When Life Gives You Tangerines is probably one of the saddest Korean dramas I’ve watched to date. You’ll definitely need a box of tissues to get through all 16 episodes— no joke.
What Is When Life Gives You Tangerines About?
When Life Gives You Tangerines is a sweeping family drama set primarily on Jeju Island during the 1960s.
The story centers around Ae-sun and Gwan-sik, two young lovers whose families face financial struggles and societal pressures, especially on the women who are bound by strict traditional expectations.
From the very beginning, we are introduced to Ae-sun, a stubborn and spirited girl played by IU, who shares a complex and strong bond with her mother, Jeon Gwang-rye (played by Yeom Hye-ran).
Gwang-rye is a resilient woman who works tirelessly as a haenyeo — a traditional female diver who harvests seafood without scuba gear — to support her family after the death of her husband.
The series covers decades, showing how Ae-sun and Gwan-sik’s lives unfold amid their hardships and the evolving landscape of Jeju Island.
Along the way, we meet important secondary characters, including Ae-sun’s grandmother, uncle, stepfather, and childhood friend Yang Gwan-sik, played by Park Bo-gum.
Is When Life Gives You Tangerines Worth Watching?
When Life Gives You Tangerines isn’t an easy watch – it centres around heavy themes like grief, trauma, and poverty, which can feel emotionally draining at times.
It’s a slow-paced drama that focuses more on character development and storytelling than fast-moving plots or shocking twists.
The show’s strength lies in its intimate portrayal of family relationships and its honest depiction of life’s hardships, which may resonate strongly with viewers looking for something heartfelt and realistic.
IU delivers a powerful performance, playing both the young Ae-sun and later her daughter.
Park Bo-gum plays the quietly devoted Gwan-sik, meanwhile, and the supporting cast is equally strong.
While some viewers may find the pacing slow and certain scenes drawn out, the series rewards patience with heartfelt moments of hope and resilience.
If you’re in the mood for a thoughtful drama that captures the bittersweet realities of life and love, and don’t mind taking your time with it, When Life Gives You Tangerines is definitely worth your time. Just be prepared to grab your tissues when watching that final episode.
Rating
Where you’ve seen Park Bo-gum…Park Bo-gum is a South Korean actor who is popular among fans.
He first broke out in the scene for his role as a genius Go player in the hit drama “Reply 1988” (2015–2016).
He continued to build his reputation with leading roles in several high-profile dramas and films such as “Love in the Moonlight” (2016).
He also starred alongside Song Hye-kyo in the romantic drama “Encounter” (2018), where he portrayed a kind-hearted young man caught in a bittersweet romance with an older woman.
Park Bo-gum has also appeared in films like “Coin Locker Girl” (2015) and, “Seo Bok” (2021), where he took on a more intense, sci-fi role alongside Gong Yoo.
Where you’ve seen IU….IU (whose real name Lee Ji-eun) is a South Korean singer-songwriter and actress.
She debuted as a singer at just 15 years old with her 2008 EP Lost and Found, and rose to stardom with her 2010 hit song “Good Day.”
Beyond her successful music career, she is known for her role in the coming-of-age drama “Dream High” (2011) and later “My Mister” (2018), and “Hotel Del Luna” (2019).