With a promising start, Typhoon family it could have ended on a much higher note if it hadn’t fallen into predictable clichés that wore out the audience’s patience. This tvN drama, directed by Lee Na Jeong and Kim Donghwi, centers on the turbulent coming-of-age story of Kang Tae Poong (played by Lee Junho) set against the backdrop of the Asian financial crisis of 1997. Opposite him, Kim Min Ha plays Oh Mi Seon, a resilient and principled accountant facing a collapsing economy.
One of the show’s most popular features is its vivid recreation of late 1990s Korea, from simple household objects to intimate portraits of failing small businesses. The series began with an impressive average national rating of 5.9%, peaking at 7.1% – the highest for tvN weekend dramas in 2025. However, this momentum quickly waned as the plot succumbed to repetitive conflict patterns and emotionally stagnant arcs, eroding audience anticipation.
The first few episodes stood out for their fast-paced storytelling, effectively capturing the stark change in Kang Tae Poong’s lifestyle from carefree youth to a man thrust into adversity. The economic context has provided fertile ground for family and social drama, painting a realistic picture of workers clinging to unpaid jobs and families on the brink of homelessness. Tae Poong’s evolution was initially compelling, as each challenge seemed to awaken hidden strengths and emotional layers.
However, the more the show delved into character arcs, the more it struggled to sustain tension. Conflicts seemed recycled, the stakes did not significantly increase, and solutions became predictable. The potential depth offered by subplots, including those involving antagonists, was undermined by superficial resolutions. The repetition of similar corporate infighting and redundant topics diluted the narrative, leaving it meandering and emotionally flat.
Despite these flaws, Lee Junho and Kim Min Ha’s performances remained standouts. Lee Junho convincingly portrayed Tae Poong’s nuanced transformation, especially in scenes dealing with pain and pressure. His dynamic expressions and emotional timing anchored the core of the show even when the script faltered.
Kim Min Ha’s portrayal of Mi Seon provided a concrete counterbalance. His performance was understated yet deeply resonant, channeling the ethos of the late ’90s with minimalist gestures and well-calibrated dialogue. However, even though the bond between Mi Seon and Tae Poong maintained the heat, it lacked the emotional spark that many viewers were hoping for. Their chemistry, hampered in part by an obvious age difference, at times seemed forced rather than smooth.
Another sore point was Kim Min Ha’s character style, which drew criticism for appearing mismatched next to Lee Junho. While this didn’t significantly hinder their acting, it affected the believability of their couple.
However, the emotional sincerity brought by both protagonists helped Typhoon family avoid complete disappointment. Supporting actors such as Sung Dong Il, Kim Min Seok, Mu Jin Sung, Kim Sang Ho, and Park Sung Yeon also enriched the narrative, bringing its secondary threads to life.
Rating: 3/5
Typhoon family it had all the ingredients for extraordinary drama, an evocative setting, emotionally mature characters and a strong opening, but it lacked the narrative audacity to deliver on its initial promise. It’s a drama that evokes both appreciation and regret: it’s worth watching for the performances, but it’s unlikely to leave a lasting mark as one of the year’s most memorable works.
Sources: K14
