“When Life Gives You Tangerines” is a 2025 South Korean television series that blends nostalgia, romance, and the coming-of-age genre. It’s been shot on the island of Jeju, the series captures the twisted lives of two individuals, Ae-sun and Gwan-sik, as they helm love, dreams, loss, and the passage of time. Featuring celebrated actors IU and Park Bo-gum in lead roles, this drama invites viewers into a deeply emotional journey spanning decades. Directed by Kim Won-seok and written by Lim Sang-choon, the show was released globally on Netflix in March 2025, gaining both critical and audience acclaim.
Plot Summary
At its core, “When Life Gives You Tangerines” is a love story, but not in the typical sense. It follows the life of Ae-sun, a vibrant and strong-willed girl raised in the traditional yet changing landscape of Jeju Island. After the sudden loss of her mother, Ae-sun lives under the care of another family, where she meets Gwan-sik, a quiet and dependable boy with a heart full of unspoken emotions.
As the years pass, their childhood friendship matures into a deep connection. While Ae-sun dreams of becoming a poet and leaving her island roots behind, Gwan-sik finds contentment in the simple life, devoted to his hometown and its people. Their contrasting desires create a push-and-pull dynamic that defines much of their relationship. The story beautifully weaves through different stages of their lives from innocent youth to adulthood, capturing the essence of love that evolves, stumbles, and survives across time.
The Setting
The show stands out for its immersive setting. Jeju Island is not just a backdrop but a living, breathing character in its own right. With its tangerine orchards, coastal winds, and tight-knit community, the island evokes a sense of nostalgia that is central to the show’s tone. The series frequently contrasts Jeju’s beautiful rural scenery with glimpses of urban life in Seoul, emphasizing the emotional and cultural distance between the characters’ choices and values.
Moreover, the use of the local Jeju dialect, customs, and traditional practices (like haenyeo diving culture) adds layers of authenticity to the storytelling. Through thoughtful cinematography and art direction, the show recreates different era’s right from the 1960s to the present, giving each decade its distinct mood and style.
Characterization
- Ae-sun (played by IU): She is an ambitious and fiery spirit who resists the limitations set by her environment. Her journey as a poet mirrors her quest for freedom and identity. She is both brave and flawed, often torn between love and her dreams.
- Gwan-sik (played by Park Bo-gum): He is the emotional anchor of the series. While he is less expressive, his loyalty and care for Ae-sun never waver. His quiet love and willingness to wait show the strength of his character in subtle, touching ways.
As their lives unfold, the show introduces their daughter, who adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. Her perspective and relationship choices reflect and contrast with those of her parents, highlighting how time and culture shape our approach to love and life.
What’s so unique about “When Life Gives You Tangerines”?
The drama succeeds in showing touching themes:-
- Rather than idealizing romance, the series presents love as enduring, messy, and often painful. It is about choosing each other again and again despite distance and disappointment.
- The non-linear storytelling allows for a reflection on how people and places change. Memory serves as a bridge between past and present, often reshaping how characters see each other and themselves.
- The drama delves into the conflict between youthful dreams and adult responsibilities. Ae-sun’s desire to escape and Gwan-sik’s contentment with simplicity become metaphors for broader human dilemmas.
- By grounding the narrative in Jeju Island’s unique culture, the series honours regional heritage while also showcasing the push toward modernity.
In a nutshell, “When Life Gives You Tangerines” serves as a metaphor for embracing life’s unpredictability. Just like Jeju’s sweet yet sometimes sour tangerines, life offers both joy and hardship, and the drama suggests that both must be tasted to truly grow.
From its release, the series has acquired widespread praise for its heartfelt performances, rich visuals, and emotional depth. IU and Park Bo-gum’s chemistry was lauded, as was the nuanced script that avoided clichés in favor of realism and subtlety. International viewers especially appreciated the cultural specificity of Jeju Island, making the show both locally rooted and globally resonant.
Additionally, the show sparked renewed interest in Jeju tourism and the island’s dialect and traditions. For many, “When Life Gives You Tangerines” wasn’t just a drama; it was a reflective experience about life, love, and the choices that define us.
