A new television series set during a difficult period in South Korea’s history is ready to capture audiences worldwide. “Typhoon Family“ is an upcoming drama that tells the story of a young man forced to grow up quickly to save his family’s business. The show pairs actor Lee Jun-ho with Kim Min-ha in a story about resilience, responsibility, and protecting what you love.
The Story: Surviving the 1997 Financial Crisis
“Typhoon Family” is set in 1997, during the South Korean financial crisis known as the IMF crisis. This was a time when many companies struggled to survive and families had to adapt to new economic hardships. The story focuses on a small company called Typhoon Company and the people connected to it.
The central character is Kang Tae-pung, a carefree young man from a wealthy family who has never had to work hard. His life changes completely when the financial crisis hits and he is forced to take over his father’s small business. He must transform from a free-spirited youth into a responsible CEO almost overnight, fighting to prevent the company from going bankrupt.
Standing beside him is Oh Mi-seon, a bookkeeper at Typhoon Company. As the responsible eldest daughter in her own family, she works long hours to support her relatives. She represents the diligent working class trying to survive during tough economic times. Her character becomes a source of hope and stability for Tae-pung as he navigates the challenges of leadership.
The series explores how ordinary people find strength during extraordinary difficulties, focusing on themes of family loyalty, personal growth, and the struggle to preserve a legacy when everything seems to be falling apart.
Meet the Cast and Characters
The show brings together a mix of popular stars and experienced actors.
Main Characters
- Lee Jun-ho as Kang Tae-pung: Before the crisis, Tae-pung is part of the Apgujeong “Orange Tribe,” a term for fashionable youth in the 1990s. He is a free-spirited person who must learn to lead a company that has no employees, money, or products to sell. Lee Jun-ho described his return to television, saying:
“After King the Land, I’m thrilled to return with Typhoon Family. I hope this story brings laughter, comfort, and genuinely resonates with you. It’s about rising with those you love, finding strength in unexpected places.”
Lee Jun-ho
- Kim Min-ha as Oh Mi-seon: Mi-seon is a diligent bookkeeper who works 11 hours a day to support her family. She is a grounded and responsible character who finds inspiration in Tae-pung’s determination. Kim Min-ha shared her thoughts on the project:
“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.”
Kim Min-ha
Supporting Cast
- Sung Dong-il as Kang Jin-young, Tae-pung’s father and founder of Typhoon Company.
- Kim Ji-young as Jeong Jeong-mi, Tae-pung’s mother.
- Kim Min-seok as Wang Nam-mo, Tae-pung’s best friend.
- Mu Jin-sung as Pyo Hyeon-jun, the son of a shipping company CEO and Tae-pung’s rival.
- Kim Sang-ho as Pyo Bak-ho, CEO of a container shipping company.
- Kim Young-ok as Yeom Boon-i, Mi-seon’s grandmother.
The Creative Team Behind the Scenes
The series is directed by Lee Na-jeong, who has previously worked on popular dramas like “Fight for My Way.” The script is written by Jang Hyun-sook, known for creating stories that blend social issues with family narratives. The production is a collaboration between Imaginus, Studio PIC, and Tree Studio.
The attention to period detail is a key focus for the production. The team has recreated the late 1990s with precision, from the corporate and casual fashion of the era to props like fax machines, pagers, and analog ledgers. This helps ground the drama firmly in 1997 and allows viewers to feel the economic crisis, not just hear about it.
Release Schedule and How to Watch
“Typhoon Family” will premiere on October 11, 2025. The show will air on the South Korean network tvN every Saturday and Sunday at 21:20 (KST).
For international viewers, the drama will be available for global streaming on Netflix. New episodes will be released on the platform according to the same schedule, allowing audiences around the world to watch at the same time as viewers in Korea.
The series is planned for a total of 16 episodes, with each episode running for approximately 60 minutes. If the schedule holds without interruptions, the series is expected to conclude around November 30, 2025.
Why This Drama Stands Out
“Typhoon Family” arrives with several elements that make it a notable release. For lead actor Lee Jun-ho, this marks a return to television after his popular romance series “King the Land.” His role here is different, requiring him to portray a character who undergoes significant personal growth under pressure.
For Kim Min-ha, this is a follow-up to her acclaimed role in the international hit “Pachinko.” Her part as the hardworking Oh Mi-seon continues her trend of playing strong, grounded female characters.
The setting of the 1997 IMF crisis provides a dramatic and relatable backdrop for many viewers. The series does not focus on corporate giants or wealthy elites, but on the struggles of a small business and the ordinary people whose lives depend on it. It promises to be a story about the resilience of the human spirit and the bonds of family in the face of overwhelming challenges.
Also Read: Lee Junho Shares How He Prepared for His New 1990s Drama Typhoon Family
