The 2025 drama series When Life Gives You Tangerines combines slice-of-life elements with a poignant romance, bringing together an impressive ensemble cast featuring IU, Park Bo-gum, Moon So-ri, and Park Hae-joon. The series premiered on March 7, 2025, and wrapped up on March 28, 2025. Under the direction of Kim Won-seok and with a screenplay by Lim Sang-choon, this heartfelt tale has garnered significant attention.
Set in the picturesque setting of Jeju Island during 1951, When Life Gives You Tangerines intricately weaves the love story of Gwan-sik and Ae-sun. This tale follows their journey as they face numerous obstacles, primarily financial hardships, while striving to raise their children amidst adversity.
The series has received widespread acclaim, resonating with both domestic and global audiences. Viewers praised its compelling performances, masterful direction, engaging dialogue, striking cinematography, and a well-crafted screenplay. Many expressed feelings of nostalgia, appreciating the warm depiction of South Korean culture.
Five Compelling Reasons to Watch When Life Gives You Tangerines
1) Empowering Female Protagonists
At the heart of When Life Gives You Tangerines is Ae-sun, a spirited young girl from Jeju who aspires to become a poet during a time when education for girls was not prioritized. Her journey to fulfill her ambition is filled with challenges, ultimately leading to the realization that life often takes unexpected turns.
In a twist of fate, Ae-sun’s daughter, Yang Geum-myeong, rises to greatness, graduating from the prestigious Seoul National University and pursuing her mother’s dreams. This narrative arc highlights the strength and resilience of women through different eras, showcasing their ability to inspire generations to pursue their desires and break free from societal constraints.
2) Star Power: IU, Park Bo-gum, and Kim Seon-ho
The dramatic force of this series is amplified by its stellar cast. IU shines in dual roles as both Oh Ae-sun and her daughter, Yang Geum-myeong. Moon So-ri portrays the mature Ae-sun, while Kim Seon-ho plays Yang Geum-myeong’s husband, Park Chung-seop. Park Bo-gum rounds out the main cast as Yang Gwan-sik, Ae-sun’s partner, contributing to a rich tapestry of interconnected characters.
3) Captivating Soundtrack and Visual Aesthetics
This series is not just about storytelling; it boasts a powerful soundtrack complemented by stunning cinematography. The original soundtracks, such as Midnight Walk, Name, and Spring in a Heartbeat, elevate the emotional experience, immersing audiences in the drama’s heartfelt moments.
4) Visionary Team: Director Kim Won-seok and Writer Lim Sang-choon
Under the skillful direction of Kim Won-seok, known for classics like Signal and My Mister, and the witty writing of Lim Sang-choon, who has crafted engaging narratives in When the Camellia Blooms and Fight For My Way, the drama brings a unique blend of humor, depth, and emotion, allowing viewers to connect on multiple levels.
5) Relatable Life Lessons
The essence of When Life Gives You Tangerines lies in its reflection of life’s trials, including love, friendship, adversity, and the social ladder. The series poignantly depicts how both protagonists struggle against poverty to nurture their family, making it relatable for viewers navigating their circumstances.
For those eager to experience a narrative that touches on universal themes of hope, perseverance, and love, this series is available for streaming on Netflix.