NETFLIX’S latest K-drama addition When Life Gives You Tangerines is a breathtaking emotional masterpiece. Directed by Kim Won-seok and written by Lim Sang-chun, this drama is all about nostalgia, love, hardships and heartbreaks. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Jeju Island, the series follows Ae-sun and Gwan-sik from their youth to old age, crafting a deeply moving narrative that lingers long after the final episode.
Stellar cast that delivers
The casting in When Life Gives You Tangerines is nothing short of perfection. Park Bo-gum, as the younger Gwan-sik, is an excellent actor. His performance sets the standard for an ideal man. His portrayal of a loving husband and quiet strength made Gwan-sik a memorable character. The depth in his expressions, the way he conveyed emotions through silence, and his heartfelt performance made every scene with him impactful.
IU, playing Ae-sun, once again proves she picks her dramas so well. She did a phenomenal job delivering different emotions – everything felt ultra-realistic. She brought Ae-sun to life with raw vulnerability, making it impossible for viewers not to feel every moment of her journey. The chemistry between IU and Bo-gum was incredibly natural, pulling audiences even deeper into their love story.
As the story progresses, Choi Min-sik and Kim Hye-ja take over as the older Gwan-sik and Ae-sun, and they are effortlessly good. Their performances added weight and depth to the characters, making the transition from youth to old age feel beautiful. The way they carried years of love, loss and longing in their expressions was nothing short of masterful. Even the youngest cast members, who played the childhood versions of Ae-sun and Gwan-sik, delivered top-notch performance, making every stage of the characters’ lives believable.
Beautiful portrayal of family bonds
Beyond its love story, When Life Gives You Tangerines beautifully portrays the deep, unbreakable bonds between parents and their children. The father-daughter relationship is one of the most touching aspects of the series, showing how a father’s love is quiet but steadfast, always present even in silence. The way Ae-sun’s father supports her, sometimes without words, becomes a powerful example of pure parental love.
At the same time, the mother-daughter bond is just as profound. Younger Ae-sun depends on her mother in a way that feels so natural and real. It was well portrayed, especially the comfort, guidance or just a reassuring presence – everything was well executed. The warmth and strength of a mother’s love shine through, showing that no matter how much life changes, a mother will always be a source of strength. These relationships add a great meaning to the story, making the emotional moments hit even harder.
Adding to the star power, Kim Seon-ho makes a special appearance and while his role is brief, it is nothing short of impressive. He brings his signature charm, leaving a lasting impression despite his limited screen time. His character adds an unexpected but meaningful layer to the story, making
his presence one of the drama’s most talked-about moments.
Every episode of When Life Gives You Tangerines is designed to make the audience cry. But rather than relying on forced melodrama, the series crafts its emotions with authenticity. The storytelling is realistic, making viewers feel every joy, sorrow and longing right alongside the characters. It is rare for a series to sustain such emotional intensity in every single episode, yet this one does it flawlessly.
Despite the heartache, When Life Gives You Tangerines remains breathtakingly beautiful. The cinematography captures Jeju Island with a nostalgic warmth, making every scene feel like a painting.
The soundtrack complements the story, enhancing every emotional beat. The writing, pacing and direction all come together in a way that makes this more than just another Korean series.
Best K-drama yet?
When Life Gives You Tangerines is hands down one of the best series to have been produced in a long time. It sets a new benchmark for emotional storytelling in K-dramas, proving sometimes, the most deeply personal stories can leave the greatest impact. When Life Gives You Tangerines is available to stream on Netflix.
DIRECTOR: Kim Won-seok
CAST: IU, Park Bo-gum, Choi Min-sik, Kim Hye-ja
E-VALUE: 9
PLOT: 9
ACTING: 9
