When Life Gives You Tangerines Review: This is a South Korean romance and slice-of-life drama starring IU, Park Bo-gum, Moon So-ri, and Park Hae-joon.
The story follows the adventurous and rebellious Ae-soon and the strong-willed Gwan-sik, who grew up in Jeju during the 1950s. The series premiered on March 7, 2025, and is now available to stream on Netflix.
Plot Summary
This story is like a tribute to our parents’ youthful days, capturing the moments when they were young. It tells stories of a mother’s first love, a father’s brave adventures, a grandmother’s rebellious past, and a grandfather’s romantic times.
Ae Sun is bold and rebellious, but deep down, she gets nervous when she defies the rules. She doesn’t have much, yet she shines with positivity. She dreams of becoming a poet, even though she can’t attend school, and she openly expresses her emotions without holding back.
Gwan Sik is hardworking and quiet. He isn’t great at romance and doesn’t always know what to do when Ae Sun laughs or cries. But he is devoted to her from the very beginning, loving her wholeheartedly in his own silent way.
Mesmerizing Blend of Love, Dreams, and Family Struggles!
When Life Gives You Tangerines Review: This drama is a touching story about a young couple facing love, hardship, and family struggles at a time when girls were not given many opportunities. Set in the remote beauty of Jeju Island, it beautifully captures the innocence and pain of growing up.
The story is well-written, with excellent pacing that keeps you engaged. The cast does a fantastic job bringing the emotions to life, making you feel every moment of joy and sadness. This drama is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, leaving a lasting impression on its viewers.
When Life Gives You Tangerines perfectly captures its essence. It realistically portrays Asian households in the 1960s, highlighting the struggles of women and their determination to overcome challenges. It beautifully blends warmth with ambition, showing the journey of chasing dreams while also valuing family and children.
The love story adds a sassy touch, bringing both heartbreak and chaos while emphasizing the role of family in protecting a child’s dreams—especially for girls, who were often expected to do household chores while boys enjoyed more freedom. More than just a drama, When Life Gives You Tangerines offers a glimpse into that era, evoking both sadness and warmth. With great acting, chemistry, cinematography, and storytelling, this is a must-watch. Don’t miss IU’s comeback drama after Hotel Del Luna!
Captivating, Unforgettable, and Stellar Performance
IU delivers an outstanding performance as a brave and ambitious girl who dreams of going to college but soon realizes her family’s poverty will hold her back. Park Bo Gum plays the kind and protective young man who always tries to shield her from hardships.
However, in a sweet and unexpected way, it is often the female lead who ends up protecting him. IU and Park Bo-gum did an amazing job in their roles, along with the rest of the cast. Everyone delivered excellent performances in When Life Gives You Tangerines!
IU is a natural actress. She makes acting look effortless. The moment she appears on screen, the role feels like it truly belongs to her. Her gestures, facial expressions—especially her eyes—voice, and dialogue delivery all bring her character to life.
Even when she isn’t speaking, her presence is powerful. I still can’t forget her outstanding performance in My Mister—one of the best I’ve ever seen. And once again, she shines in When Life Gives You Tangerines.
Verdict
When Life Gives You Tangerines is a beautifully crafted drama with heartfelt performances, especially from IU and Park Bo Gum. Its touching story of love, sacrifice, and resilience will tug at your heartstrings. A must-watch for fans of emotional and well-paced storytelling.