Netflix’s latest offering, When Life Gives You Tangerines, invites viewers to navigate a deeply emotional journey steeped in love, ambition, and resilience. Directed by Kim Won-seok, this compelling drama made its debut on March 7, 2025.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of 1950s Jeju Island, the narrative follows the life of Ae-sun, portrayed by IU, an aspiring poet determined to carve her own path amid societal constraints. Alongside her is Gwan-sik, played by Park Bo-gum, a steadfast companion who helps her navigate the complexities of life. Their evolving love story unfolds over decades, exploring the intertwined themes of time, destiny, and personal evolution.
Combining historical context, romance, and nostalgic elements, When Life Gives You Tangerines resonates with the emotional tones found in beloved K-dramas that delve into youthful love and the challenges of fate.
For those captivated by this touching drama, here are seven K-dramas that explore similar themes of love and personal growth.
Disclaimer: The viewpoints expressed in this article represent the author’s opinions.
Seven K-Dramas to Watch After When Life Gives You Tangerines
1) Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)
Twenty-Five Twenty-One portrays a poignant coming-of-age tale set in the late 1990s, featuring Kim Tae-ri and Nam Joo-hyuk. As the IMF crisis disrupts their lives, fencer Na Hee-do (Kim Tae-ri) and affluent Baek Yi-jin (Nam Joo-hyuk) navigate their dreams while facing challenging circumstances. Their heartfelt connection illustrates the beauty and brevity of young love against a backdrop of historical turmoil.
Where to watch: Netflix
2) Tune in for Love (2019)
Tune in for Love is a tender narrative weaving together years of missed connections and unfulfilled desires, starring Kim Go-eun and Jung Hae-in. Their characters, Kim Mi-soo and Cha Hyun-woo, encounter each other at pivotal moments but are repeatedly separated by life’s challenges. This series expertly dramatizes the significance of timing in love, akin to When Life Gives You Tangerines, enhancing the emotional resonance of their relationship.
Where to watch: Netflix
3) Record of Youth (2020)
In Record of Youth, we follow three ambitious young adults in the entertainment industry—featuring Park Bo-gum in a dual role with actors Park So-dam and Byeon Woo-seok. The quest for success tests their relationships, especially between aspiring actor Sa Hye-jun (Park Bo-gum) and aspiring makeup artist Ahn Jung-ha (Park So-dam), underlining how love and ambition intertwine amidst personal growth.
Where to watch: Netflix, Viki
4) Youth of May (2021)
Youth of May unfolds in 1980 during the Gwangju Uprising, featuring Lee Do-hyun and Go Min-si as Hee-tae and Myung-hee. Their romance flourishes amid political strife, presenting a compelling narrative that explores how love is challenged by external circumstances. This historical backdrop deepens the emotional weight of their story, mirroring the trials faced in When Life Gives You Tangerines.
Where to watch: Viu, Viki, Netflix
5) Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)
IU once again captivates audiences in Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, where she time-travels from the modern era to the Goryeo Dynasty. As Hae Soo, IU intricately navigates the romantic entanglements with royal princes, particularly Wang So (Lee Joon-gi). This series resonates with the themes of fate and sacrifice found in When Life Gives You Tangerines, as characters grapple with love throughout time.
Where to watch: Netflix, Viki
6) Our Beloved Summer (2021-2022)
Our Beloved Summer tells the story of two former lovers, Choi Woong (Choi Woo-shik) and Kook Yeon-soo (Kim Da-mi), who reconnect years after high school due to an old documentary. Their relationship showcases the complexities surrounding past mistakes and the emotions that linger, much like the evolving dynamics presented in When Life Gives You Tangerines.
Where to watch: Netflix
7) Go Back Couple (2017)
In Go Back Couple, Jang Na-ra and Son Ho-jun star as a married couple who, after years of regrets, magically travel back to their university days. This unique narrative allows them a chance to reassess their past decisions and rediscover lost love. Both dramas reflect on the theme of evolving relationships and the impact of time on love, resonating deeply with viewers.
Where to watch: Netflix, Viki
Each of these recommended dramas shares thematic connections with When Life Gives You Tangerines, highlighting the intricate interplay of love, fate, and personal development. While some explore historical themes and others focus on contemporary relationships, all offer rich emotional experiences that linger long after the credits roll.
Keep in mind, When Life Gives You Tangerines is currently available for streaming exclusively on Netflix.