Director: Kim Won-Suk
Writer: Lim Sang-Choon
Network: Netflix
Episodes: 16
Release Date: March 7 – 28, 2025 (4 episodes per week)
Cast: IU, Park Bo-Gum, Moon So-Ri, Park Hae-Joon
Hey, K-drama fam. You know how sometimes a show comes along that doesn’t hit you right away, but instead, slowly, silently burrows into your chest and refuses to leave?
Yeah… When Life Gives You Tangerines did exactly that to me.
It’s not loud. It’s not flashy. But man, it hurts so good.
This new K-drama on Netflix, starring IU and Park Bo-gum, is the kind of story that makes you sit with your feelings. Think slow-burn romance, deep emotions, and stunning views of Jeju Island. If you haven’t started watching yet, let me tell you why this quiet gem is totally worth your time.
What Is When Life Gives You Tangerines Even About?
Okay, so here’s the deal: The drama follows Ae-sun and Gwan-sik, two kids growing up in a small village on Jeju Island in 1950s South Korea. Ae-sun dreams of becoming a poet, while Gwan-sik is the dependable, steady type who doesn’t say much but feels everything.
The story doesn’t rush. It unfolds gently, over six decades, can you believe that? We get to watch their lives, hopes, and heartbreaks grow and change across time. What starts as first love eventually blossoms into a lifelong tale of loyalty, longing, and everything in between.
It’s not all sunshine and tangerines though (pun intended). Life gets messy. There’s war, poverty, broken dreams. But through it all, there’s this quiet connection between them that keeps pulling you in.
Jeju Island Is Basically the Third Lead
Let’s talk about Jeju. If you love beautiful settings in your K-dramas, this one will knock your socks off. The way the camera captures the cliffs, sea, and tangerine fields? It’s not just pretty, it means something.
This is where the haenyeo (Jeju’s legendary women divers) live and work. We see how hard their lives were, especially for the women in the ’60s, who had to dive deep, literally and emotionally, just to survive. The show gives them so much respect, and I loved that.
Jeju’s wild beauty reflects everything happening inside the characters. Stormy seas when things get hard. Blossoming trees when dreams take flight. The symbolism is chef’s kiss.
The Acting? Let Me Just Cry Real Quick
Let’s be real, IU always delivers. But here? She becomes Ae-sun. Bold, stubborn, vulnerable… she nails every single emotion. You believe her. You root for her. And you feel her sadness like it’s your own.
Then there’s Park Bo-gum’s portrayal of Gwan-sik. It’s so quiet, so gentle, but hits you hard. He doesn’t say much, but his eyes do all the talking. It’s honestly painful how good he is.
Their chemistry? Not dramatic, not explosive, but real. The kind of connection that grows from years of little things. Loyalty. Waiting. Looking out for each other when no one else does.
And shoutout to Moon So-ri, Park Hae Joon, Yeom Hye-ran, and Yang too. Every scene they’re in just adds more emotional weight to the story.
Watch the Trailer, But Bring Tissues
Before I watched episode one, I saw the trailer and was like, “Okay, this is going to wreck me.” And I was right.
You’ve got the gorgeous Jeju Island, flashes of heartbreak, some intense gazes, and just enough drama to make your heart race. If you haven’t already, go watch the trailer for this show. I promise you’ll be hooked before you even press play on the first episode.
It’s Not Perfect, But That’s Why I Love It
Let me be honest for a sec, not every episode is flawless. Some of the early ones feel slow. And the melodrama in certain parts? Yeah, it gets intense.
Some viewers didn’t love the way the show handled familial sacrifice and certain decisions Ae-sun makes later on. One plotline in particular (no spoilers!) left me shouting at my screen. But honestly? That made it feel even more real. Life’s messy. Love is confusing. And sometimes people make bad choices.
But the way this drama portrays those mistakes? It’s beautifully human.
Fans Are Obsessed (And Lowkey Losing It)
This show is quietly starting to take over social media. There’s already a viral challenge on social media where people recreate the emotional pier scene between Ae-sun and Gwan-sik (you’ll know it when you see it).
And let me tell you, the edits, the quotes, the crying GIFs, we are all in our feels. If you’re the kind of person who replays romantic moments 12 times in a row, this show was made for you.
Who’s Behind the Magic?
This isn’t just a one-hit wonder. The show was created by Kim Won-seok, who gave us Misaeng and When the Camellia Blooms. The writing? Courtesy of Lim Sang-choon, who knows how to make your heart ache in the best way.
Basically, if you’ve been craving a slice-of-life K-drama with soul and substance, this is the one.
So, Should You Watch When Life Gives You Tangerines?
YES. A thousand times yes.
Here’s why:
- The cinematography is stunning. Every episode looks like a painting.
- IU and Park Bo-gum deliver unforgettable performances.
- The story is emotional, grounded, and rich with meaning.
- You’ll fall in love with Jeju, the haenyeo, and the slow burn.
- It’s a love story that takes its time, and stays with you.
This isn’t a show you binge and forget. It’s the kind you sit with. One that reminds you that even small acts of love can last a lifetime.
Final Thoughts (and a Friendly Nudge)
When Life Gives You Tangerines is the K-drama I didn’t know I needed. It’s tender. Thoughtful. Sad. Sweet. A tale of setbacks and triumphs that slowly finds its way to your heart.
So do yourself a favor:
👉 Watch the trailer
👉 Start episode one
👉 Text your bestie: “We need to watch this together.”
And when you do, come back here and drop your thoughts in the comments. Let’s cry together.