On April 2, 2025, IU participated in a post-finale interview for her K-drama When Life Gives You Tangerines at the Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel. During the discussion, she revealed that the storyline prompted her to contemplate the idea of marriage—albeit with specific criteria. She emphasized that she would consider the prospect if she could find a husband like Yang Gwan-sik and have a family resembling Oh Ae-sun’s.
“A husband like Gwan-sik and children like Geum-myeong and Eun-myeong. We are each other’s best family, and if those things are guaranteed (I will get married),”the K-pop idol asserted (via E Daily).
Fans quickly took to social media to show their support, with one user on X stating:
“Guys of course it’s gwansik!”
The character Gwan-sik, portrayed by young actor Park Bo-gum and seasoned actor Park Hae-joon, has captured the hearts of many viewers since the show’s debut. His steadfast love and supportive nature towards Ae-sun has resonated with audiences around the globe.
Reflecting on Gwan-sik, IU expressed her admiration for the writers’ ability to craft such a compelling character, who blends realism with a touch of fantasy.
“I wonder how the writer created this character of Gwan-sik, who is both human and fantastical at the same time. Actors Bo-gum and Hae-joon perfectly portrayed the role of Gwan-sik, and it was amazing to see him move before my eyes,”she said.
This revelation sparked a wave of fan reactions, many of whom agreed that Gwan-sik has set an incredibly high standard for relationships.
“Gwansik set the bar too high🤧🙏,”a fan remarked.
“Of course who else would she pick 😭😭🧡🧡,”a person said.
“What kind of question is this? Gwansik is on a totally different league!,”a user shared.
Additional fan comments showcased the widespread adoration for Gwan-sik:
“Everyone’s ideal type is Gwan-sik💚,”a viewer noted.
“IU said Gwansik supremacy,”a netizen mentioned.
“We are all a fan of Gwansik,”another fan added.
IU Shares Insights on Boyfriend Lee Jong-suk
In the same interview, IU also touched upon her real-life relationship with actor Lee Jong-suk. When questioned about his opinion on When Life Gives You Tangerines, she humorously admitted that he likely hadn’t seen it yet due to his busy schedule.
“First of all, he is very busy. That’s probably why he hasn’t seen it,”she explained.
She jokingly mentioned how her promotional activities had revolved around Park Bo-gum so much that she hadn’t focused on much else besides the story. However, with the promotional period coming to an end, IU teased that she could finally return her attention to her personal life.
“When Life Gives You Tangerines is the last promotion until today, so I only know Kwan-sik. (Laughs) Tomorrow, it might be okay (to talk about my boyfriend),”she added (via OSEN).
Since confirming their relationship, IU and Lee Jong-suk have maintained a low profile regarding their romance.
The captivating 16-episode series When Life Gives You Tangerines aired from March 7 to March 28, 2025. Set primarily in Jeju, it chronicles the lives of Ae-sun and Gwan-sik from the 1960s through 2025 in Seoul, exploring their intertwined fates across different eras. The series, starring IU and Park Bo-gum, along with Moon So-ri and Park Hae-joon in significant roles, has garnered attention for its unique storytelling and richly crafted period setting.