The hit tvN weekend drama “Typhoon Family” continues to climb in both ratings and popularity, and now fans know one major reason why — lead actor Lee Junho personally purchased costumes with his own money to recreate the 1990s era in stunning detail.
Set in 1997 during South Korea’s IMF crisis, “Typhoon Family” follows Kang Taepung (played by Lee Junho), a rookie who unexpectedly becomes the president of a struggling trading company with no employees, no capital, and no goods to sell. The drama’s mix of humor, grit, and human warmth has struck a chord with viewers. Within just two weeks of its premiere, it entered the Netflix Global Top 10 (Non-English TV) at No. 5 and achieved an impressive 9.0% national viewership rating by its fourth episode.
Behind this success lies meticulous craftsmanship. Determined to capture the true feel of the late ’90s, Lee Junho researched period footage and bought several outfits himself — from leather jackets and denim-on-denim looks to combat boots and iconic 1990s earrings. When authentic pieces couldn’t be found, he had them custom-made. Even his highlighted “bridge hair,” achieved with hairpieces, became a talking point among fans for its accuracy.
Co-star Kim Min-ha, who plays Oh Mi-seon, also contributed to the drama’s authentic tone. She chose argyle knit sweaters as her character’s signature item and kept her makeup minimal to reflect Mi-seon’s hardworking, family-centered lifestyle. “Mi-seon isn’t someone who spends time on appearances,” Kim explained. “She’s focused on her job and her loved ones. I wanted her natural face to feel warm and genuine.”
“Typhoon Family” doesn’t merely use the 1990s as a backdrop; it recreates the era’s daily life with remarkable precision. Viewers noticed small yet powerful details — lint removed with tape instead of rollers, paper maps used for driving instead of navigation systems, hand-written bankbook letters from parents, and aluminum lunchboxes carried for hospital visits. Even regional touches stand out: in the Busan episode, the soles of the “Shoebak Safety Shoes” bore the phrase “Best Quality,” a nod to the city’s history as Korea’s footwear capital in the 1970s–90s.
The production team said, “Every week, Typhoon Family continues to bring back the warmth and human spirit of 1997. We invite viewers to look forward to more nostalgic details and heartfelt stories in the upcoming episodes.”
“Typhoon Family” airs every Saturday and Sunday at 9:10 PM on tvN.