Hello, everyone! Hope you’re all well. Today, I’m diving into a review of the drama When Life Gives You Tangerines, which has truly won over audiences globally with its stunning narrative and outstanding performances.
This gem was released on Netflix from March 7 to 28, 2025, and features 16 episodes that take us through an emotional journey spanning decades on Jeju Island. Crafted by writer Lim Sang-choon and director Kim Won-seok, and starring IU, Park Bo-gum, Moon So-ri, and Park Hae-joon, this slice-of-life romance drama highlights that some tales are worth an entire lifetime’s wait to be told.
Set against the breathtaking scenery of Jeju Island, this series wonderfully encapsulates the spirit of human perseverance and the timeless power of love. The narrative follows the journey of a vivacious girl and a determined boy whose island story grows into a lifelong saga of challenges and victories, illustrating that love can transcend time. What sets this drama apart is its knack for turning ordinary moments into poetry, making viewers feel as though they’re witnessing a beautifully composed novel come alive.
Ae-Sun: A Rebel with a Love for Books
Ae-Sun (IU) and Gwan-Sik (Park Bo-Gum) hail from Jeju, South Korea in the 1950s. Ae-Sun, a rebel and book lover, can’t attend school due to her family’s poverty. Despite this, she clings to her dream of becoming a poet. Now in her 70s, Ae-sun reflects on her upbringing on Jeju Island. As a child in the ’60s, she watches her mother, Gwang-rye, struggle to make ends meet.
Spanning decades, the story intertwines moments of sheer joy with heart-wrenching losses. Through flashbacks and current reflections, we see how two childhood friends navigate life’s complexities, love, and deferred dreams. The series doesn’t shy away from depicting the harsh realities of poverty and social constraints, yet it carries an authentic and deeply moving sense of hope.
Main Character Evolution: Ae-Sun’s Story
IU gives a defining performance as Ae-Sun, a character who embodies both fragility and fortitude. Her portrayal of a woman determined not to let circumstances tarnish her inner light is truly extraordinary. From rebellious youth to reflective elder, IU captures every facet of a life lived with fervor and intent.
What stands out about Ae-Sun is her steadfast commitment to her dreams despite countless hurdles. Her love for literature and poetry becomes more than a pastime; it’s her lifeline through life’s toughest moments. IU’s portrayal of this character’s growth over time showcases her incredible acting range.
Gwan-Sik’s Loyalty: Park Bo-gum’s Moving Role
Park Bo-gum takes on the role of Yang Gwan-sik, who has loved Ae-sun since he was 10. The 31-year-old actor plays the younger Gwan-sik, a devoted husband and father who remains steadfast through trials and losses. Though he is reserved, Park brings a profound emotional depth to the character with his subtle performance.
Gwan-sik embodies a rare, precious kind of love that stays constant through life’s seasons. In Episode 3, “Yesterday Was Your Spring,” Ae-sun and Gwan-sik experience separation for the first time, and Gwan-sik swims across the ocean to reunite with his one true love. This scene perfectly illustrates his deep devotion and the extent he’ll go for love.
Life’s Bittersweet Journeys
The series doesn’t hold back from depicting life’s toughest moments. The emotional peak revolves around immense loss and how families cope with overwhelming grief. Without giving too much away, the series tackles these heavy themes with grace and authenticity, leaving viewers profoundly moved by the characters’ resilience.
The beauty of the storytelling is in how it shows that even in the darkest times, life offers unexpected moments of joy and connection. The series teaches us that healing involves integrating our experiences as part of our narrative, not forgetting them.
Acclaim on Netflix
The series has been widely praised for its performances, writing, and direction. It received eight nominations at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards, winning four, including Best Drama. The show’s success on Netflix is notable, with audiences worldwide relating to its universal themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. With a 9.1 rating, When Life Gives You Tangerines proves that genuine storytelling transcends cultures and speaks deeply to the human experience.
Final Thoughts
If you’re fond of heartfelt dramas that delve into the complexities of human connections and the endurance of the human spirit, When Life Gives You Tangerines is an ideal series to binge on Netflix. This isn’t just a show; it’s an emotional odyssey that lingers long after the last episode.
A storytelling masterpiece that reminds us of why love, in all its forms, is the most potent force in shaping our lives and defining our humanity.
Series Information:
Number of Episodes: 16
Platform: Netflix
Rating: 9.1/10 (IMDb)
Genre: Romance, Drama, Slice-of-Life, Historical
Main Characters: IU (Lee Ji-eun) as Ae-Sun, Park Bo-gum as Yang Gwan-sik
Antagonist: Life’s circumstances and social challenges rather than a conventional antagonist