[Press Release] Why CJ ENM's "Typhoon Family" Has Everyone Talking: Credit To The Characters

Leading Entertainment Company CJ ENM's "Typhoon Family" is sweeping both ratings and buzz charts. It ranked No.1 in the TV–OTT drama category for the fifth week of October, maintaining the top spot for two consecutive weeks. (Good Data Corporation's FUNdex).

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Rating-wise, according to Nielsen Korea (paid household ratings), episode 8 achieved its highest numbers yet, recording a nationwide average of 9.1% (peaking at 9.6%) and 9.0% / 9.7% in the metropolitan area via CJ ENM's tvN, while also entering Netflix's Global Top 10 (Non-English TV) for three straight weeks. With these results, "Typhoon Family" firmly holds its position as one of Korea's top dramas currently ongoing.

Produced by Studio Dragon, the series follows ordinary office workers, set during Korea's IMF financial crisis, who hold on to hope and humanity even in the toughest of times. Through humor, emotion, and perseverance, "Typhoon Family" captures the warmth of everyday life and the power of unity, themes that have struck a deep chord with viewers at home and abroad.

The remarkable success of "Typhoon Family" is largely fueled by the deeply relatable performances of Lee Junho and Kim Min-ha-I. In the cast popularity ranking, Lee Junho claimed the No.1 position for two weeks in a row, while Kim Min-ha-I followed at No.2, proving the show's powerful pull not only as a drama series, but also through the star power of its leads. (Good Data Corporation's FUNdex)

Lee Junho delivers a nuanced and emotionally layered portrayal of Kang Tae-poong, a young man who never stops moving forward despite endless challenges. His firm control of emotions and subtle expressions reveal the inner strength and the romanticism of a man who refuses to lose his warmth or dreams, even when cornered by harsh reality. At times fierce and impulsive, and sometimes fragile and introspective, Lee's acting balances intensity with tenderness, creating a "salaryman hero" who glows with humor, empathy, and humanity even amid hardship.

Kim Min-ha-I, in contrast, breathes dimension and vitality into Oh Mi-seon, a responsible and kind-hearted colleague who embodies the archetypal "K-eldest daughter (e.g., a Korean eldest daughter who takes responsibility for every family matter)". With her eyes full of emotions and dynamic acting skills, she turns what could have been a simple character into one full of rhythm and energy. Her performance flows seamlessly between comedic timing and deeply emotional moments, her face alone guiding the tone of entire scenes. She doesn't just portray a working woman. She becomes someone universally relatable, grounding the drama with warmth and authenticity.

On set, the two actors are said to have constantly discussed each scene together, exploring emotional beats and small details beyond the written script. Their collaboration produced organic ad-libs, subtle glances, and gestures that made each interaction feel real and alive. This shared creative process brought genuine breath into every exchange between Kang Tae-poong and Oh Mi-seon, filling "Typhoon Family" with a sense of humanity that feels lived-in rather than performed.

As the story enters a new phase, anticipation continues to build for how these characters will face the next storm together.

Hyoju Jeon, Head of Global Marketing at CJ ENM, said, ""Typhoon Family" tells a story that feels deeply Korean, which is why it resonates so strongly with local viewers. At the same time, its universal themes of growth, perseverance, and human connection are also touching audiences around the world. The upcoming episodes will deliver even more heartfelt and relatable moments that viewers everywhere can enjoy".

"CJ ENM has many stories that both domestic and global fans can connect with", she added. "We will continue to create and distribute content that moves, entertains, and inspires audiences across borders, and we hope viewers will look forward to what's next".

"Typhoon Family" is directed by Lee Na-jeong and Kim Dong-hwi and scripted by Jang Hyun. The drama airs on tvN every Saturday and Sunday in Korea, and via Netflix Worldwide.