Typhoon Family continues its impressive rise in popularity, recently nearing the 10% viewership mark after starting strong with a 5.9% rating. By its 8th episode, the show hit 9.1%, setting new records for itself and gaining widespread acclaim for its authenticity and emotional resonance.
Central to this success is the drama’s masterful recreation of 1997 Korea during the IMF financial crisis. Viewers have praised the show’s intricate art direction, led by Kim Min-hye, for evoking a vivid sense of nostalgia and realism. “Each scene feels like opening a time capsule,” fans commented, emphasizing how the production design enhances emotional immersion.
Art director Kim Min-hye focused on more than just retro aesthetics. She aimed to portray the values and lifestyles of people from that era. “We tried to capture not only the period’s visuals but also the organizational culture and the spirit of both the corporate and younger generations during the IMF era,” Kim explained. Each character’s space was designed to reflect their personality and role, providing seamless harmony between setting and storytelling.
Kim conducted extensive research, referencing 1990s documentaries, news footage, newspapers, and magazines to accurately reflect the era’s emotional tone and social atmosphere. Every detail—from the fonts on store signs to the layout of the office interiors—was designed with purpose.
The drama’s primary office setting was modeled after a space originally built in 1972. Its open-plan layout was chosen to highlight the warm-hearted leadership of the character Kang Jin-young. Furthermore, the show’s depiction of Euljiro—a bustling area in the ’90s teeming with office workers—reinforces the authenticity of the narrative.
Kim also shared the challenges of sourcing era-appropriate props. Many items were acquired through auction sites, and some needed to be sourced locally, which was far from easy. Even the overseas scenes filmed in Thailand were thoroughly researched to align with architectural accuracy.
Looking ahead, the art team plans to expand the show’s visual richness in the second half, introducing new products alongside the character Taepoong. These elements promise to further deepen the immersive experience for viewers.
Typhoon Family airs every Saturday and Sunday at 9:10 p.m. KST on tvN.
Sources: nate
You must be logged in to post a comment.