A sweeping, emotional, and beautifully grounded drama set in one of Korea’s most turbulent eras
When tvN announced Typhoon Family (also known earlier under its working title Typhoon Trading Co.), many viewers expected a standard chaebol melodrama. What we ended up getting instead is something deeper, warmer, and far more emotionally resonant: a story about growth, survival, and the quiet strength of ordinary people living through extraordinary times.
Set during the 1997 IMF crisis, the drama delivers a rare combination of historical authenticity, emotional storytelling, and sharp character writing—anchored by phenomenal performances from Lee Jun-ho and Kim Min-ha.
This is one of those dramas that doesn’t shout to get your attention. It draws you in slowly, like a storm building on the horizon, and then hits you with a wave of sincerity and heart.
Let’s break down why Typhoon Family stands out as one of 2025’s most compelling releases.
The Story: A Family, A Company, and a Nation in Crisis
At the center of the drama is Kang Tae-poong (Lee Jun-ho), a privileged, carefree young man living the “Orange Tribe” lifestyle of the late ’90s—trendy fashion, nightclubs, no responsibilities, and little concern for the future. His father runs Typhoon Trading Company, a once-thriving business now teetering on the edge of bankruptcy due to the global and national financial collapse.
When tragedy hits and his father unexpectedly passes away, Tae-poong is thrust into a leadership role he never wanted. Suddenly, he must manage debts, employees’ salaries, desperate clients, and the collapsing pillars of his family’s legacy.
This is where Oh Mi-seon (Kim Min-ha) enters the narrative with quiet force. She is a meticulous, hard-working bookkeeper at Typhoon Trading—someone who knows the ledgers better than anyone else. She works late nights, balances numbers by hand, sweeps the dusty office floors, and keeps the company running while everyone else panics.
Their partnership begins out of necessity, but grows into one of the drama’s strongest emotional anchors: the tension between him—the privileged heir—and her—the unseen backbone of the company. Their chemistry is subtle, restrained, and beautifully human.
A Drama That Goes Beyond Romance
What sets Typhoon Family apart is that it’s not a romance drama pretending to be a business story.
It is genuinely about:
- financial desperation,
- the fragility of small businesses during economic collapse,
- and the resilience of workers trying to survive another day.
The IMF crisis is not window dressing—it affects every character, every choice, every conflict. You see:
- layoffs up close,
- families crumbling under debt,
- small traders fighting to keep their shops alive,
- and young people losing their dreams overnight.
The stakes are real and grounded in history, which gives every episode a sense of urgency.
Character Analysis: Why These Leads Shine
Kang Tae-poong (Lee Jun-ho)
Tae-poong’s arc is one of the most satisfying elements in the drama. He begins as immature, irresponsible, and frankly unprepared for adulthood. But the crisis forces him to transform—not into a cold business shark, but into a compassionate leader who grows through humility.
His journey includes:
- learning to negotiate with banks,
- apologizing to employees he once overlooked,
- trying (and failing) to save contracts,
- and realizing that leadership is not about pride—it’s about people.
Jun-ho plays Tae-poong with remarkable nuance. Every breakdown, every moment of fear, every flicker of determination feels raw and earned.
Oh Mi-seon (Kim Min-ha)
Mi-seon is the heart of the story. She isn’t glamorous or flashy—this is a character grounded in real, everyday Korean life.
She is:
- the breadwinner of her household,
- the caretaker for her siblings,
- the emotional glue of the company,
- and the quiet, steady presence Tae-poong desperately needs.
What makes Mi-seon compelling is her strength. Not the loud, dramatic kind. The kind built through patience, discipline, sacrifice, and grit. She is a working-class heroine in the truest sense, and Kim Min-ha gives her a gentle but unbreakable presence on screen.
The Workplace as a Character
The company itself—Typhoon Trading—feels alive.
Creaking old office furniture, yellowing documents, old-fashioned calculators, and messy filing cabinets help the series recreate the late ’90s with meticulous detail. The drama highlights the environment of a small trading company drowning in paperwork while struggling to stay afloat.
But beyond the visual detail, the employees feel real:
- the loyal old staff member who refuses to resign,
- the young part-timer sending his entire paycheck to his family,
- the manager who hides his tears after salary delays,
- the vendors begging for payment.
This world feels lived-in because it mirrors the stories of countless real Korean families during the crisis.
Themes That Hit Hard
1. The Cost of Responsibility
Tae-poong must grow up faster than anyone should. His transformation shows the weight of legacy—its blessings and its curses.
2. The Dignity of Labor
Mi-seon’s character highlights an overlooked truth: companies don’t run because of CEOs, but because of invisible workers who silently carry the burden.
3. Surviving Together
Whether it’s family, employees, or friends—survival during crisis is a team effort. The drama beautifully captures this idea.
4. Love Built on Respect
The romance is slow-burn, grounded, and mature. It’s less about butterflies and more about mutual understanding and shared hardship.
Production Quality & Direction
The direction deserves high praise.
The late ’90s aesthetic is recreated with:
- period-accurate props,
- muted color grading,
- vintage signage,
- and clothing styles from the era.
The cinematography uses warm earthy tones for moments of familial memory, and colder shades of blue and grey for business crises—a subtle but effective emotional language.
The soundtrack leans into nostalgic ballads mixed with acoustic instrumentals, giving the series a bittersweet emotional texture.
Why the Drama Is Resonating Globally
Although the 1997 IMF crisis is a Korean historical event, the themes feel universal:
- economic downturns
- wage freezes
- struggling businesses
- rising inequality
- families under pressure
Viewers around the world can see their own experiences reflected in these stories.
Additionally, the international popularity of Lee Jun-ho adds star power, drawing fans who know him from past hit roles.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Watch, Thoughtful, Beautifully Crafted Drama
Typhoon Family (2025) isn’t flashy. It isn’t filled with shocking twists. It’s not built on chaebol clichés or exaggerated villainy.
Instead, it gives us:
- a heartfelt character journey,
- a deeply human romance,
- the realities of a nation in crisis,
- and an inspiring portrait of resilience.
It’s a drama with soul—one that lingers long after you watch it.
