Lee Junho Opens His Wallet for 'Typhoon Family'

Lee Junho invests in his drama wardrobe.
He leads the cast with charm and skill.
The drama 'Typhoon Family' is set in the IMF era.

Lee Junho is once again captivating audiences, this time by fully immersing himself into the quirky and resilient Kang Tae Poong in the upcoming drama "Typhoon Family" (also known as "Typhoon Boss"). Ahead of the premiere, a special broadcast gave fans a sneak peek into the series and the actors' preparations, and it's clear that Junho is delivering a performance packed with character.

The drama plunges into the tumultuous period of the 1997 IMF crisis in South Korea, telling the story of a rookie businessman who becomes the president of a trading company with no employees, no capital, and nothing to sell.

Following his acclaimed roles in "The Red Sleeve" and "King the Land," expectations are sky-high for Junho's portrayal of a character whose pure-hearted tenacity defines him. But what truly sets this project apart is the actor's remarkable personal commitment, which went far beyond just memorizing lines. It’s been revealed that Junho made a significant private investment to ensure the show's authenticity, particularly when it came to his character's stylish and era-appropriate wardrobe.

Lee Junho's Personal Investment in His Character's Style

The production team of "Typhoon Family" recently shared candid moments from the cast, revealing just how deep Lee Junho's dedication runs. He plays Kang Tae Poong, a CEO who must navigate the harsh economic realities of the IMF era.

To build this character, Junho didn't just rely on acting chops. He reached into his own wallet.

"The character of Kang Tae-poong feels like the son of a CEO. (Lee Jun-ho) said he spent a lot of money on them," the production team disclosed.

This personal investment in curating Kang Tae Poong's 1990s-fashion wardrobe was so substantial that it left his co-stars Kim Jae Hwa and Lee Sang Jin utterly speechless.

Kim Jae-hwa exclaimed in surprise, "That's amazing," while Lee Sang-jin was flustered, asking, "How should I react to this?"

This wasn't just about looking the part, it was about embodying the spirit of the late 90s, a time Junho himself remembers from his childhood. He recalled participating in the national gold collection campaign and seeing his parents ponder how to help the country, adding a layer of personal resonance and emotional depth to his preparation. This commitment to authenticity showcases an actor who is all-in, ensuring every detail, down to the last stitch of clothing, contributes to a believable and immersive world.

The On-Set Charisma of Lee Junho

Beyond the financial investment, Lee Junho won over the entire cast and crew with his captivating on-set presence. His co-stars were unanimous in their praise, highlighting how his natural "flirty" and confident style was a perfect match for the CEO role he was playing.

"Actor Lee Junho is amazing. His flirtatious style suits him well, and he acts in a way that makes you feel like a boss, so it was easy to immerse myself in the role," Lee Sangjin stated.

"His attitude and synchronization are 100%," he continued.

However, this commanding presence was balanced with a vibrant and playful energy behind the scenes. Junho was described as the team's beloved "prankster," who kept the atmosphere light. But when it was time for action, he displayed a formidable focus.

"Junho is a prankster on set. He jokes around a lot, but when it's time to film, he shows off his incredibly clever side. I often thought to myself, 'Wow, people can be this clever'," Lee Sangjin noted.

This duality, being a supportive leader and a serious artist, cemented his role as the team's true boss. Kim Jae Hwa echoed this sentiment.

"He's the leader of our team. He carefully checks on each and every actor's condition. He's our boss," Kim Jae Hwa claimed.

In conclusion, through his significant personal investment in the production's authenticity and his innate ability to lead both on and off camera, Lee Junho has truly become the heart and soul of "Typhoon Family." His deep understanding of the character's struggles within the IMF backdrop, coupled with the glowing endorsements from his colleagues, sets the stage for what could be another landmark role in his already impressive career. As "Typhoon Family" prepares to make its debut, all eyes are on Lee Junho to see if he can successfully continue the streak of successful weekend dramas on tvN.

Source: OSEN, tVN Drama, Instagram/post_leejunho