Lee Junho Embraces the 90s in New K-Drama 'Typhoon Family'

Lee Junho stars in the new drama Typhoon Family.
The show is set during the IMF crisis.
His character's 90s fashion is receiving major praise.

Lee Junho is set to captivate audiences once again, this time by traveling back to the pivotal year of 1997 for his new drama, “Typhoon Family.” The series promises to be a heartfelt story of resilience, following the journey of his character, Kang Tae Poong, a rookie businessman from a wealthy background who lives for style and freedom. His life is turned upside down when he is suddenly thrust into the role of head of a struggling trading company that has no employees, no money, and nothing left to sell, all amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the IMF financial crisis. This role places Junho at the center of a narrative that is as much about national hardship as it is about personal growth, forcing his character to mature rapidly in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Delving into the role, Junho engaged in deep conversations about the complexities of Kang Tae Poong and the unique challenges of portraying a story set during a difficult historical period. He shared insightful details about his character-building process, from the external fashion choices that define the era to the internal humanity he wanted Kang Tae Poong to embody. For Junho, it wasn't just about playing a part; it was about authentically recreating a significant moment in South Korea's history and ensuring his character would be someone audiences could genuinely root for and relate to on a deeply human level.

Lee Junho on Capturing the Spirit of 'Typhoon Family'

At the heart of "Typhoon Family" is the IMF crisis, a period of economic hardship that Junho, being a child at the time, experienced secondhand but understood profoundly through the adults around him. He explained his connection to the era.

“Both of my parents worked, and I remember everyone in the country joining efforts to overcome the crisis, such as the gold-collecting campaign," recalled Lee Junho.

This collective spirit of perseverance is a key theme he hopes to convey. Despite the heavy backdrop, Junho emphasizes the drama's universal and uplifting message.

“It’s a story that everyone living with an uncertain tomorrow can relate to. 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,” he shared, highlighting his desire for the show to be a source of both entertainment and solace for viewers.

When it came to building his character, Junho saw Kang Tae Poong as remarkably transparent.

“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 commented.

But his preparation went far beyond displaying a spectrum of feelings. Junho meticulously constructed the character's persona by thinking about the kind of person people need during their hardest times.

“I wanted to portray someone who could be a good older brother to lean on in difficult times, 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," Lee Junho elaborated.

This thoughtful approach reveals his commitment to creating a multidimensional and ultimately inspiring figure. He also credited the incredibly detailed set, a perfect recreation of 1997, for helping him immerse himself completely, making him feel like he was truly living in that year.

Lee Junho's Era-Defining Fashion Earns Early Praise

Even before its premiere, 'Typhoon Family' has generated significant buzz, and a major point of discussion has been Lee Junho's impeccable retro styling. The production has released stills showcasing Junho in bold looks inspired by the "Orange Tribe" a.ka term for the stylish, trendsetting youth of South Korea in the late 80s and 90s, similar to Western yuppies.

Junho himself was deeply involved in crafting this visual identity, stating, “I wanted to express the vibe and aesthetics of the time.”

He researched popular items like leather jackets, denim-on-denim fashion, work boots, and earrings, even referencing the styles of celebrities from that era to shape Kang Tae Poong's flashy and fashionable appearance.

The effort has certainly paid off, captivating Korean netizens who have flooded online communities with praise. The comments highlight both his striking visuals and the effective styling.

"I was like, 'Where have I seen him before?' He really looks like Rain back in the day."

"Wow, he’s insanely handsome."

"The outfits are so cute."

"If it’s the Orange Tribe, then it’s the ’90s."

"He really does look like Rain lol."

"It suits him so well lol, I’m looking forward to this drama."

"Wow, it suits him so well lol."

"Wow, he really looks like Rain."

"He's so darn good-looking."

"They did a good job picking the outfits."

"The styling is so good. I'm excited for 'Typhoon Family'."

"Loving his outfits."

"He looks so much like Rain in the early 2000s. lol."

'Typhoon Family,' which also stars Kim Min Ha as the meticulous accounting officer Oh Mi Seon, is set to premiere on October 11 at 9:20 p.m. KST. The drama will air following 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty,' inviting viewers to embark on a nostalgic, emotional, and stylish journey back to a defining decade.

Watch 'Typhoon Family' teaser below:

Source: NAVER, theqoo, Allkpop, Soompi