The storm is coming—and it has a name. Lee Jun Ho, one of Korea’s most trusted leading men, is gearing up to sweep the small screen once more with tvN’s highly anticipated weekend drama Typhoon Family.
The first stills of Lee’s new character, Kang Tae-poong, instantly stirred excitement as he embodied the quintessential 90s Orange Tribe style—flashy fashion, unmistakable charisma, and a retro energy that instantly takes viewers back to the heart of Apgujeong in 1997.
A Drama Rooted in Crisis and Hope
Set against the backdrop of the IMF financial crisis, Typhoon Boss tells the story of Kang Tae-poong, a free-spirited youth who unexpectedly finds himself as the CEO of a struggling trading company. With no employees, no capital, and no products to sell, his circumstances mirror the hardships many faced during one of South Korea’s most uncertain times. Yet, this survival story isn’t one of despair—it’s a testament to resilience, perseverance, and the belief that even in chaos, life and dreams can bloom.
Director Lee Na-jung (Fight For My Way, Mine) and writer Jang Hyun bring together a series that mixes the personal and the political, balancing nostalgia for the flashy 90s with a heartfelt coming-of-age narrative. Produced by Studio Dragon, Imagineers, Studio PIC, and Tree Studio, Typhoon Boss aims to not just entertain but to comfort viewers who may find their own struggles reflected in Tae-poong’s journey.
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Lee Jun Ho’s Bold Transformation
Lee Jun Ho steps into the role of Kang Tae-poong with confidence and flair. Known for his versatility and depth in works like The Red Sleeve and King the Land, he has proven his ability to move seamlessly between historical romance, modern rom-com, and now a retro business survival tale. His styling alone—complete with bridged hair and bold retro fashion—perfectly captures the Orange Tribe aesthetic, a youth culture that defined Apgujeong in the late 90s.
But Kang Tae-poong is not just surface-level cool. While he turns heads wherever he goes, his heart belongs to flowers. His dream is simple yet profound: to live like a flower—resilient, beautiful, and fruitful despite storms. This contrast between his flamboyant appearance and his delicate passion hints at a layered character that audiences will discover piece by piece.
Nostalgia Meets a Fresh Narrative
For viewers who remember the 90s, Typhoon Family is poised to be a nostalgic trip—filled with fashion, slang, and cultural touchstones of the era. But for younger audiences, it offers a chance to experience a turbulent yet transformative time in Korean history through a fresh lens. Tae-poong’s struggles, both personal and professional, symbolize the wider story of a generation that refused to give up, even when everything seemed to crumble.
The drama doesn’t just promise retro aesthetics. It aims to highlight timeless themes: resilience, the pursuit of dreams, and the courage to start from nothing. The production team teased, “Lee Jun-ho won’t simply be portraying a stylish young man of the 90s. He will capture the passionate face of youth who endured and dreamed in a harsh era.”
As still cuts circulate, anticipation is rising not just for the story but for what is already being dubbed the “Lee Jun-ho Typhoon.” His name alone has become synonymous with ratings success and global appeal, and his return to the small screen in such a distinct role is enough to raise buzz. Fans and casual viewers alike are eager to see how his interpretation of Kang Tae-poong will bring both laughter and tears.
Typhoon Family will premiere this October on tvN, with Lee Jun-ho once again set to prove why he is one of the most compelling actors of his generation. From Apgujeong’s carefree streets to the hard realities of the IMF crisis, Tae-poong’s journey promises to be as stormy as it is inspiring—and audiences are ready to be swept up in the whirlwind.
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