The tvN weekend drama "Typhoon Family" is rapidly approaching the coveted 10 percent viewership milestone after achieving a 9 percent rating for its fourth episode. The series has dominated the Korean Netflix chart and currently ranks as the number one tvN premiere of 2025, demonstrating remarkable success across multiple platforms.
Premiring on January 10, "Typhoon Family" follows the compelling story of Kang Tae-poong, portrayed by Lee Jun-ho, a rookie businessman who unexpectedly finds himself leading a failing trading company during the devastating 1997 Asian financial crisis. The drama chronicles his challenging journey as he fights to save both his struggling company and preserve his late father's legacy during one of Korea's most turbulent economic periods.
According to Nielsen Korea ratings data, the series has shown consistent growth since its debut. The first episode garnered a 5.9 percent rating, which steadily climbed to 9.0 percent by the fourth episode and maintained at 8.9 percent through the sixth episode. Since its premiere, "Typhoon Family" has maintained its position as the top-ranked series on Netflix Korea and has dominated the combined TV-OTT buzz rankings, indicating strong viewer engagement across both traditional television and streaming platforms.
The show's success extends to individual performances, with Lee Jun-ho claiming the top spot in the drama actor popularity index, while his co-star Kim Min-ha secured fourth place. This recognition highlights the strong cast performances that have contributed to the series' widespread appeal and critical acclaim.
Set against the backdrop of the late 1990s financial turmoil, "Typhoon Family" masterfully blends humor, realism, and emotional depth to create an authentic portrayal of this challenging era in Korean history. Critics and viewers have consistently praised the series for its genuine representation of the period, noting how its central themes of resilience and survival continue to resonate powerfully with contemporary audiences.
At the heart of the show's success is Lee Jun-ho's compelling performance as Kang Tae-poong. The actor skillfully balances conviction with vulnerability, creating a nuanced portrayal of a young man who must navigate unprecedented crises with determination and heart. This role represents a successful genre transition for Lee, who previously gained recognition for leading romantic dramas such as "The Red Sleeve" and "King the Land."
The drama has successfully attracted viewers across multiple generations, appealing both to older audiences who personally experienced the IMF crisis era and younger viewers who are discovering this important historical period through Netflix. This broad demographic appeal has contributed significantly to the show's sustained popularity and cultural impact.
With growing international attention and universal themes about perseverance in the face of hardship, industry experts and fans alike are optimistic that "Typhoon Family" will soon break through the symbolic 10 percent viewership barrier. The series' combination of historical significance, strong performances, and compelling storytelling continues to fuel expectations for even greater success in upcoming episodes.
