When Life Gives You Tangerines has captured the spotlight on Netflix, securing the number one position in ten nations, including Korea, Hong Kong, and Singapore, according to FlixPatrol, a prominent OTT ranking site. This remarkable debut took place on March 10, with the series also ranking sixth worldwide.
This captivating drama features renowned actors IU and Park Bo-gum. Within its first week, the series, which premiered on March 7, has quickly climbed to the fourth position in the non-English shows category on Netflix’s official Global Top 10 list, racking up an impressive 3.6 million views.
Its rapid ascent in popularity is underscored by its debut at the top of the TV-OTT drama buzz rankings, with IU claiming the first spot in the cast buzz rankings and Park Bo-gum following closely in second.
Overview of When Life Gives You Tangerines
Set against the backdrop of the 1950s, When Life Gives You Tangerines revolves around the lives of two protagonists: Ae-soon, a vibrant and rebellious character portrayed by IU, and Gwan-sik, a steadfast young man played by Park Bo-gum. Their adventurous journey through life’s trials and tribulations reflects themes of resilience and hope.
Helmed by writer Lim Sang-choon of When the Camellia Blooms fame and director Kim Won-seok of My Mister and Misaeng, this series promises an engaging narrative supported by a talented cast, including Park Hae-joon and Moon So-ri.
The storyline spans several decades, showcasing Ae-soon’s struggles against societal expectations and personal hardships, while Gwan-sik remains a constant source of support and love.
Thematic Elements of When Life Gives You Tangerines
The series captures the essence of familial bonds and nostalgia, celebrating the youthful experiences of past generations. Through the lens of Ae-soon, viewers witness moments of first love, acts of bravery, and the rebellious spirit of an era gone by. Despite the many challenges presented to her, Ae-soon stays unwavering in her aspirations, longing to be a poet and expressing her innermost emotions freely.
Conversely, Gwan-sik presents a more subdued character. His struggle to articulate his feelings for Ae-soon adds depth to their relationship, showcasing a profound and unwavering love that withstands the test of time.
Plot Progression: Ae-soon’s Journey
The narrative kicks off with an elderly Ae-sun reflecting on her childhood in Jeju, setting the stage for a flashback to her ten-year-old self in the bustling 1950s. Living with her resilient haenyeo mother, her dreams of becoming a poet flourish alongside her unwavering friendship with Gwan-sik.
As the story unfolds, Ae-sun faces the stark realities of life, marked by poverty and personal loss. Gwan-sik stands by her side, providing steadfast support through adversity.
Transitioning to 1967, the couple elopes in search of a brighter future, only to face unforeseen challenges that lead them back to Jeju. Their lives are marked by ongoing struggles and moments of joy, such as the birth of their daughter, Geum-myeong, with Gwan-sik working tirelessly as a fisherman while Ae-sun manages their home.
Years later, Ae-sun visits her daughter in Seoul, witnessing Geum-myeong’s determination to prioritize her career over marriage. The heartfelt exchange between Ae-sun and Gwan-sik highlights their growing old together, solidifying their bond through light-hearted teasing.
Don’t miss the next episode of When Life Gives You Tangerines, set to air on March 14.