Kim Min-seok Captures '90s Youth Struggles in 'Typhoon Inc.', Driving Up Ratings

Actor Kim Min-seok is adding vitality to the drama 'Typhoon Inc.' by perfectly portraying the growth of X-generation youth.

Premiering on the 11th, the tvN Saturday-Sunday drama 'Typhoon Inc.' depicts the struggles of young people navigating the 1997 IMF crisis. Kim Min-seok is drawing attention by portraying the era, from the free-spirited X-generation to the growing pains of youth facing the economic downturn.

The drama, centered around a novice trading company president 'Kang Tae-poong' (played by Lee Jun-ho) in 1997, achieved its highest viewership ratings to date with the 4th episode on the 19th, averaging 9% nationwide and ranking first in its time slot across cable and general programming channels (Nielsen Korea).

In the series, Kim Min-seok plays Wang Nam-mo, the best friend of the protagonist Tae-poong. He not only embodies the carefree 'X-generation' as part of the 'Abstreet Boys' who dominated Apgujeong at the time, but also showcased deep loyalty by guarding the condolence money at Tae-poong's father's funeral in episode 2. In episode 3, he brought tears to viewers' eyes by cheerfully gifting flowers to his mother who had unexpectedly been laid off.

Kim Min-seok's performance skillfully portrays the turbulent growth experienced by young people caught in the storm of the IMF financial crisis. After his dream of becoming a singer was dashed with a loss in a music competition final in the latest episode (episode 4), anticipation is growing for how Nam-mo's character will evolve amidst the changing times.

Following his success as a 'one-man lead' in the TVING original 'Shark: The Storm' and the movie 'Noise' in the first half of the year, Kim Min-seok is aiming for another hit streak with 'Typhoon Inc.', meeting viewers every week.

Netizens are praising Kim Min-seok's performance, with comments like "Kim Min-seok's acting is insane," and "Nam-mo is my favorite character." Many are expressing excitement about the drama's realistic portrayal of the era and the actors' chemistry.