A weekend or a weekday, binge-watching continues for K-drama lovers. Yes, audiences have developed a special connection with K-dramas because of the compelling storyline, character portrayal, and romance. Adding to this list, a new South Korean drama TV series, “ When Life Gives You Tangerines,” has gained wide attention by occupying a popular spot on Netflix. The first season and episode were streamed on 7 March 2025, immediately leading to appreciation for its star cast, screenplay, direction, and emotional depth.
A Heart-Wrenching Story
Directed by Kim Won-seok, this series follows a narrative approach in its storyline. This heartfelt drama, set against the backdrop of beautiful Jeju Island, follows a girl, Ae-sun, played by IU, and a boy, Gwan-sik, played by Park Bo-gum, throughout the 1950s to 2000s. Throughout the series, the viewers are never distracted because of the strong performances by each actor and the depiction of challenges faced by women in the community adhering to social norms, which deeply resonate with the audience.
Despite the simple love story where a girl and boy meet on an island and share their thoughts, and the girl aspires to become a poet, while the boy cherishes and loves her, the screenplay and heartfelt performance by Ae-sun and Gwan-sik stand out.
Lover Story at Stake
Their love story experiences a difficult journey over the years, but overcoming them together shows how resilient and supportive they are in a relationship. After the arrival of their children, as parents, how Ae-sun and Gwan Sik evolve is worth mentioning. Ae-sun plays two roles as mother and daughter; this elevates the plot, and she, as a daughter, completely steals the show through her extraordinary performance.
Reason to Watch: Thought to New Beginnings
Depicting their daily lifestyle may be monotonous for a few viewers, but the location and screenplay overshadow it. Another important factor in this show is women outliving their husbands. Due to this, what are the emotional challenges faced by them? The loss of a family member can deeply affect the family, which leads to emotional and mental breakdown. This heartfelt drama concludes with Ae-sun regaining strength and courage through her children’s support, by engaging in writing, and by finding solace in her memories.
Written By: Tejaswini Prasad