tvN’s “Typhoon Family” continues its remarkable rise, becoming one of 2025’s most talked-about dramas. Starting at a 5.9% viewer rating (Nielsen Korea), the series climbed to 9% within just four episodes—a rare achievement in today’s era of declining TV ratings. If this pace holds, surpassing double digits seems almost certain.
The drama’s success isn’t simply driven by nostalgia. While its IMF era backdrop—complete with retro sets, music, and fashion—has caught the attention of older viewers, the heart of its popularity lies in its portrayal of resilient youth. Characters like Kang Tae-pung (Lee Jun-ho) and O Mi-sun (Kim Min-ha) embody what Koreans call “Jung Kkeok Ma”—meaning unbreakable resolve—as they face one of Korea’s toughest times.
After Kang Jin-young (Sung Dong-il), the CEO of Typhoon Trading Company, dies from financial stress caused by a subcontractor’s bankruptcy, his son Kang Tae-pung takes over the collapsing business rather than declaring bankruptcy. He soon loses all his fabric stock in an unfair deal with Pyo Bak-ho (Kim Sang-ho) but refuses to give up.
Beside him, O Mi-sun, the company’s accountant, stays behind, working tirelessly while dreaming of becoming a trade manager.
Many viewers are comparing Typhoon Family to recent productions that portray characters “fighting against the times.” Just as in When the Camellia Blooms, the real villain here is not a person—but the era itself. Against the IMF backdrop, the show paints the story of ordinary young people struggling, surviving, and even thriving.
What makes Typhoon Family stand out is its tone—tragic yet somehow warm. Even when facing eviction and bankruptcy, Kang Tae-pung and his mother still decorate the office for Christmas. That kind of optimism, unusual in a drama about crisis, gives the story a rare emotional pull.
Critics say the drama resonates deeply with today’s youth, who see reflections of their own frustrations in the characters’ fight to stay afloat. For older viewers, it triggers memories of the late ’90s, turning collective hardship into a point of connection between generations.
Lee Jun-ho, praised for his nuanced acting and “youthful energy,” has recorded the highest premiere ratings among tvN weekend dramas in 2025. He continues to break his personal bests each week and maintains the No. 1 spot on Korean Netflix.
Lee Jun-ho to Meet Global Fans Through Fan Meeting Tour
According to the production company Studio Dragon (Oct 21), actor and singer Lee Jun-ho will meet global fans through a special “Typhoon Family Drama Fan Meeting” tour in four cities: Tokyo (Dec 14), Taipei (Dec 27–28), Macau (Jan 17), and Bangkok (Jan 31).
During the events, Lee Jun-ho will share behind-the-scenes stories, play on-site missions and games, and perform on stage.
As the fan meetings approach, anticipation is rising among international fans eager to experience his on-stage charm.
Meanwhile, “Typhoon Family” airs every Saturday and Sunday at 9:10 PM [KST] on tvN.
