Park Hae-joon’s Emotional Journey in “When Life Gives You Tangerines”
In a candid interview with Kbizoom on April 1, 2025, actor Park Hae-joon reflected on his poignant experience portraying Gwan-sik in the highly acclaimed Netflix series When Life Gives You Tangerines. The emotional depth of the character resonated deeply with him, prompting both joyous and sorrowful moments throughout filming.
Emotional Moments in the Spotlight
One particular scene that left a lasting impression on Park was Gwan-sik’s daughter’s wedding. He described this memory as both beautiful and heartbreaking, noting how he approached the role as if his co-star IU, who played Yang Geum-myeong, were his own daughter.
“It was so beautiful, yet so heartbreaking. I kept crying and laughing; it was overwhelming. That scene made me think, ‘It’s a good thing I never had a daughter.’ If I did, I wouldn’t have been able to stay composed while filming. I acted as if IU were my daughter and gave it my all,”he expressed.
Transformation Through Performance
Park Hae-joon elaborated on his evolving perception of IU after attending one of her concerts. Initially, he found their on-set interaction casual and light-hearted. However, witnessing her perform live was a revelation.
“I joked around and said whatever I wanted with her. But then she invited me to her concert, and I was shocked. At the filming site, she’d be crouched in the corner, dozing off. But then on stage at a massive venue, she performed for four hours. It was incredible. I turned to Moon So-ri and said, ‘She’s not even human!’ That’s when I started getting nervous around her,”he shared.
Reflecting on this change in dynamic, he remarked:
“After attending her concert, I was like, ‘Uh… IU, can I get your autograph?’ It’s a good thing the concert happened after we finished filming. If I’d seen it beforehand, I would’ve been too intimidated to act comfortably around her.”
A Gift and a Humorous Reflection
During the interview, Park Hae-joon recounted a humorous moment when IU gifted him premium Korean beef for the holiday season. He chuckled about feeling guilty for his casual demeanor around her while on set:
“She was just too precious. You don’t know what to do with someone like that.”
Family Reactions and Emotional Viewings
Park also admitted that he shed tears while watching his own performance in When Life Gives You Tangerines, particularly during scenes narrated by IU and Moon So-ri. Although his young sons generally avoid watching his work, they were moved by one episode in which he appeared unwell, expressing genuine concern for his well-being with frequent calls.
About the Drama: A Tribute to Generations
When Life Gives You Tangerines, set against the picturesque backdrop of 1950s Jeju Island, emerges as a poignant coming-of-age tale that explores the innocence and struggles of youth. The series follows Ae-soon, a determined young woman with aspirations of becoming a poet, and Gwan-sik, a reserved figure who loves her deeply yet struggles with emotional expression.
Ae-soon embodies relentless optimism, facing life’s hurdles with resilience while harboring a quiet vulnerability. Conversely, Gwan-sik’s unwavering devotion to her speaks volumes, despite his reticent nature. Their intertwined paths reflect love and personal growth amidst societal changes.
The narrative serves as a nostalgic homage to the experiences of previous generations, encapsulating first loves, youthful defiance, and the timeless memories that shape our identities.
Availability and Park Hae-joon’s Broader Work
Since premiering on March 7, 2025, When Life Gives You Tangerines has garnered attention for its heartfelt storytelling. The series released in four parts, with weekly episodes culminating on March 28, 2025. All 16 episodes are now available for streaming on Netflix.
Beyond this project, Park Hae-joon has featured in a number of notable works, including The World of the Married (2020), The 8 Show (2024), and films like Believer (2018) and 12.12: The Day (2023).