“When Life Gives You Tangerines” is an esteemed South Korean drama that intricately explores the evolving lives of characters Ae-sun and Gwan-sik. The series captures their journey, transitioning from the innocence of first love to the profound challenges life presents.
Set in the early 1960s, the story introduces young Ae-sun, magnificently portrayed by Kim Tae-yeon. She is nurtured by her mother, Jeon Gwang-rye (played by Yum Hye-ran), a devoted haenyeo, famed for their diving skills in Jeju. Amid the stunning backdrop of Jeju Island, Ae-sun cultivates a deep relationship with Gwan-sik (Lee Cheon-mu), the son of a fishmonger, sharing whimsical adventures in the local markets and along the rocky coastline.
The tone shifts dramatically following the tragic death of Ae-sun’s mother, which forces Ae-sun and her siblings to seek refuge with their uncle’s family. This shared sorrow brings Ae-sun and Gwan-sik closer together, establishing a solid foundation for the romance that blossoms throughout “When Life Gives You Tangerines.”
In-Depth Exploration of Relationships, Growth, and Love in “When Life Gives You Tangerines”
As the plot progresses through the late 1960s, we witness teenage Ae-sun (IU) and Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum) grappling with the intricacies of adolescence. Their joint efforts at the local market—Ae-sun overseeing the cabbage stall while Gwan-sik manages the fish—and their budding romance comes to fruition through shared experiences, including their unforgettable first kiss in a vibrant canola flower field.
The 1970s introduce numerous challenges for our protagonists. Ae-sun’s steadfast determination to pursue her education and develop her poetic talents often clashes with the harsh socio-economic landscape of their rural lives. This tension encapsulates the struggles many face when following their ambitions against overwhelming odds.
Fast forward to the 1990s, where Ae-sun (Moon So-ri) and Gwan-sik (Park Hae-joon) navigate the complexities of middle age. With their children now carving out their own paths, the couple finds themselves rediscovering both their individual identities and their shared purpose amid the changes of life.
In the early 2000s, the series reaches its emotional peak as Gwan-sik faces declining health, culminating in his ultimate passing. This heart-wrenching event serves as a poignant reminder of their enriched journey together and the enduring power of love that transcends time.
Now in her seventies, Ae-sun reflects on the legacy of their love, finding comfort in cherished memories. The series poignantly concludes with her passing wisdom to her grandchildren amid the lush tangerine orchards, beautifully symbolizing the cycles of life and the unwavering spirit of love and resilience.
Chronological Highlights of Ae-sun and Gwan-sik’s Journey
The rich timeline of Ae-sun and Gwan-sik’s journey throughout “When Life Gives You Tangerines”unfolds as follows:
- December 8, 1908 — Ae-sun’s grandmother is born.
- January 7, 1939 — Birth of Bu Sang-gil.
- May 28, 1949 — Birth of Park Yeong-ran.
- 1950 — Birth of Yang Gwan-sik.
- May 16, 1951 — Birth of Oh Ae-sun.
- October 1958 — Ae-sun’s grandmother assists in pulling her and Gwan-sik’s baby teeth.
- March 1960 — Gwang-rye reads Ae-sun’s abalone poem aloud.
- September 20, 1960 — Ae-sun pens a poem regarding Lee Man-gi, who gains class president through bribery.
- July 1961 — Gwang-rye tragically passes at 29 due to diver’s disease.
- March 1967 — Ae-sun escapes as Gwan-sik’s grandmother chases her in the market.
- March 1967 — Ae-sun and Gwan-sik share their first kiss in the vibrant canola flower fields.
- March 1967 — The couple competes in a poetry contest, with Ae-sun writing a poem titled “My First Love (M.F.L)”about Gwan-sik.
- December 1967 — Ae-sun’s uncle pressures her to work in a factory, which she resists, while Gwan-sik memorizes her favorite poem.
- February 15, 1968 — The couple elopes to Busan via ship; Gwan-sik pawns his family gold to gift Ae-sun a wedding ring.
- February 16, 1968 — They fall victim to robbery by hotel owners; Gwan-sik’s mother tracks them down and retrieves their belongings.
- February 16, 1968 —The hotel guest treated kindly by Gwan-sik and Ae-sun expresses her gratitude by providing them with tofu.
- March 12, 1968 — Ae-sun is expelled from school after her return from Busan, with Gwan-sik facing a suspension.
- March 1968 — Aunt and uncle arrange a blind date for Ae-sun with Bu Sang-gil; Ae-sun urges Gwan-sik to leave and forget her. Realizing her love, she pursues him along the shore.
- November 14, 1968 — Birth of Ae-sun and Gwan-sik’s daughter, Yang Geum-myeong.
- May 4, 1969 — The couple takes their first family photograph.
- June 1971 — Gwan-sik lovingly introduces Geum-myeong to spicy food for the first time.
- August 15, 1973 — Gwan-sik acquires his first fishing boat using the funds lent by Ae-sun’s grandmother.
- July 1978 — Ae-sun becomes deputy chief of the fishermen’s association.
- August 18, 1978 — The couple faces tragedy with the loss of their son, Dong-myeong, after a typhoon.
- January 1987 — Geum-myeong is admitted to Seoul National University.
- December 16, 1987 — Ae-sun’s resourcefulness saves Geum-myeong from a precarious situation involving false accusations.
- August 1988 — Ae-sun sells their house to support Geum-myeong’s studies in Japan, shifting her career back to street vending.
- November 21, 1997 — A reunion leads to a rekindling of feelings between Geum-myeong and Chung-seob.
- January 1998 — Gwan-sik sells his boat to secure his son’s freedom from legal troubles.
- October 1999 — Gwan-sik’s diagnosis with blood cancer propels the family into a new journey of resilience.
- June 9, 2006 — Ae-sun’s poem is published, igniting hope in Gwan-sik as his health declines.
- November 16, 2006 — Gwan-sik passes, marking a pivotal moment in their shared narrative.
- February 24, 2024 — In her seventies, Ae-sun finds renewed purpose as a teacher at an elderly home, sharing her published poetry and lessons from life.
For those interested in compelling storytelling and profound themes of love and resilience, “When Life Gives You Tangerines” is now available for streaming on Netflix. The series also features special appearances by notable actors like Kim Seon-ho, Lee Jun-young, and Kim Jae-young.