'Typhoon Family' Starring Lee Junho Breaks Its Own Viewership Record Again

The drama 'Typhoon Family,' starring actor Lee Junho, has once again broken its own viewership record.

The 8th episode of tvN's weekend drama 'Typhoon Family,' which aired on the 2nd, recorded an average nationwide household rating of 9.1%, peaking at 9.6%. In the metropolitan area, it averaged 9% with a peak of 9.7%, setting a new personal best. It ranked first in its time slot across cable and general programming channels, with the 2049 target demographic also leading with an average nationwide rating of 2.5% and a peak of 2.9%, and in the metropolitan area, an average of 2.1% and a peak of 2.6%.

The return of Go Ma-jin (played by Lee Chang-hoon) has injected new energy into Typhoon Trading. After positive discussions with helmet manufacturer Kangseong, they successfully secured supplies, bringing a renewed sense of hope. The key issue now was which country to sell to, given that most major markets were already dominated. Kang Tae-pung (played by Lee Junho) pointed to Thailand, which had faced the IMF crisis earlier, leaving everyone puzzled. However, his decision was backed by clear evidence he had gathered from diligently clipping newspapers.

Ma-jin introduced Sawadee Trade, which his cousin Go Ma-yong (played by Lee Han-wi) had been running in Thailand for over 15 years, offering a practical execution plan. However, there was a subtle tension within the sales team before the business trip. Oh Mi-seon (played by Kim Min-ha), who had been promoted from accounting to sales team leader, warned, "Sales aren't that easy." Aspiring to be a top salesperson, Mi-seon firmly responded, "I will be evaluated by customers and prove myself with numbers."

The first overseas business trip for the three members of Typhoon Trading to Thailand was not as easy as their excited hearts had hoped. Even when meeting Ma-yong for the first time, Ma-jin glossed over Mi-seon's introduction, and during a meal, he showed discomfort when Tae-pung served soup to others. Furthermore, when Mi-seon expressed a desire to visit the Lamchaya port where goods would arrive, she was excluded, being told it was a place for the boss and salespeople. Tae-pung later visited Mi-seon in her room, but she said, "I hear such things because the boss is protecting me like this."

The conflict between Mi-seon and Ma-jin continued at Lamchaya port. Ma-jin handed a carton of Korean cigarettes and $50, enough for a meal, to a customs officer to make a good impression, which shocked Mi-seon, who called it a bribe. Ma-jin insisted it was basic sales practice, refusing to back down. His dismissive attitude brought Mi-seon to tears.

To change the mood, Tae-pung suggested they all go to a club. They aimed to meet Nicha (played by Davika Hoorne), the youngest daughter of the Nihakam Group, who held a clue to helmet exports. Nicha, impressed by the dashing Tae-pung, asked him to sing on stage. He lifted the atmosphere by singing 'Can't Take My Eyes Off You.'

Despite this, Mi-seon still felt uneasy. Seeing her blistered heels from uncomfortable shoes made her feel foolish. Tae-pung followed her outside the club and tied a handkerchief around her wound, comforting her by saying, "Don't try too hard. I know how much effort you're putting in."

However, the peace didn't last long. That night, the police raided their accommodation, and the three were taken in for questioning. Mi-seon, who had been studying basic Thai, managed to grasp the situation. The issue stemmed from the $50 Ma-jin had given to the customs officer, which had escalated into a bribery suspicion with CCTV evidence. The police, comparing faces, eventually arrested Ma-jin.

Yoon Jung-se, TenAsia Reporter yoon@tenasia.co.kr