When Life Gives You Tangerines – Cast, Plot, View Point overview

When Life Gives You Tangerines is an upcoming South Korean series set to premiere exclusively on Netflix on March 7, 2025.

When Life Gives You TangerinesSeries Overview

Category	Details
Original Title	폭싹 속았수다 (Pokssak Sog-atsuda)
Country	South Korea
Genre	Drama, Ramance
Director	Kim Won-seok
Writer	Lim Sang-choon
Cast	Lee Ji-eun (IU) as young Oh Ae-sun Park Bo-gum as young Yang Gwan-sik Moon So-ri as older Oh Ae-sun Park Hae-joon as older Yang Gwan-sik
Number of Episodes	16
Airing Period	March 7, 2025
Streaming Info	Netflix

When Life Gives You TangerinesSeries Cast

Lee Ji-eun (IU) as young Oh Ae-sun

A spirited and resilient woman who dreams of a better life despite the hardships of 1950s-60s Jeju Island. Known as the “remarkable rebel,” Ae-sun navigates the challenges of a conservative society while staying true to her ambitions.

U (Lee Ji-eun)

• Date of Birth: May 16, 1993
• Place of Birth: Seoul, South Korea
• Debut Work: Album “Lost and Found” (2008)
• Notable Works: “Hotel Del Luna,” “My Mister,” “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo,” “Dream,” “Broker”
• Social Media: Instagram

Park Bo-gum as young Yang Gwan-sik

Nicknamed the “unyielding iron,” Gwan-sik is a steadfast and hardworking man. He shares a deep connection with Ae-sun and supports her journey while facing his own struggles.

Park Bo-gum

• Date of Birth: June 16, 1993
• Place of Birth: Seoul, South Korea
• Debut Work: Film “Blind” (2011)
• Notable Works: “Reply 1988,” “Love in the Moonlight,” “Encounter,” “Record of Youth,” “Coin Locker Girl”
• Social Media: Twitter

Moon So-ri as older Oh Ae-sun

Moon So-ri

• Date of Birth: July 2, 1974
• Place of Birth: Busan, South Korea
• Debut Work: Film “Peppermint Candy” (1999)
• Notable Works: “Oasis,” “A Good Lawyer’s Wife,” “The Handmaiden,” “The Running Actress,” “On the Verge of Insanity”
• Social Media: Instagram

Park Hae-joon as older Yang Gwan-sik

Park Hae-joon

• Date of Birth: June 14, 1976
• Place of Birth: Busan, South Korea
• Debut Work: Film “You Are My Sunshine” (2005)
• Notable Works: “The World of the Married,” “Misaeng: Incomplete Life,” “Doctor Stranger,” “Fourth Place,” “Believer”

Grandmother Hwang (Na Moon-hee): A wise and caring elder in the community. She provides comfort and guidance to the younger generation, sharing life lessons rooted in tradition and experience.

Kim Young-jae (Choi Dae-hoon): A local farmer with a gentle heart. He often finds himself caught between tradition and change as Jeju begins to modernize.

Han Ok-rim (Kim Yong-rim): An influential figure in the village, Ok-rim is a strong-willed woman who upholds traditional values but learns to embrace new ideas through her interactions with Ae-sun.

Jung Min-woo (Lee Jun-young): A young and ambitious character who represents the new generation. His dreams of leaving Jeju clash with the island’s slower pace of life, adding a fresh perspective to the story.

When Life Gives You TangerinesSeries Plot

Set in the 1950s on Jeju Island, “When Life Gives You Tangerines” follows the adventurous lives of Oh Ae-sun and Yang Gwan-sik. Ae-sun, known as the “remarkable rebel,” and Gwan-sik, dubbed the “unyielding iron,” navigate numerous challenges and trials throughout the four seasons. The series portrays their enduring love and resilience, capturing the essence of their youthful days and the vibrant community around them.

When Life Gives You TangerinesSeries Viewing Tips

Anticipation Builds for Lim Sang-choon’s New Series

“When Life Gives You Tangerines” is gaining attention as the highly anticipated new work from renowned Korean writer Lim Sang-choon. Known for his ability to blend heartfelt storytelling with relatable characters, Lim Sang-choon has previously captured audiences with hit dramas like “Fight for My Way” (2017) and “When the Camellia Blooms” (2019).

“When the Camellia Blooms” not only received critical acclaim but also won the Grand Prize at the 56th Baeksang Arts Awards, showcasing Lim’s talent for delivering warmth, humor, and depth. Fans are eager to see how his unique storytelling will shine through in “When Life Gives You Tangerines”, promising another captivating mix of romance, community, and personal growth.

A Glimpse into 1950s-60s Jeju: Historical and Cultural Context

“When Life Gives You Tangerines” is set against the picturesque yet rugged backdrop of Jeju Island during the 1950s and 1960s. This era in South Korea was a period of profound transformation, marked by the aftermath of the Korean War (1950-1953) and the nation’s slow recovery from devastation. While the bustling cities of Seoul and Busan were beginning to modernize, rural and coastal regions like Jeju remained largely untouched by rapid development.

For Jeju Island, this time was particularly challenging yet culturally rich. The island’s isolation from the mainland helped preserve its unique traditions, but it also meant economic hardship for many of its residents. Agriculture and fisheries were the primary livelihoods, with tangerine farming emerging as a vital industry in the 1960s. The harsh yet beautiful landscape, coupled with the resilient spirit of Jeju’s people, provides a perfect setting for a story about struggle, hope, and new beginnings.

By choosing this historical setting, writer Lim Sang-choon not only paints a vivid picture of Korea’s past but also explores the timeless theme of finding one’s path amidst adversity. The protagonist’s journey to pursue her dreams in a conservative and patriarchal society echoes the broader struggles faced by many Koreans during this era. It’s a story of resilience, much like South Korea’s own rise from the ashes to become the dynamic nation it is today.

The Power of Supporting Cast: Elevating the Drama’s Depth

While “When Life Gives You Tangerines” boasts a stellar lineup of lead actors, the drama’s strength is further amplified by its talented supporting cast. South Korean dramas have long been praised for the depth and charm of their supporting characters, and this series is no exception. With a rich ensemble of seasoned actors, viewers can expect multifaceted storytelling and vibrant performances.

Choi Dae-hoon, known for his gripping role in “Beyond Evil”, is set to bring nuance and intensity to the screen once again. His ability to deliver subtle yet powerful emotions makes him a valuable addition to the series.

Na Moon-hee, a veteran actress with a remarkable filmography including “I Can Speak” and “Dear My Friends”, will undoubtedly add warmth and authenticity to the show. Her performances often resonate deeply with audiences, bridging the gap between fiction and reality.

Kim Yong-rim, widely recognized for her roles in “My Rosy Life” and “Wang’s Family”, is expected to provide stability and depth to the drama. Her portrayal of maternal and elderly characters has consistently brought a heartfelt touch to many productions.

Lee Jun-young, a rising star with roots in the K-pop industry, has already showcased his acting prowess in “D.P.” and “Imitation”. His youthful energy and growing versatility will bring fresh dynamics to the ensemble.

With such a robust supporting cast, “When Life Gives You Tangerines” is well-positioned to captivate audiences, offering layers of storytelling that go beyond the primary narrative.

Anticipating the Chemistry Between IU and Park Bo-gum

One of the biggest draws of “When Life Gives You Tangerines” is undoubtedly the on-screen chemistry between IU (Lee Ji-eun) and Park Bo-gum. Both actors are not only celebrated for their individual talents but also for their ability to create genuine and captivating connections with their co-stars.

IU, known for her versatile performances in “My Mister” and “Hotel Del Luna”, has a natural ability to convey deep emotions with subtle expressions. Her nuanced acting style often brings a quiet yet powerful depth to her roles.

On the other hand, Park Bo-gum has charmed audiences with his warm and endearing characters in dramas like “Reply 1988” and “Love in the Moonlight”. His bright smile and gentle demeanor create a comforting presence on screen, making his romantic pairings all the more believable.

The pairing of IU and Park Bo-gum feels both fresh and perfectly matched. Their ability to balance lighthearted moments with emotional depth could lead to a memorable and heartwarming dynamic. Fans are eagerly waiting to see how their characters’ relationship will unfold in the quaint and historical setting of 1950s-60s Jeju Island.

With such strong acting foundations and complementary styles, their chemistry is expected to be one of the highlights of the series, adding layers of authenticity and charm to the story.

When Life Gives You TangerinesSeries OST

update soon

When Life Gives You TangerinesSeries Trailer Video

When Life Gives You TangerinesSeries Poster

Melo Movie on Netflix l kdrama overview