Released on March 21, 2025, the latest episodes of the South Korean drama When Life Gives You Tangerines continue to explore the intricate lives of Ae-sun and Yang Gwan-sik’s family, with a particular focus on their daughter, Geum-myeong. Volume 3 centers on her tumultuous love journey, portrayed effectively by IU.
In the initial four episodes, particularly episode 9, Geum-myeong embarks on an exchange program in Japan. Upon her return to Seoul in episode 10, she takes up a part-time job as a theater ticket seller, where she inevitably crosses paths with Park Cheong-sob (played by Kim Seon-ho), an aspiring artist who specializes in painting movie posters.
As the series delves into episodes 11 and 12, viewers witness Geum-myeong facing formidable challenges in her personal life. Despite a longstanding relationship with Yeong-bum (Lee Jun-young), their plans for marriage are thwarted by the overbearing influence of Yeong-bum’s mother. As a result, Geum-myeong’s dreams of a fairy tale romance unravel painfully.
The climax of the story occurs as Geum-myeong and Yeong-bum share a heart-wrenching farewell after seven years together, culminating in his forced marriage to another woman chosen by his mother. Subsequently, Yeong-bum spends nearly two decades in discontent, numbing his despair with alcohol.
When Life Gives You Tangerines Volume 3: The Heartbreak of Young Love
Throughout the series, Ae-sun remains a pivotal character, embodying strength and resilience. She transforms from an ambitious youth with dreams of writing into a devoted mother. In episode 9, her past traumas resurface as she is haunted by dreams of her deceased son, Dong-myeong, intensifying her worries about Geum-myeong’s well-being in a city plagued by rising crime rates.
Ae-sun’s anxiety pushes her to visit Seoul in episode 10, where she learns that Geum-myeong has suffered a serious mishap involving carbon monoxide poisoning in her apartment. Driven by maternal instincts, Ae-sun rushes to her daughter’s side, ultimately saving her life after breaking into the apartment and calling for medical help. Meanwhile, Cheong-seob’s intention to propose to Geum-myeong becomes complicated by the escalating crisis.
In a parallel narrative, the episodes also highlight the strained relationship between Eun-myeong and Hyeon-seok, portraying the physical and emotional challenges they face. Despite threats of violence from Hyeon-seok’s family, their bond remains strong, emphasizing the sacrifices both characters are willing to make for love. Additionally, the storyline addresses Sang-gil’s apathetic household, revealing the domestic conflicts that arise from emotional neglect within the family.
As the story progresses in episode 11, tensions rise during Geum-myeong’s engagement discussions with Yeong-bum’s family. Despite the suffocating humiliation from Yeong-bum’s mother, Geum-myeong asserts her dignity, ultimately choosing to end the engagement. Over the next year, Yeong-bum persistently attempts to rekindle their love, but Geum-myeong refuses, citing the continual emotional turmoil stemming from their economic disparities.
After her tumultuous experiences in Seoul, Geum-myeong returns to her roots on Jeju Island, where her mother’s relief is overshadowed by societal expectations regarding marriage. Ae-sun, having sacrificed much for her family, encourages Geum-myeong to pursue stability through marriage, especially underlined by the societal norms of the time.
The narrative concludes with Geum-myeong crossing paths with Cheong-seob again in episode 12 as he returns from military service. Their encounter at a bus stop leaves viewers hanging, as Geum-myeong boards a bus and Cheong-seob chases after her, signifying missed opportunities and unresolved feelings.
The upcoming When Life Gives You Tangerines Volume 4, which includes episodes 13 through 16, promises to further unravel the characters’ destinies and culminate the ongoing saga of love, sacrifice, and heartache. Fans are eager to witness how Geum-myeong’s story will unfold, featuring an impressive cast including IU, Park Bo-gum, Kim Seon-ho, Lee Jun-young, Moon So-ri, and Park Hae-joon.