What happens when a young man who has only ever known wealth and comfort is suddenly thrust into the harshest economic crisis of his time?
tvN’s upcoming weekend drama Typhoon Family takes viewers back to 1997, the year the IMF crisis reshaped South Korea, through the eyes of Lee Jun Ho’s Kang Tae-poong. The drama premieres on October 11 and promises not only nostalgia but also a stirring message of hope and resilience.
A Storm That Shook a Nation
The 1997 IMF financial crisis was one of South Korea’s darkest chapters. Companies collapsed, unemployment soared, and families across the nation faced instability. It was a period when survival often meant sacrifice, and ordinary people had to summon extraordinary strength. Against this backdrop, Typhoon Family introduces Kang Tae-poong—a carefree youth whose life of privilege is shattered overnight when he suddenly becomes the president of a failing trading company.
This unlikely rookie CEO inherits a company with no staff, no funds, and nothing left to sell. What begins as a humiliating fall from grace soon becomes a story of transformation as Tae-poong learns what it means to fight—not just for himself, but for the survival of his employees.
From Carefree Youth to Reluctant Leader
The newly released poster for the drama captures Tae-poong before his world collapses: stylishly dressed in the fashion of 1997, leaning confidently out of a car window, his gaze relaxed and carefree. At that time, his life was defined by freedom and excess. Thanks to his father’s successful business ventures, he never felt the sting of want. He lived as he pleased, spending recklessly and chasing thrills.
But the IMF crisis changes everything. Tae-poong is forced to shoulder responsibilities he never imagined—responsibilities that demand resilience, empathy, and a willingness to grow. The drama poses the question: how does a man who once lived only for himself become a leader others can depend on?
A Tagline That Resonates: “Our Youth, Unwavering in Those Days”
The tagline of Typhoon Boss—“Our youth, unwavering in those days”—reflects the heart of the series. It’s not only Tae-poong’s story but also a reminder of the countless young people of that era who faced uncertainty yet endured with determination. The drama draws inspiration from the resilience of everyday individuals who found ways to survive, rebuild, and continue living, even when the world seemed to be crumbling.
For modern audiences, this message carries fresh relevance. In times of economic and social upheaval, stories of courage and survival resonate deeply, reminding us that even the fiercest storms can be weathered.
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Behind the Poster: Romantic Youth Meets Harsh Reality
The production team shed light on the concept behind the “Romantic 1997” poster: “It depicts Kang Tae-poong as a reckless youth enjoying the wealth and freedom given by his parents, living in what seemed like a romantic era. But beneath that carefree surface lies the creeping crisis of the IMF, like a typhoon about to strike. His journey to endure and overcome symbolizes the fierce spirit of the times.”
They added, “We want viewers to feel not only the weight of that era but also the hope that comes from watching someone rise above despair. Tae-poong’s story is one of growth, resilience, and finding meaning even in hardship.”
Lee Jun Ho’s Transformation on Screen
For Lee Jun Ho, known for his versatile acting across projects like The Red Sleeve and King the Land, Typhoon Family presents an opportunity to showcase yet another transformation. This time, he embodies a character who straddles two extremes: the reckless freedom of youth and the sobering responsibility of leadership in crisis.
Audiences can expect to see Tae-poong stumble, falter, and grow, reflecting the universal journey of learning to face challenges head-on. Lee’s nuanced acting, paired with the drama’s historically rich setting, promises to make Tae-poong a character both relatable and inspiring.
Though set in 1997, the themes of Typhoon Family feel timeless. Economic hardships, sudden life changes, and the fight to survive against the odds are struggles that resonate across generations. Just as the IMF crisis tested the resilience of South Koreans, today’s audiences may see their own struggles reflected in Tae-poong’s journey.
By weaving together nostalgia, human resilience, and heartfelt storytelling, Typhoon Family aims to be more than just another period drama—it’s a reminder that even in the darkest storms, growth and hope are possible.
Typhoon Family, starring Lee Jun-ho as Kang Tae-poong, premieres on October 11 on tvN. Expect a blend of drama, heart, and history as one young man faces down the storm of his life—and learns what it means to truly lead.
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