Netflix’s New Series Boosts Pan Entertainment’s Stock and Local Tourism
On March 10, 2025, EToday announced that the premiere of Netflix’s original series, When Life Gives You Tangerines, significantly impacted Pan Entertainment’s stock, resulting in an impressive 10.21% increase in market value. Additionally, the series ignited a resurgence of interest in Jeju Island, providing a substantial boost to local tourism.
The stock of Pan Entertainment started at 2,915 won (approximately $2). In response to the series’ debut, shares surged by 270 won (10.21%), opening at 3,185 won ($2.19) by 9:10 AM (KST) on that day.
It’s crucial to understand that EToday reported the initial trading figures when markets opened on March 10, 2025. The stock price is subject to fluctuations throughout the trading day, driven by typical supply and demand factors.
By 11:22 AM, Investing.com indicated that Pan Entertainment’s stock had soared by over 20.42%. However, by 11:40 AM, it adjusted to a 17.58% gain, settling at 3,110 won per share.
According to FlixPatrol, the newly released series featuring IU and Park Bo-gum has already secured the #6 spot on Netflix’s Worldwide Top TV Shows list. The show has released four episodes to date, with new episodes scheduled for every Friday until March 28, 2025.
Diving into the Historical Context of Jeju in When Life Gives You Tangerines
Launched on March 7, 2025, When Life Gives You Tangerines is a captivating period drama that chronicles the lives of Ae-sun, known as the “remarkable rebel” born in the 1950s Jeju, and Gwan-sik, dubbed the “unyielding iron.”
Starring IU as both young Ae-sun and her daughter Geum-myeong, alongside Park Bo-gum as Gwan-sik, Ae-sun’s husband, the series also features esteemed actors Moon So-ri and Park Hae-joon as older versions of Ae-sun and Gwan-sik, respectively. The cast is rounded out by Lee Jun-young from Melo Movie.
Comprising four volumes, the series highlights the couple’s life filled with challenges over the changing seasons, navigating from the 1960s to the present. It offers a poignant exploration of love, aspirations, and the inexorable passage of time.
In exploring the socio-economic landscape of mid-20th-century South Korea, a time rife with rapid industrialization and cultural transformation, the narrative establishes an intimate connection between the characters’ struggles and their historical context.
Ae-sun embodies the dreams shared by many young women of her era, representing the desire for self-definition against a backdrop of limited opportunities for education and aspiration, particularly for girls.
This character poignantly illustrates the broader discontent of women with untapped potential, constrained by a patriarchal society. In contrast, Gwan-sik embodies calmness and stability, acting as a foil to Ae-sun’s passionate disposition.
Despite his fears, Gwan-sik’s unwavering support for Ae-sun’s fearless pursuits showcases the spirit of laborers striving to improve their circumstances.
The relationship between Ae-sun and Gwan-sik is rife with challenges that reflect the societal norms of their time. Ae-sun’s fierce independence and rejection of societal expectations lead to familial conflict and social scrutiny.
When Life Gives You Tangerines skillfully illustrates how societal transformations influence personal choices regarding marriage and family amid pervasive poverty.
Gwan-sik stands proud as a partner who champions Ae-sun’s ambitions, defying societal pressures and familial disapproval, reflecting a progressive alliance well before its time.
This narrative remains grounded, showcasing the couple’s journey toward happiness amid the harsh realities of poverty without resorting to grand, unrealistic themes.
Director Kim Won-seok, acclaimed for his work on My Mister and Signal, partners with writer Lim Sang-choon to craft a narrative that resonates across different eras.
With a production budget of 60 billion won ($41.2 million), When Life Gives You Tangerines marks a historic investment in Korean entertainment.
Episodes 5 to 8 are set to premiere on March 14, 2025, and the series is currently available for streaming on Netflix.