Lee Junho has revealed how he got ready for his role in the upcoming drama Typhoon Family, discussing everything from studying the 1997 financial crisis to recreating the fashion of the era. The actor, returning to television after two years, will play a carefree young man who must suddenly lead his father’s company during a national economic storm.
Lee Junho on the Story of Typhoon Family
The new tvN drama, Typhoon Family, is set during the 1997 International Monetary Fund (IMF) crisis, a difficult period for the South Korean economy. The story follows Kang Tae Poong, a flashy and free-spirited youth from a wealthy family. His life is turned upside down when he unexpectedly becomes the head of a struggling trading company after his father’s passing. With no employees, no money, and nothing left to sell, he must fight to save the business his father loved.
Lee Junho commented on the universal theme of the drama, saying:
“It’s a story that everyone living with an uncertain tomorrow can relate to. I hope everyone living cheerfully and resiliently each day will be able to laugh and cry while watching the drama, relate to it, and also find comfort”.
How Lee Junho Built His Character Kang Tae Poong
Lee Junho described Kang Tae Poong as transparent and honest, a character who experiences a wide range of emotions. However, his preparation went far beyond just the script. Although he was a child during the IMF crisis, Junho recalled the atmosphere of the time through his parents.
“Both of my parents worked, and I remember everyone in the country joining efforts to overcome the crisis—such as the gold-collecting campaign”.
This collective spirit of resilience is a key element he aims to bring to the drama. For Junho, the goal was to portray someone people would want by their side during hard times. He explained, “I wanted to portray someone who could be a good older brother to lean on in difficult times, a dependable husband and father, or even a son. I also wanted Kang Tae Poong to be the kind of person you’d wish to have as a boss or teacher”.
Recreating the 1990s Vibe
A significant part of the preparation involved recreating the style of the 1990s. Lee Junho paid close attention to the fashion of the period to make his character feel authentic. He looked up popular items from 1997, such as leather jackets, denim-on-denim fashion, work boots, and earrings. He also referenced the styles of celebrities from that era to shape Kang Tae Poong’s appearance.
The actor also credited the detailed set design for helping him get into character. From the nightclubs to the broadcast station scenes, every element was crafted to mirror 1997. “I wanted to express the vibe and aesthetics of the time,” Junho said, noting that the authentic environment made it easy to feel like he was truly in that year.
Meet the Cast and Characters
Typhoon Family features a strong cast led by Lee Junho and Kim Min-ha, who plays Oh Mi-sun. Oh Mi-sun is the diligent bookkeeper at Typhoon Trading Company. As the eldest daughter in her family, she carries many responsibilities but dreams of building her own career. Kim Min-ha shared her excitement about the role, stating:
“I’m honored to play Oh Mi-seon. Typhoon Family was created with heart — from the cast to every member of the production team. I hope viewers not only watch but feel each moment—youth, hope, hardship, and triumph”.
The supporting cast includes experienced actors like Sung Dong-il as Kang Jin-young, Tae-poong’s father and the founder of the company, and Kim Ji-young as Jeong Jeong-mi, Tae-poong’s mother. Kim Min-seok joins as Wang Nam-mo, Tae-poong’s best friend, while Mu Jin-sung plays Pyo Hyeon-jun, his business rival.
Release Schedule and Where to Watch
Typhoon Family is scheduled to premiere on October 11, 2025, on the tvN network. The drama will air every Saturday and Sunday at 9:20 PM KST. For international audiences, the series will be available to stream globally on Netflix. The drama is planned to have 16 episodes, with the final episode expected to air on November 30, 2025.
The production is led by director Lee Na-jeong and writer Jang Hyun-suk. The first teaser and posters have already been released, showing Lee Junho’s character’s determination to save his company, even throwing himself in front of an oncoming truck. The posters highlight his transformation from a carefree youth to a responsible leader shouldering the hopes of his employees.
Also Read: Jang Wonyoung and Lee Junho to Host the 10th Asia Artist Awards 2025 in Taoyuan This December
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