Rising K-drama star Kim Min Ha is taking viewers back to the 1990s with her upcoming tvN drama “Typhoon Family,” premiering October 11, 2025. Speaking about preparing for her role set in the 1990s, Kim Min Ha shared, “It was my first time portraying a character from the 1990s, so I put a lot of effort into capturing the external appearance, speech patterns, and the values and mindset that were common during that era.” Let’s dive into her fascinating preparation process for this IMF crisis-era drama.
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Kim Min Ha Quick Drama Facts: Typhoon Family
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Premiere Date | October 11, 2025 |
| Network | tvN |
| Global Streaming | Netflix |
| Air Schedule | Saturdays & Sundays at 21:20 KST |
| Genre | Period Drama/Romance/Comedy |
| Setting | 1997 IMF Crisis |
| Main Cast | Lee Junho, Kim Min Ha |
| Writer | Jang Hyun-sook |
| Director | Lee Na-jeong |
Kim Min Ha’s Character: Oh Mi Seon, The Determined Bookkeeper
Kim Min Ha plays Oh Mi Seon, a determined bookkeeper navigating life during the financial turmoil. As the eldest daughter carrying the responsibility of supporting her family, Mi Seon devotes herself to her work at Typhoon Company while pursuing her dream of becoming a career woman. This role marks a significant departure from her previous work, requiring extensive period research and character development.
Oh Mi Seon represents the resilient women of the 1990s who balanced family responsibilities with personal ambitions during one of Korea’s most challenging economic periods.
Her Intensive 90s Preparation Method
Kim Min Ha’s approach to embodying a 1990s character involved comprehensive research across multiple dimensions. Her preparation strategy focused on three key areas:
1. External Appearance and Fashion The actress studied authentic 1990s fashion trends, hairstyles, and makeup techniques to accurately portray the era. The stills highlight the outfit of the day (OOTD) of Kang Tae Poong, the young man who once ruled Apgujeong, and Oh Mi Seon (Kim Min Ha), the sharp-witted bookkeeper. The two draw attention as they revive the signature fashion of 1997 with their own charm.
2. Speech Patterns and Language Understanding that language evolves significantly over decades, Kim Min Ha invested time learning the specific speech patterns, slang, and communication styles common during the 1990s in Korea.
3. Values and Mindset Research Perhaps most challenging was capturing the mental framework of a 1990s career woman. The actress researched the social expectations, workplace dynamics, and cultural attitudes that shaped women’s experiences during the IMF crisis period.
The Historical Context: 1997 IMF Crisis
“Typhoon Family” follows the journey of Kang Tae Poong (Lee Junho), a rookie businessman who suddenly becomes the head of a struggling trading company with no employees, no money, and nothing left to sell during the IMF crisis in 1997. This historical setting required Kim Min Ha to understand not just the fashion and speech of the era, but the profound economic anxiety that defined the period.
The 1997 IMF crisis was a pivotal moment in Korean history, affecting every aspect of society from family dynamics to career aspirations. Kim Min Ha’s character represents the countless individuals who persevered through this challenging time.
On-Screen Chemistry with Lee Junho
Lee Jun Ho and Kim Min Ha join forces to break through the 1997 IMF crisis head-on in Typhoon Family. Standing with him on this path to survival is ace accountant Oh Mi Seon (Kim Min Ha), who will transform into a career woman alongside him. Their partnership promises to showcase both romantic chemistry and professional collaboration during turbulent times.
Why This Role Matters for Kim Min Ha’s Career
This period drama represents Kim Min Ha’s first foray into historical storytelling, demonstrating her versatility as an actress. Her meticulous preparation process shows her commitment to authentic character portrayal, setting a new standard for period drama performances.
The role allows her to explore themes of female empowerment, family responsibility, and economic resilience—topics that resonate with contemporary audiences while honoring historical experiences.
Where to Watch Typhoon Family
“Typhoon Family” will premiere exclusively on tvN on October 11, 2025, and stream globally on Netflix. The drama joins Netflix’s growing collection of high-quality Korean period dramas.
For comprehensive K-drama coverage and actress spotlights, explore our K-drama reviews section and Korean entertainment news.
The Impact of Method Acting in K-Dramas
Kim Min Ha’s thorough preparation exemplifies the dedication Korean actors bring to period roles. Her approach demonstrates how contemporary performers can authentically connect with historical characters, bridging generational gaps through careful research and empathetic portrayal.
This commitment to historical accuracy enriches the viewing experience, helping audiences better understand Korea’s past while enjoying compelling storytelling.
For more insights into Korean acting techniques and period drama analysis, check out our acting methodology articles and historical drama guides.
Stay updated with the latest K-drama premieres and actress interviews by following our Korean entertainment coverage and drama premiere schedules for comprehensive industry insights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What specific methods did Kim Min Ha use to prepare for her 1990s role in Typhoon Family?
A: Kim Min Ha focused on three key preparation areas: mastering the external appearance including 1990s fashion and hairstyles, studying the speech patterns and language common during that era, and researching the values and mindset that characterized women’s experiences during the 1997 IMF crisis. She emphasized the importance of understanding both the surface elements and deeper cultural context of the period.
Q: When and where can viewers watch Kim Min Ha in Typhoon Family?
A: “Typhoon Family” premieres on tvN on October 11, 2025, airing every Saturday and Sunday at 21:20 KST. International viewers can stream the drama globally on Netflix. The series depicts Kim Min Ha as Oh Mi Seon, a determined bookkeeper navigating life during the 1997 financial crisis while pursuing her dreams of becoming a career woman.
