-jin), symbolically represented office workers on the eve of the IMF crisis, stating, "The reward of work is not for oneself, but for the company, neighbors, and the nation."

Kang Tae-pung, the president's son, was a carefree youth enjoying the prosperity achieved by the previous generation. As a member of the 'Apgujeong Street Boys,' he was a sensation at nightclubs with his good looks and exceptional dance skills. The pager messages like "584486 (I love you to death)" and "17171771 (I love you)" reflected his popularity. However, a confrontation with his rival Pyo Hyun-jun (Moo Jin-sung) led to his arrest.

Jin-young, frustrated with his son's lack of responsibility, refused to settle the matter, insisting that Tae-pung face the consequences. Tae-pung, feeling misunderstood, rebelled further. Despite their strained relationship, there was an unspoken affection between them. Tae-pung, who dreamed of 'flowers,' tended to a rose he grafted himself, hoping to one day show it to his father and earn his approval. He diligently polished his father's shoes every day, and Jin-young, in turn, carefully wiped them clean if they got dirty. Their bond, though unexpressed, was deeply felt.

However, the world was already showing signs of instability. Yoon Sung (Yang Byung-yeol), a member of the 'Apgujeong Street Boys,' fled after his family went bankrupt, and news of bankruptcies among mid-sized and large companies began to spread, creating an uneasy atmosphere. Typhoon Company was not immune. Although a large order from Daebang Textiles provided temporary relief, Mi-seon's logical analysis revealed the underlying risk of trading financial interest for company margins. Ultimately, Jin-young signed the contract, leading to a funding crisis. Overwhelmed by responsibility and pressure, he collapsed, clutching his chest.

Tae-pung stayed by his father's side in the hospital, but was absent at a crucial moment. While responding to an urgent call about Yoon Sung being caught by Hyun-jun, he missed the final moments with his father. Returning to the hospital, he was met with the sight of his father covered by a white sheet. Tae-pung's frozen gaze, filled with shock and regret, left a lasting impact. At that moment, a news report announced, "The government has applied for a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), effectively acknowledging national bankruptcy." Thus began the turbulent era of the IMF crisis, marking a new chapter in Tae-pung's life—a true 'season of storms.'

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr