The Korean drama landscape witnessed a seismic shift when Typhoon Family premiered on tvN on October 11, 2025, immediately establishing itself as the highest-rated weekend drama of the year. The series starring 2PM’s Lee Jun Ho and Kim Min Ha achieved an impressive nationwide rating of 5.9 percent—decisively surpassing the previous record holder Bon Appétit Your Majesty, which debuted at 4.856 percent. This remarkable achievement signals not only the commercial appeal of the Lee Jun Ho-Kim Min Ha pairing but also audiences’ hunger for emotionally resonant period dramas that explore Korea’s economic history with warmth, humor, and authenticity.
Typhoon Family Breaks Records with Spectacular Debut
According to Nielsen Korea, the first episode of Typhoon Family scored an average nationwide rating of 5.874 percent, with viewership peaking at an impressive 7.1 percent during key emotional moments. In the metropolitan area, the premiere achieved an average of 5.73 percent, also peaking at 7.1 percent, securing the top spot across all channels including terrestrial networks during its time slot.
| Rating Category | Typhoon Family | Bon Appétit Your Majesty | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nationwide Average | 5.874% | 4.856% | +1.018% |
| Peak Rating | 7.1% | Data unavailable | — |
| Metropolitan Average | 5.73% | 5.101% | +0.629% |
| Target Demo (20-49) | 1.8% | Data unavailable | — |
These numbers represent a significant milestone for tvN, establishing Typhoon Family as the highest-rated premiere for a tvN Saturday-Sunday drama in 2025. The drama captured first place in its time slot across all channels, demonstrating its broad appeal beyond cable television’s typical audience.
The King the Land Reunion Effect: Lee Jun Ho Follows Im Yoona’s Success
The premiere of Typhoon Family carries special significance as it follows the successful conclusion of Bon Appétit Your Majesty, which starred Im Yoona and Lee Chae Min. Two years after their acclaimed on-screen chemistry in JTBC’s King the Land, Lee Jun Ho and Im Yoona are back in the spotlight—this time taking turns in the coveted tvN weekend slot.
The connection has created buzz among fans who fondly remember the Lee Jun Ho-Yoona pairing in King the Land. The apparent “baton pass” from Yoona’s Bon Appétit Your Majesty to Jun Ho’s Typhoon Family has generated excitement, with social media flooded with comments celebrating the King the Land couple’s continued success.
Typhoon Family premiered on October 11, 2025 and has taken position in the weekend drama slot previously held by Bon Appétit, Your Majesty. The seamless transition between these two dramas—both featuring beloved stars from the same iconic pairing—demonstrates tvN’s strategic programming approach and understanding of viewer preferences.
What Makes Typhoon Family a Ratings Phenomenon?
Set against the backdrop of the devastating 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, Typhoon Family tells the story of Kang Tae Poong (Lee Jun Ho), the carefree eldest son of a wealthy family who suddenly inherits his father’s company Typhoon Trading after his father’s unexpected death. The drama explores themes of responsibility, resilience, and redemption as Tae Poong transforms from an immature “Orange Tribe” member—part of the Apgujeong youth cultural phenomenon of the 1990s—into a determined CEO fighting to save both his father’s legacy and his employees’ livelihoods.
The 1997 Crisis: Historical Context That Resonates
The Asian Financial Crisis of 1997 remains a pivotal moment in Korean history, affecting millions of families and reshaping the nation’s economic landscape. Writer Jang Hyun Sook shared that the inspiration for the show came from stories told by his seniors during his time as a salesperson, when mobile phones were not yet commonplace. His intention was to capture the warmth and resilience of people during difficult times.
This historical setting provides emotional depth rarely seen in contemporary K-dramas. Viewers who lived through the crisis or heard stories from family members find themselves connecting with the characters’ struggles on a deeply personal level.
Power Couple Chemistry: Lee Jun Ho and Kim Min Ha
The new series starring 2PM’s Lee Junho and Kim Min Ha achieved the highest premiere viewership ratings of any tvN weekend drama in 2025. Their on-screen chemistry has been praised by critics and viewers alike, with many highlighting the subway scene in the premiere as a standout romantic moment.
Kim Min Ha plays Oh Mi Seon, an accountant and the eldest daughter carrying her family’s burdens on her shoulders. Her character represents the countless workers who faced layoffs, salary cuts, and uncertainty during the economic crisis. The contrast between Tae Poong’s privileged background and Mi Seon’s working-class struggle creates compelling dramatic tension while highlighting themes of class consciousness and social responsibility.
Breaking Down the Numbers: Why Typhoon Family Dominates
The drama’s success extends beyond overall ratings to capture the crucial 20-49 demographic—the age group most coveted by advertisers and considered the primary audience for Korean dramas.
Target Demographic Performance
Typhoon Family took first place in its time slot among the key demographic of viewers ages 20 to 49, with whom it earned an average nationwide rating of 1.8 percent. This demographic success indicates that the period setting hasn’t deterred younger viewers who might not remember the 1997 crisis firsthand.
The peak rating of 2.4 percent in the 20-49 demographic reveals that certain scenes created appointment television moments—sequences so compelling that viewers tuned in en masse and remained engaged throughout.
Production Excellence: The Team Behind the Typhoon
Typhoon Family is directed by Lee Na Jeong and Kim Dong Hwi, written by Jang Hyun Sook, and co-produced by Imaginus, Studio PIC, and Tree Studio. Director Lee Na Jeong brings extensive experience from previous acclaimed dramas, while writer Jang’s personal connection to the era lends authenticity to the storytelling.
The production team invested heavily in recreating the 1990s aesthetic, from fashion and music to cultural touchstones that defined the era. A pre-released clip showed Tae Poong dancing to “Nan” by Clon, one of the most popular Korean songs of 1997, instantly transporting viewers back to that cultural moment.
Nostalgic Details That Captivate Audiences
Pager messages like “584486 (I love you to death)” and “17171771 (I love you)” reflected his popularity. These authentic period details resonate powerfully with viewers who remember the pre-smartphone era, when pagers represented cutting-edge communication technology and numerical codes conveyed romantic messages.
The drama recreates the “Apgujeong Street Boys” culture—a youth phenomenon centered around Apgujeong-dong, an affluent neighborhood in Seoul’s Gangnam district. This subculture, named after the orange subway line that served the area, represented conspicuous consumption and carefree youth during Korea’s economic boom years before the crisis struck.
Surpassing Bon Appétit Your Majesty: A Comparative Analysis
In comparison, the first episode of Bon Appétit, Your Majesty on Aug. 23 got ratings of 4.856 percent nationwide and 5.101 percent in the metropolitan area. While Bon Appétit Your Majesty enjoyed respectable ratings throughout its run and cultivated a devoted fanbase, Typhoon Family’s premiere numbers represent approximately 21 percent higher nationwide viewership.
What Explains the Ratings Gap?
Several factors contribute to Typhoon Family’s superior debut performance:
1. Star Power Multiplication Lee Jun Ho comes off the massive success of King the Land, while Kim Min Ha brings her own growing popularity. Their pairing generates more buzz than any individual star could achieve alone.
2. Universal Themes While Bon Appétit Your Majesty focused on royal palace intrigue and romance, Typhoon Family explores economic hardship—a theme that resonates across all demographics and feels relevant even in 2025.
3. Nostalgia Factor The 1990s setting appeals to multiple generations: those who lived through the era enjoy reminiscing, while younger viewers discover a fascinating historical period through compelling storytelling.
4. Emotional Depth The drama balances humor with heart-wrenching moments, creating an emotional rollercoaster that keeps viewers engaged.
Global Streaming Success: Netflix Amplifies Reach
Beyond domestic Korean ratings, Typhoon Family streams globally on Netflix, expanding its audience exponentially. The platform releases two new episodes every weekend (Saturday and Sunday), making the drama accessible to international fans simultaneously with Korean broadcasts.
When the premiere episode was released on October 11, 2025, it made a nationwide ranking of around 5.9% and it became the most-watched K-drama across all Korean networks. This achievement is particularly impressive given the competition from terrestrial broadcasters with much larger built-in audiences.
The Netflix partnership ensures that Typhoon Family reaches Korean drama fans worldwide, from Southeast Asia to Europe and the Americas. International viewers have praised the drama’s emotional resonance, with many noting that economic struggles transcend cultural boundaries.
Social Impact: Supporting Korean Workers
A unique aspect of Typhoon Family extends beyond entertainment into social activism. A donation initiative titled “Support Korea Movement with Typhoon Family” was announced on the premiere date. Through this program, IBK Industrial Bank will contribute 10 million won for every 10,000 support messages on tvN’s website until the show’s conclusion, aimed at assisting workers in small and medium-sized enterprises.
This initiative aligns perfectly with the drama’s themes of corporate responsibility and worker solidarity during economic hardship. It transforms Typhoon Family from mere entertainment into a vehicle for social good, further endearing it to viewers who appreciate socially conscious programming.
Original Soundtrack: Musical Moments That Move Hearts
On October 2, tvN announced that both Lee Jun Ho and Kim Min Ha would contribute to the series’ original soundtrack. “Eternity,” a piano track featuring Kim Min Ha’s vocals, was released on October 12, 2025. The show’s opening theme “Did You See The Rainbow?”—performed by Lee Jun Ho—will be released on October 19, 2025.
These OST contributions deepen viewers’ connection to the drama, with lead actors’ voices providing the emotional soundtrack to their characters’ journeys. The strategy has proven effective in K-drama marketing, as popular OSTs often chart on music platforms and extend the drama’s cultural footprint beyond television.
Critical Reception and Viewer Response
Beyond ratings numbers, Typhoon Family has garnered enthusiastic critical and viewer response. Early reviews praise the drama for its “outstanding cast,” “perfect combo of tearjerker and laughter,” and authentic recreation of the 1990s era.
Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with viewers commenting:
- “Absolutely love this dramaaaa! The aesthetic vibes and the whole cast are well thought of!”
- “Drama is very well shooted and written. First episode was great. Players are well chosen.”
- “A solid start for Typhoon Family. Loved Junho x Kim Min-ha. (Subway swoon.) But also really appreciated how the 90s came alive.”
The drama currently holds an 8.1 rating on MyDramaList based on user reviews, with over 10,000 watchers tracking the series—impressive numbers for a show only one episode into its run.
The Road Ahead: Maintaining Momentum Through 16 Episodes
Typhoon Family is scheduled to run for 16 episodes, airing every Saturday and Sunday at 21:10 KST through November 30, 2025. The challenge now shifts from achieving a spectacular debut to maintaining ratings momentum throughout the series’ run.
Historical data shows that K-dramas often experience rating fluctuations, with some shows building audiences gradually while others see viewership decline after strong premieres. Given the compelling storyline, talented cast, and positive word-of-mouth, industry analysts predict Typhoon Family will sustain or even increase its ratings as the narrative develops.
The drama’s episodic structure allows for both standalone emotional moments and long-form character development. Each weekend brings new challenges for Tae Poong and Mi Seon as they navigate business crises, family dynamics, and their growing connection amid economic chaos.
Why Typhoon Family Matters for Korean Television
The success of Typhoon Family represents more than just impressive ratings—it signals audiences’ appetite for substantive storytelling that combines entertainment with meaningful exploration of Korean history and social issues.
In an era dominated by fantasy romances, time-travel plots, and escapist entertainment, Typhoon Family grounds itself in real historical trauma while maintaining the warmth, humor, and romance that make K-dramas beloved worldwide. This balance between serious themes and accessible storytelling demonstrates the maturity of Korean television as an artistic medium.
The drama also showcases tvN’s continued dominance in the cable drama space, even as streaming platforms increasingly compete for viewer attention. By pairing compelling content with strategic Netflix partnership, tvN creates a hybrid model that captures both traditional television audiences and digital streaming viewers.
Read More: Fresh Content Alert: Latest OTT Releases Streaming This Week Across All Major Platforms
FAQs
What ratings did Typhoon Family achieve compared to Bon Appétit Your Majesty?
Typhoon Family premiered with a nationwide rating of 5.874%, peaking at 7.1%, while Bon Appétit Your Majesty debuted at 4.856% nationwide. This represents approximately a 21% higher premiere rating for Typhoon Family, establishing it as the highest-rated tvN weekend drama debut of 2025.
Where can international viewers watch Typhoon Family?
Typhoon Family streams globally on Netflix, with two new episodes released every weekend (Saturday and Sunday). The drama airs simultaneously with Korean broadcasts, making it accessible to international fans at the same time as domestic viewers. Netflix provides subtitles in multiple languages for global audiences.
What is Typhoon Family about and why is it set in 1997?
Typhoon Family tells the story of Kang Tae Poong who inherits his father’s company during the devastating 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. The historical setting explores how economic disaster affected Korean families and businesses, while following Tae Poong’s transformation from carefree youth to responsible CEO determined to save his father’s legacy and protect his employees.
Are Lee Jun Ho and Im Yoona in Typhoon Family together?
No, Im Yoona starred in the previous tvN weekend drama Bon Appétit Your Majesty, which concluded before Typhoon Family premiered. Lee Jun Ho stars in Typhoon Family alongside Kim Min Ha. However, fans celebrate the connection because Lee Jun Ho and Im Yoona previously starred together in the hit drama King the Land in 2023.
How many episodes will Typhoon Family have and when does it conclude?
Typhoon Family consists of 16 episodes airing every Saturday and Sunday at 21:10 KST on tvN. The series premiered on October 11, 2025 and is scheduled to conclude on November 30, 2025. Each episode runs approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
