tvN’s drama Typhoon Family has been gaining traction, recently peaking at 9.6% viewership according to Nielsen Korea. But what makes the drama even more intriguing is a subtle layer of nostalgia tucked into its episode titles something only sharp-eyed viewers may have noticed.
Each subtitle used in the first six episodes borrows directly from classic 1990s Korean dramas: The Season of Typhoon, Asphalt Man, Moonlight in Seoul, The Wind Cannot Stop Me, Heaven, Where We Are, and The Legend of Ambition. These titles are more than mere throwbacks they thematically align with each episode’s storyline, enhancing the drama’s emotional impact.
Set during the 1997 IMF crisis, the drama follows Kang Tae-poong (played by Junho), an unlikely rookie CEO of a struggling trade company with no staff, no money, and nothing to sell. His comedic yet inspiring journey is one of resilience and reinvention.
Episode 1, titled The Season of Typhoon, introduces Kang’s tumultuous start as he’s forced into leadership following his father’s death amid the financial collapse. His carefree, Apgujeong party-boy persona is abruptly dismantled by reality.
In Episode 2, Asphalt Man, Kang throws himself onto a road to block a truck, symbolizing his desperate fight to save his company a direct echo of the determination portrayed in the 1995 drama of the same name.
Episode 3, Moonlight in Seoul, shows Kang proposing a partnership to Oh Mi-seon (Kim Min-ha) under the Seoul night sky, choosing to rebuild rather than fold. Their shared struggles and quiet hope reflect the symbolic warmth of moonlight amidst darkness.
Episode 4’s The Wind Cannot Stop Me explores betrayal and perseverance. After confronting a conman boss and securing a new product line safety shoes called “Shubak”—Kang feels his first thrill as a salesman. However, he also faces losing his Apgujeong apartment, embodying the spirit of persistence despite life’s harsh winds.
Episode 5, Heaven, Where We Are, focuses on the bond between Kang and Mi-seon. As they search for sales channels, their camaraderie and emotional support create a personal paradise amid struggle.
In Episode 6, The Legend of Ambition, Kang lands his first export deal through a combination of creativity and hustle. But a blacklist crisis blocks shipment until Kang discovers a workaround via a deep-sea fishing vessel. This chapter hints at his potential to become the era’s true legend.
The consistent use of retro drama titles serves not only as a storytelling device but also as a heartfelt homage to the golden age of Korean television. As writer Jang Hyun explains, “Today’s flourishing K-dramas are built on the legacy of the 80s and 90s. These subtitles are my tribute to those stories.”
According to producers, Episode 7 will be titled To Live, and Episode 8 will be A Sunny Place of the Young. These titles promise continued exploration of youth resilience in the harsh reality of the IMF era.
Moreover, lead actor Junho recently ranked No.1 in Good Data Corporation’s FUNdex for TV drama actor buzz in the 4th week of October. Typhoon Family also took the top spot in the TV-OTT drama category, solidifying its status as a breakout hit.
With its cleverly chosen subtitles and layered storytelling, Typhoon Family is not only entertaining but deeply resonant offering both laughter and meaning. Viewers are eagerly awaiting how the remaining episodes will continue weaving nostalgia and narrative into something truly special.
Sources: wikitree