Lee Junho is stepping into a pivotal new role in Typhoon Family, and he recently opened up about what it means to bring this story to life—both as an actor and as someone reflecting on a key chapter of modern Korean history.
Set against the backdrop of the 1997 IMF financial crisis, Typhoon Family follows the story of Kang Tae Poong (played by Lee Junho), a stylish and carefree young man from a wealthy family who suddenly finds himself at the helm of a failing trading company. With no employees, no funds, and nothing left to sell, Tae Poong must face the harsh realities of a collapsing economy—and begin the journey of becoming a real businessman.
For Junho, who was still a child during the IMF crisis, the drama carries personal resonance. While he didn’t experience it directly, he remembers the national mood through his parents. “Both of my parents worked,” he recalled, “and I remember everyone in the country joining efforts to overcome the crisis—such as the gold-collecting campaign.” That collective memory gave him insight into the emotional and cultural climate of the time.
Reflecting on the drama’s themes, Junho noted its relevance for audiences today. “It’s a story that everyone living with an uncertain tomorrow can relate to,” he shared. “I hope everyone living cheerfully and resiliently each day will be able to laugh and cry while watching the drama, relate to it, and also find comfort.”
When it came to crafting his character, Junho saw Kang Tae Poong as someone open-hearted and emotionally rich. “I thought of him as a character with a wide range of emotions, from joy to sorrow and anger, so I tried to show various sides of him,” he explained. That complexity was key to making Tae Poong more than just a symbol of resilience—he had to feel real.
One of Junho’s earliest priorities was recreating the look and feel of 1997. He researched the era’s fashion trends—leather jackets, denim-on-denim, work boots, statement earrings—and drew inspiration from the styles of celebrities of the time. “I wanted to express the vibe and aesthetics of the time,” he said, recognizing how style can help anchor a character in their historical context.
But beyond appearances, Junho was determined to shape Tae Poong into a figure of emotional strength. “I thought about the kind of person you’d want by your side during the hardest times,” he shared. “I wanted to portray someone who could be a good older brother to lean on, a dependable husband and father, or even a son. I also wanted Kang Tae Poong to be the kind of person you’d wish to have as a boss or teacher.”
The atmosphere on set further supported Junho’s performance. The production team meticulously recreated the era—down to the costumes, hairstyles, makeup, and even club and broadcast station settings—allowing Junho to feel fully immersed in 1997. “All the details helped me feel like I was really living in that time,” he said.
Typhoon Family is scheduled to premiere on October 11 at 9:20 p.m. KST, promising not only a nostalgic look back at a pivotal era but also a heartfelt exploration of what it means to grow up when everything around you is falling apart.
