Actor Kim Min-seok is receiving accolades for his lead turn in the tvN weekend series "Typhoon Family," in which he colorfully depicts the rite of passage for a Generation X youth amid the 1997 IMF financial crisis for South Korea.
A XsportsNews reports, Kim Min-seok plays Wang Nam-mo, the loyal best friend to main character Kang Tae-poong, played by Lee Jun-ho. The drama sees the transition from an amateur entrepreneur to the head of a struggling trading firm with no money or employees amid financial austerity.
"Typhoon Family" has been increasing steadily, with all-time records for breaking that it broke the previous week, with an average domestic viewership rating of 9% for the fourth episode that aired October 19, per Nielsen Korea figures. The series also topped the time period among cable and general programming channel rankings.
As an actor, Kim Min-seok ideally captures the free-willed but restless spirit of Korea's Generation X. His character Wang Nam-mo, previously a member of the trend-setting "Ap Street Boys" around Apgujeong, is described as fearless, sensitive, and extremely loyal.
In episode 2, Kim touched hearts with an unforgettable scene where Nam-mo stood guard at the funeral of Typhoon's dad, exuding the utmost strength of friendship. He went on to touch hearts again with a very tender move—gifting an orchid to his mom when she retired unexpectedly.
Critics have praised Kim's nuanced performance and natural command of timing, noting how he brings both humor and vulnerability to the screen. Asthe news outlet reported, his portrayal "captures the intense growing pains of a free-spirited youth caught in the chaos of the IMF crisis." In episode 4, fans were treated to Nam-mo's devastation when his aspiration to be a singer was derailed after losing a music competition, causing fans to want to know how the character will change through the economic downturn and personal struggle.
Kim Min-seok, ex-member of the renowned TVING original "Shark 2 and film "Noise," is further cementing his position as an accomplished and emotionally balanced actor.
"Typhoon Family" is telecast at 9:10 p.m. every Sunday and Saturday on tvN.
