Kim Min-ha Reflects on 'Typhoon Family' and Its Resonance with Viewers

"I asked many adults about the 1997 financial crisis. They all said, 'It was tough, but it was a precious time when we all came together to overcome the crisis.'"

Actress Kim Min-ha shared her thoughts and behind-the-scenes stories about the tvN drama 'Typhoon Family.' She dedicated an entire year to the project, candidly discussing her preparation for the period setting, the storyline development, and the diverse reactions from viewers regarding the romance plot.

'Typhoon Family' is set during the time when South Korea received a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It follows the growth of rookie businessman Kang Tae-poong (played by Lee Junho), who becomes the president of a trading company with no employees, money, or products to sell. Kim Min-ha plays the role of Oh Mi-seon, the ace accountant of Typhoon Trading, armed with a sharp sense of reality.

Kim Min-ha expressed, "Thanks to this project, I feel like I've beautifully filled this year. I poured everything into it without regrets, so when I watch the broadcast, I feel like I portrayed it well without any regrets."

She added, "I was only 4 or 5 years old during the IMF era, so I have little memory of it. I asked my parents and uncles a lot about that time. My uncle on my mother's side ran a small business, and they all said it was a really tough period," but she also noted, "The conclusion from the adults was that it was a valuable experience where everyone came together to overcome the crisis."

Some viewers criticized the drama for having a 'sweet potato ending' (a term used to describe an unsatisfying conclusion), citing the lack of resolution and repetitive crises. In response, Kim Min-ha offered a different perspective, saying, "I think it ultimately has a happy ending." She explained, "Typhoon Family was well-established, and the family members found their places perfectly," adding, "Since it concluded with a happy ending, I think viewers can watch it with a smile."

With many recent dramas, like JTBC's 'The Dream Life of Mr. Kim,' being 12 episodes long, some found the 16-episode 'Typhoon Family' to be relatively slow-paced. Kim Min-ha recalled, "When we first started 'Typhoon Family' as a 16-episode series, I was worried. I had vague concerns about whether we could do well until the end, but since the team members got along well, the project naturally progressed."

Kim Min-ha expressed her hope for more long-form projects, saying, "Some may find it boring and frustrating, but I think that's what makes it more realistic. Since it depicts events in a failing company, things can't go well all at once. I wanted to show the process of overcoming crises and growing."

She concluded, "There are some parts I'm not entirely satisfied with, but overall, I think it was a really good project."

Regarding some viewers' opinions that the romance with Lee Junho disrupted the flow, she acknowledged, "There's some truth to that. However, it might just be a matter of taste." She added, "The production team was also concerned about whether the romance appeared too late or suddenly, and we humbly accept the viewers' feedback."

Kim Min-ha said, "Some viewers felt frustrated watching the drama, but it ultimately flows to a 'living well' conclusion," adding, "I think the continuous crises reflect reality. Within that, finding hope and love can be comforting."

By Kim Se-ah, TENASIA Reporter haesmik@tenasia.co.kr