Kim Min Ha on what she learned from IMF crisis survivors: 'They were really tough times, but...'

Kim Min Ha shares what it took to transform into bookkeeper Oh Mi Seon for Typhoon Family.

Typhoon Family follows Kang Tae Poong (Lee Jun Ho), CEO of a trading company with no employees, no money, and nothing to sell, navigating the 1997 IMF crisis. Standing with him on this path to survival is ace bookkeeper Oh Mi Seon (Kim Min Ha), who will transform into a career woman alongside him. 

Kim Min Ha plays ace accountant Oh Mi Seon, who strives to become a career woman despite the IMF crisis. 

The actress shared: "It's my first time playing a character from the 90s, so I worked hard to capture the outward appearance, manner of speaking, and the values and mindset that were common at that time." "I think you'll be able to see yet another side of me that I haven't shown until now."

She continued, "Oh Mi Seon is a very quirky yet lovable character, so I think this aspect of hers might come across as something fresh to the viewers as well."

Kim Min Ha first tried to immerse herself in the character by asking the adults about their experiences during the IMF era to get the feel of the atmosphere of that time. The answers she received were all the same: "They were really tough times, but we couldn't just fall apart because we had our families."

From those words, Kim Min Ha said she felt "the spirit of that era — getting back up without hesitation, looking toward the light again, finding warmth and solace even in harsh reality, cherishing the people around you all the more, and ultimately never giving up." "It's because those people lived through that era that I am now able to tell this story. That's why I approached it even more cherishingly and with sincerity."

That commitment carried over into her efforts with her looks as well. "The argyle-pattern knit is Mi Seon's favorite item, an idea I strongly pushed for. It worked well as neat office wear, captured the atmosphere of the time, and above all, conveyed a sense of warmth, which I liked."

As for her choice of a bare face with no makeup and a simple hairstyle, she said, "I thought of Mi Seon as someone who, rather than focusing on dressing herself up, is devoted to her work and family — a character who is a bit rigid yet simple. So I wanted to portray her as plainly as possible."

Kim strove to capture the atmosphere of the era not only through her appearance but also in her speech and gestures. "While filming, the 1990s Seoul accent naturally came through," she shared, explaining that she referenced words used at the time and portrayed even the gestures and habits of the people of that period.

"Taking into account the conservative society [of the time], I began with somewhat timid gestures, and then gradually portrayed Oh Mi Seon's transformation into someone bolder as she built up the strength to get back up even in the face of crisis."

Concluding, Kim Min Ha shared her hopes for how the story might resonate with today's generation. "Every era has its crises, but the strength to rise again, find precious love, and treasure what truly matters is always the same." "I hope Typhoon Family can convey that kind of empathy and hope."

Typhoon Family is coming on October 11. The K-drama will be streaming on Netflix.

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