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‘Typhoon Family’ stirs up ratings, closes in on 10% viewership

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By Hankookilbo
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Lee Jun-ho stars as Kang Tae-poong in tvN’s hit drama “Typhoon Family.” Courtesy of tvN

Lee Jun-ho stars as Kang Tae-poong in tvN’s hit drama “Typhoon Family.” Courtesy of tvN

TvN weekend drama “Typhoon Family,” which has dominated the Korean Netflix chart and ranked No. 1 among all 2025 tvN premieres, is inching toward the coveted 10 percent viewership milestone after hitting 9 percent for its fourth episode.

Premiering on Jan. 10, “Typhoon Family” tells the story of Kang Tae-poong (played by Lee Jun-ho), a rookie businessman who unexpectedly becomes the head of a failing trading company during the 1997 Asian financial crisis. The drama follows his uphill struggle to save both his company and his late father’s legacy.

According to Nielsen Korea, the series started with a 5.9 percent rating for its first episode and reached 9.0 percent by the fourth, standing at 8.9 percent after the sixth. It has remained No. 1 on Netflix Korea since its debut and topped the combined TV-OTT buzz rankings. In the drama actor popularity index, Lee Jun-ho ranked first, while co-star Kim Min-ha placed fourth.

“Typhoon Family” continues its ratings surge, nearing the 10 percent mark. Courtesy of tvN

“Typhoon Family” continues its ratings surge, nearing the 10 percent mark. Courtesy of tvN

Set against the backdrop of the late 1990s financial turmoil, the series blends humor, realism and emotional weight, earning praise for its authentic portrayal of the era. Critics and viewers alike say its themes of resilience and survival resonate strongly even today.

At the center of the show’s success is actor Lee. As Kang Tae-poong, he channels both conviction and vulnerability, depicting a young man navigating crises with grit and heart. His performance marks a successful genre shift after leading romance hits such as “The Red Sleeve” and “King the Land.”

“Typhoon Family” has drawn viewers across generations — from those who experienced the IMF era firsthand to younger audiences discovering the story through Netflix. With growing global attention, the drama’s universal message about perseverance amid hardship is fueling hopes that it will soon break the symbolic 10 percent viewership barrier.

A scene from 'Typhoon Family' / Courtesy of tvN

A scene from "Typhoon Family" / Courtesy of tvN

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.