It’s the small details that can make a drama mediocre or exceptional, and 'Typhoon Family' has mastered the art of weaving in subtle touches that elevate the entire series.
tvN's 'Typhoon Family' hid a clever secret in its episode titles - each one being named after a famous Korean drama from the 1990s, adding nostalgia and deepening the storytelling.
The episode titles for episodes 1 through 6 are 'Stormy Season,' 'Asphalt Man,' 'The Moon of Seoul,' 'Even if the Wind Blows,' 'Our Paradise,' and 'Legendary Ambition.' These are all titles of popular dramas from that era. Interestingly, each episode title connects directly to the episode's theme, adding a playful and meaningful twist unique to 'Typhoon Family.'
Set in 1997 during the IMF crisis, 'Typhoon Family' follows rookie businessman Kang Tae Poong (played by Lee Jun Ho), who suddenly becomes the president of a struggling trading company with no employees, no money, and nothing to sell.
Episode 1, titled 'Stormy Season,' marks the beginning of Tae Poong's turbulent journey. Once a carefree youth from Apgujeong, who loved dancing, singing, and flowers, his life turns upside down when his father, Kang Jin Young (played by Sung Dong Il), dies amid the financial crisis, setting off a whirlwind of events.
In episode 2, 'Asphalt Man,' Tae Poong fights desperately to save the collapsing company. The dramatic ending — where he throws himself onto the asphalt to stop a cargo truck — captures his unyielding determination.
Episode 3, 'The Moon of Seoul,' ends on a romantic note. Facing bankruptcy, Taepung decides to become a true businessman instead of giving up, proposing to Oh Mi Sun (played by Kim Min Ha) under the Seoul moon. Their youthful resilience shines through like moonlight in the darkness.
Episode 4, 'Even If the Wind Blows,' shows Tae Poong exposing conman President Pyo Bak Ho (Kim Sang Ho), securing funds, and finally finding a product to sell — safety shoes called “ShoeBak” in Busan. But when his family’s apartment is seized, he faces yet another setback. The episode title mirrors Tae Poong’s resolve to stand tall “even when the wind blows.”
Episode 5, 'Our Paradise,' highlights Tae Poong and Mi Sun’s teamwork as they struggle to find sales channels for the safety shoes, building their own little “paradise” of trust and companionship along the way.
In episode 6, 'Legendary Ambition,' Tae Poong’s creativity and hard work finally pay off when he lands an export contract. However, a new crisis looms when their shipping company lands on a blacklist. As Taepung searches for a new route via deep-sea fishing vessels, viewers wonder if he can truly write his “legend of ambition” during the IMF era.
Each episode intricately reflects the narrative and emotions of the episode, blending nostalgia with storytelling depth.
Screenwriter Jang Hyun shared, “The roots of today’s dazzling K-dramas lie in the Korean dramas of the 1980s and 1990s. This series is my small tribute to those dramas that inspired me.”
The production team added, “Episodes 7 and 8 will be titled 'To Live Is To…' and 'Our Sunny Days of Youth.' They will explore the meaning of ‘living’ amid the IMF crisis and the youth’s journey back toward the light.”
'Typhoon Family' recently achieved its highest rating yet — 9.6% (Nielsen Korea) in episode 6 — continuing its surge in popularity. According to Good Data Corporation’s FUNdex, lead actor Lee Jun Ho ranked No. 1 in drama buzz for the fourth week of October, while Typhoon Company topped both TV and OTT drama categories, solidifying its status as a “trendsetting drama.”
Mini Guide to the 1990s Dramas Referenced in 'Typhoon Family' (Episodes 1–6):
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Stormy Season – A drama about youth facing life’s choices and growing through them. Starring Choi Jin Sil, Kim Hee Ae, and Do Ji Won.
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Asphalt Man – Portrays the passion and ambition of youth facing an uncertain future. Starring Lee Byung Hun, Jung Woo Sung, Choi Jin Sil, Lee Young Ae, and Heo Jun Ho.
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The Moon of Seoul – Depicts the struggles of ordinary people living in Seoul’s backstreets. Starring Han Suk Kyu, Choi Min Sik, and Chae Shi Ra.
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Even If the Wind Blows – A heartwarming family drama. Starring Choi Soo Jong and Yoo Ho Jung.
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Our Paradise – A story about college students in the 1990s, filled with dreams, romance, and youth. Starring Jang Dong Gun, Kim Chan Woo, Han Suk Kyu, and Choi Jin Sil.
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Legendary Ambition – A political drama set in the 1970s. Starring Choi Soo Jong, Chae Shi Ra, Yoo Dong Geun, and Lee Jung Hyun.
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