Lee Jun Ho has received widespread praise for his performance over the past seven weeks leading 'Typhoon Family.'
With only two episodes remaining in the tvN weekend drama 'Typhoon Family' (directed by Lee Na Jung and Kim Dong Hwi, written by Jang Hyun, planned by Studio Dragon, produced by Imaginus, Studio PIC, and Tris Studio), Lee Jun Ho’s portrayal of Kang Tae Poong has left a lasting impression as the series progressed. Critics note that his depiction meticulously built the character’s emotions, growth, and sense of responsibility—from a reckless young man in Apgujeong to the head of a company and family—reflecting the weight of the IMF era with authenticity.
Lee Jun Ho gradually accumulated the emotional highs and lows of Kang Tae Poong, realistically portraying the face of “a youth who survived the IMF.” In the beginning, he naturally captured the free-spirited Apgujeong Playboy persona, reminiscent of the ‘Apstreet Boys’ vibe. After the sudden death of his father (played by Sung Dong Il), he conveyed the full weight of youthful confusion and fear, showing a sudden shift in life’s burdens. Yet, he explosively displayed resilience and determination, embodying the young man who loved flowers but, following his father’s lessons, endured hardships to bear strong fruit and become a true company head—a process viewers could genuinely empathize with.
At the heart of this transformation were moments when Tae Poong recognized the weight and responsibility of being a CEO. He learned from CEO Choi (played by Lee Do Kyung) that a leader must do anything for their employees, and observing Go Ma Jin (portrayed by Lee Chang Hoon) teach Oh Mi Sun (Portrayed by Kim Min Ha) the basics of business, he painfully realized he had no mentor or father to guide him. This prompted introspection on what it truly means to be a leader.
Tae Poong worked tirelessly to pay his employees’ salaries and even humbled himself before Byung Pyo Jun (played by Moo Jin Sung), who tried to ruin him, pleading for help in selling products. Late at night, in empty offices, he quietly reflected on the burdens his father carried, learning firsthand that the role of a CEO is never an easy one—both physically and emotionally.
Lee Jun Ho’s performance shone because he didn’t merely show a timeline of growth; he layered every moment with conscious choices and emotions. Throughout filming, he saw the world through Tae Poong’s eyes and breathed his emotions. He constantly contributed ideas on set to make the character more three-dimensional, going beyond simply acting according to the script—he became Kang Tae Poong. This level of immersion translated into vivid realism on screen, allowing viewers to fully engage with “the face of youth during the IMF.”
Recently, Lee Jun Ho reached the peak of this immersive performance. In a scene bowing to Byung Pyo Jun, he conveyed the desperate sense of responsibility of a CEO willing to do anything to protect the company. Later, in a quiet scene at a restaurant his father once frequented, he drank soju alone, swallowing his grief, leaving a profound impact on audiences. His expression of regret, longing, and apology resonated deeply with viewers.
When discovering betrayal by Cha Sun Taek (Kim Jae Hwa), Lee Jun Ho powerfully conveyed the shock of broken trust. His gaze expressed anger, pain, and helplessness, yet Tae Poong rose again. In a scene bluffing with a loan note in front of Pyo Bak Ho (Kim Sang Ho), he simultaneously displayed unshakable courage and underlying desperation, completing the story of a CEO who rises to fight despite setbacks.
With only two episodes left, viewers eagerly anticipate the fruits of Tae-poong’s journey to protect both his people and company amid the storm of the IMF—and the final emotional resonance Lee Junho will deliver.
'Typhoon Family' Episode 15 airs on November 29, and Episode 16 airs on November 30 at 9:10 PM KST on tvN.
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