tvN Fall Weekend Drama Typhoon Family with Junho and Kim Min Ha Wraps Well-received Run with Chance to Hit Double Digit Ratings
I totally missed the entirety of the run of tvN weekend drama Typhoon Family, which started in mid-October and this Sunday aired the final episode. It was a combination of being super busy every weekend in October and also that while I like male lead Junho I am so unmotivated to watch anything with Kim Min Ha. She’s touted as a good actress and I’m sure she is but she’s just not appealing to me (thus far), but with the good reviews TF has gotten I’m inclined to marathon the drama during the coming holiday break and maybe it will change my opinion of her. TF has had a solid run for tvN in its tentpole Sat-Sun time slot, starting with 5.875% and getting as high as 9.908%, and actually had four Sunday episodes so far in the 9% range. It could break double digits with today’s last episode when the ratings come out. I think what made TF air a bit under the radar was the drama following the mega hit that was Bon Appétit, Your Majesty, though TF in ratings a bit better than the earlier tvN dramas this year with Law and the City and Our Unwritten Seoul.
It’s a fantastic show. LJH is very charismatic and KMH is a strong FL. Their chemistry is so natural and sweet. I highly recommend.
It’s kind of sad that all you can say about the FL is that she is ‘strong’… whatever that means… as a selling point. I turned off the show after 2 episodes because Kim Min Ha is like a charisma vacuum.
@Lana, second!
I have been following this drama every week and have been enjoying the story so much so that I anticipate new eps more than I do for not-up-my-alley body/soul swapping LOL Moon River.
Typhoon Family is an inspiring drama about underdogs getting-back-to-their-feet, which shares some similarity to my beloved Hot Stove League but not as well written as HSL. The main draw for me to like TF is the two leads and their chemistry. This is perhaps the 2nd best acting of Junho next to the Red Sleeve, if not on par with. I love Junho’s interpretations of the hero in TF. His acting looks very relaxing and continues to advance in range. Kim Min Ha, IMO, IS 100% the right pick for the FL. She may appear physically clumsy and unattractive, not usual Kdrama FL material. But her aura is so becoming for the role that the heroine actually stands out among all the characters, sometimes even overshadowing Junho’s presence, not to mention her acting is almost flawless top notch.
I did feel the script writing dragged and repeated similar tropes losing fresh points sometimes. Otherwise, I’d rate TF equally as Hot Stove League.
Genuinely asking. What makes her stand out??
You may watch yourself. Everyone has different opinion about any actor. This is the firs time I watched her drama. IMO, she is a GREAT actress.
My thoughts about the drama and leads are very much in line with yours. I think the the business plot could have used some fleshing out – lots of setbacks that feel contrived – though the vibe of the depressed economy and the way business was done back then did come through. I appreciate how the support characters don’t feel like cheerleaders for the leads but have their own stories and thoughts.
I’ve also been impressed by Kim Min-ha and agree with you about her aura, which doesn’t get captured well in stills. Face-wise, she’s not the usual kdrama FL standard and has an almost somber look that fits the backdrop of the IMF crisis and the character. Acting-wise, she does seem to have a different style that makes me feel curious to see what she would do and feel immersed. I can understand the ML feeling a sense of attraction and curiosity towards her. And Junho has been impressive too and makes me feel all the ups and downs of his character’s journey.
Well said! Kdrama has done such great jobs in terms of promoting Korean culture and history. I learned something about the financial crisis the country went through that I had ALMOST ZERO knowledge of before watching TF. Although I myself am a professional in the financial sector, anything happening before 2005 is a bit foreign to me. I think the directing of TF is quite decent to tell an interesting story in that backdrop. I specifically love how the lighting and the setting were set up to give retro vibes, to imagine how the characters lived in that environment. The other thing you mentioned is also part of the reasons why I usually appreciate Kdrama way more than Cdrama. K writers seem to have more knacks to flesh out character development, not only about main leads, but also for supporting characters, which just adds more depth to entire stories.
I really enjoyed TF – very real characters played well by the actors/actresses. I was impressed by Junho’s acting – he brings his character to life so you believe he IS Tae Poong – a very real and naturally charismatic character with inner strength, a good heart but little business experience attempting to save the company from going under. Kim Minha plays a determined, honest, caring but private character who supports the ML and even in the beginning is a quiet strength of the business, just waiting to be recognised. Whilst she isn’t the typical FL, the ML’s character appreciates everyone for the person they are, not just what they generally portray, so its a believable match particularly with the way Junho looks at her like she’s a cold drink in a desert! A great set of supporting characters, once again “real” people who have their faults and follies but also their good points.
You spelt out what I was wanting to say but didn’t. Points much appreciated!
I really liked it at the start but it kinda became stagnant and fizzled out towards the end. I wouldn’t recommend this if you’re looking for a drama about running a business – you would simply be frustrated from the repetitive scenarios and some illogical parts. However with the right expectations, it’s not bad as a nostalgic, slice of life kind of show.
Also, I’m sure if you watch Pachinko your opinion of Kim Minha will completely change. However, her role here is more of a support for Junho’s and she didn’t have as much to do imo.