Overview of the Drama
Title: Typhoon Family (태풍상사)
Network: tvN, South Korea
Aired: October 11, 2025 – November 30, 2025 (16 episodes)
Main Cast: Lee Junho, Kim Min-ha, Kim Min-seok
Director: Kim Byung-soo
Writer: Kim Se-bum
Genre: Human drama, workplace drama, coming-of-age
Setting: Seoul, during the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis (IMF crisis)
Introduction to the Story
Typhoon Family is a warm yet emotionally heavy drama set against one of the most painful periods in modern Korean history—the 1997 IMF financial crisis. Instead of focusing on glamorous success stories or sensational business battles, the drama explores how ordinary people survived a collapsing economy, unstable jobs, and deep personal loss.
The story follows Kang Tae-poong (played by Lee Junho), a carefree young man who suddenly inherits his late father’s failing trading company, Typhoon Trading Co. The company is on the brink of bankruptcy: no employees, no orders, and nothing but debts left behind. Left with no real choice, Tae-poong attempts to revive the collapsing business, not because he believes he can succeed, but because survival is the only option.
Main Characters
Kang Tae-poong – Lee Junho
.jpg "Kang Tae-poong – Lee Junho")
Tae-poong begins as an impulsive and immature young man, but the crisis forces him to grow. Through the daily hurdles of running a failing company, he learns responsibility, sacrifice, and what it truly means to protect the people around him. Lee Junho’s understated acting brings depth and realism to Tae-poong’s gradual transformation.
Oh Mi-sun – Kim Min-ha
.jpg "Oh Mi-sun – Kim Min-ha")
Mi-sun is the company’s longtime accountant and the most grounded member of the team. She is practical, resilient, and quietly strong—someone who stays even when everything else falls apart. Her relationship with Tae-poong isn’t rushed; instead, it develops slowly, shaped by shared struggles and trust.
Wang Nam-mo – Kim Min-seok
Nam-mo, Tae-poong’s longtime friend, represents another side of Korean youth during the IMF era. He dreams of an easier life yet is repeatedly pulled back by circumstances. His friendship and occasional conflict with Tae-poong add layers of authenticity and emotional depth to the narrative.
The IMF Crisis as the Backdrop
One of the strengths of the series is its realistic portrayal of the financial crisis. The drama captures the silent tension of the era—businesses shutting down overnight, families losing their savings, and young people questioning their future. Through Typhoon Trading Co., the drama reflects how small and mid-sized companies struggled to keep their doors open amidst impossible odds.
From debt collectors to canceled contracts, unpaid salaries, and desperate attempts to find new clients, every episode mirrors the daily battles of those who lived through the crisis. Rather than relying on exaggerated conflicts, Typhoon Family emphasizes human endurance and the small moments of hope that sustained people through their darkest times.
Cinematic Style & Emotional Tone
The visual tone is soft, nostalgic, and grounded. The mid-90s office interiors, street markets, old trucks, and analog details are meticulously recreated, evoking strong memories for viewers familiar with the era. The director avoids dramatic camera movements, instead focusing on subtle emotional beats—quiet conversations, shared meals, handwritten ledgers, and long nights spent working under dim lights.
Memorable Moments & Lines
One of the most emotional scenes is when Tae-poong reads through his father’s old company ledgers, realizing how much his father had silently endured. The moment symbolizes the burdens passed from one generation to the next, especially during times of crisis.
A widely loved line comes from Mi-sun:
“It’s okay. Even if the road is slow or winding… it’s still a road.”
This line captures the drama’s central theme: survival, even without success, is still meaningful.
Overall Impression
Typhoon Family is not a flashy drama. It is gentle, emotional, and painfully realistic. It shines in its ability to portray ordinary people doing their best in extraordinary hardship. The chemistry between Lee Junho and Kim Min-ha is natural and sincere, and every supporting character adds weight to the story.
For viewers interested in human stories, historical backgrounds, or character-driven dramas, Typhoon Family offers rich emotional depth and a beautifully written narrative about survival, hope, and the bonds that help us endure.
