For those of us who’ve been eagerly waiting for a Korean drama with a heartfelt and emotional beginning When Life Gives You Tangerines, gives you just that – starting with the very first episode.
We are introduced to a mother-daughter relationship from the start as we meet young Oh Ae-Sun (played by the talented IU) who is just as stubborn as her mother Jeon Gwang-rye played by Yeom Hye-ran.
However in the beginning episode it skips to a much older Ae-Sun to rewinding back to her younger self and then her as a teenage in the last minutes.
The show is set in the 1960s on Jeju Island, where the family struggles with tough social and financial challenges.
The women, especially, are limited by society’s expectations, which hold them back from having more freedom and opportunities.
When Life Gives You Tangerines Plot Details
Gwang-rye is a poor mother of three who is forced to work tirelessly every day to feed her family after the death of Ae-Sun’s father.
She and a group of women known as haenyeo dive without scuba gear in the waters surrounding Jeju Island to gather seafood.
In the very first episode, we feel the weight on Ae-Sun’s mum’s shoulders as she sacrifices her life for her loved ones.
One moment that felt hard to watch was when Ae-Sun’s mum told her daughter she must keep living with her in-laws, even though the young girl begged to stay.
It’s a tough scene but showcases her vulnerability.
However, we to understand why Oh Ae-Sun’s mother’s decision is so harsh.
She’s not being cruel—she’s trying to give Ae-Sun a better life than the one she’s had.
Her hope is simple but powerful: for her daughter to go to school, to be fed properly, and to live a life free from the struggles that have weighed her down.
Cast and Characters
Along the way, we meet several key secondary characters, including Ae-Sun’s grandmother (played by Na Moon-Hee), her uncle (played by Jung Hae-Kyun), stepfather (Oh Jung-see) and Yang Gwan-Sik, her neighbour whom is in love with her (played by Park Bo-Gum).
It’s already so precious seeing some sort of love forming between Ae-Sun and Gwan-Sik, despite it being just a glimmer.
The young boy- who turns into a handiness young man by the end of the episode, is clearly in love with her – and it’s obvious to see.
From him giving her food when she’s crying to him changing her chair whenever she feels restless from studying too much, I’m rooting for the pair and can’t wait to see where their story ends.
As we follow Ae-Sun’s journey, we see her navigating this harsh reality, trying to carve out a better future for herself.
From watching the very first episode, I can tell that When Life Gives You Tangerines is a story about life’s lessons and will include some sad moments.
It feels as though it won’t just be a story about love or family – but about determination, sacrifice, and the lengths we go to for the ones we love.
The actors in the show have already wowed me with their performances and I can’t wait to continue watching.
Park Bo Gum – Yang Gwan-sik
Born on June 16, 1993, in Seoul, South Korea, Park Bo-Gum began his career as a child actor before gaining widespread recognition for his roles in various dramas and movies.
He first gained attention for his role in the television drama “Love in the Moonlight” (2016), where he portrayed a crown prince.
In 2018, Park starred alongside Song Hye-kyo in “Encounter,” playing a free-spirited young man who finds joy in the simplest things. He also ventured into music, releasing his first Japanese single, “Bloomin’,” in 2019.
IU – Oh Ae-sun
Born on May 16, 1993, in Seoul, South Korea, IU began her career at the age of fifteen with her debut EP “Lost and Found” in 2008.
IU’s stage name, “IU,” combines the words “I” and “You,” symbolizing the idea that through music, she and her audience become one.
She has starred in several popular television dramas, including “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo,” “Hotel Del Luna,” and “My Mister.”
Come back to read my review on episode 2 of When Life Gives You Tangerines.