Netflix Korea’s Surprise: Kim Seon-ho’s Improvised Scene in *When Life Gives You Tangerines*
On April 3, 2025, an exclusive video shared by Netflix Korea unveiled insights from the cast and director of *When Life Gives You Tangerines*, highlighting a remarkable improvised scene featuring Kim Seon-ho. This particular moment, depicting a comical but touching interaction between his character, Chung-seob, and Gwan-sik, has captured considerable attention, especially following news that Kim Seon-ho created the sequence entirely on the spot, without a script.
In the series, Kim Seon-ho steps into the role of Park Chung-seob, an artist and an old acquaintance of Geum-myeong, played by IU. Chung-seob is portrayed as a bohemian figure, driven by a fervent passion for art, contrasting sharply with Gwan-sik’s more conventional demeanor.
A Humorous Encounter
The scene in question presents a humorous exchange influenced by alcohol during their first meeting. In a lighthearted moment, Chung-seob affectionately refers to Gwan-sik as “abeoji,”which translates to “father”in Korean, echoing Geum-myeong’s own playful tone when addressing Chung-seob’s mother.
Chung-seob did not intend any offense; rather, in his drunken state, he felt compelled to endear himself to Gwan-sik, hoping to gain his approval for marrying Geum-myeong.
Behind the Scenes: Director Insights
During a discussion with Netflix, director Kim Won-seok revealed that this spontaneous moment was entirely unplanned. He noted Kim Seon-ho’s ability to capture the essence of the scene in a single take, masterfully adjusting his voice for comic effect.
“There’s no script. He did it himself. When he said, ‘Shall we peel it off?’ he used his own original voice a bit, he does it himself too. His acting is so detailed,”
said director Kim, expressing admiration for Kim Seon-ho’s impressive range and talent.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
On social media, fans erupted with praise for Kim Seon-ho’s performance. Comments poured in, hailing his comedic timing and ability to convey complex emotions without a script. One fan echoed this enthusiasm on X:
“Look at Moon Sori and IU’s laughs on that ‘Abeonim~~~’ no wonder that clip went viral and even topped Naver videos.”
Additional fan comments illustrated their admiration:
“What a great actor you really are!!”a fan wrote.
“Also impressed how everyone still remained in character seeing him slip,”another fan said.
“That’s why director-nim wants to work with him again. Btw, IU and Soori’s laugh is so cute,”another fan added.
Fans unanimously acknowledged the depth of Kim Seon-ho’s acting, emphasizing that the impromptu comedic scene epitomized his inherent talent. One user summarized this sentiment well:
“Damn, acting truly runs through his blood,”a fan remarked.
“Thought it was ad-lib when I saw this scene and damn it was… our genius detailed actor. Now we know the reason for the love call from KWS,”another fan said.
“You never failed to amaze us with your acting!! #KimSeonHo,”another fan wrote.
Narrative Depth: When Life Gives You Tangerines
*When Life Gives You Tangerines* unfolds an intricate story that traverses three generations, from the 1960s to contemporary times. Set against the stunning backdrop of Jeju Island in the tumultuous 1950s, it follows young Ae-sun (IU) and her mother, Jeon Gwan-rye, as they navigate hardships and strive for a better life.
The narrative explores your challenges Ae-sun encounters, including the loss of her mother due to a diving accident, as she aspires to fulfill her dream of becoming a poet. Despite the obstacles, Ae-sun remains spirited, rebellious, and defiant against contemporary social norms.
In contrast, Gwan-sik, portrayed by Park Bo-gum, is a steadfast and dedicated individual nurturing a lifelong love for Ae-sun. Their relationship flourishes against a backdrop of socio-political upheaval, with Gwan-sik’s unwavering support serving as a pillar for Ae-sun.
A Non-linear Journey
Utilizing a non-linear narrative structure, the series highlights various stages of Ae-sun and Gwan-sik’s lives, depicting how their bond endures external pressures such as family expectations, economic struggles, and political challenges. Ae-sun’s ambitions for education and her quest to become a poet illustrate the era’s gender and class issues, while Gwan-sik’s quiet resilience provides necessary stability.
Celebrating Cultural Heritage
Another prominent theme in *When Life Gives You Tangerines* is the portrayal of Jeju Island’s haenyeo culture, shining a light on the strength and solidarity of these renowned female divers. This cultural lens enriches the story, offering the audience a vivid glimpse into a significant aspect of Korean heritage.
The series also extends to the next generation, particularly focusing on Ae-sun and Gwan-sik’s daughter, Yang Geum-myeong, whose experiences reflect evolving societal norms and aspirations, effectively linking the past and present.
*When Life Gives You Tangerines*, featuring standout performances from Park Bo-gum, IU, and a notable guest appearance by Kim Seon-ho, is currently streaming exclusively on Netflix.