Netflix's new series When Life Gives You Tangerines (original title: 폭싹 속았수다) delivers a heartwarming drama that turns life's bitter moments into something sweet—just like a warm cup of tangerine tea.
A Stellar Team Behind the Series
Directed by Kim Won-seok (Misaeng, My Mister) and written by Im Sang-choon (When the Camellia Blooms), the series brings together a powerhouse team of creatives known for their deep, emotional storytelling.
Even the cast was immediately drawn to the script. IU accepted the role in less than a day, while Park Bo-gum eagerly anticipated the project. Moon So-ri was moved to tears, and Park Hae-joon worried he might be replaced before the final casting confirmation.
IU shared, "The English title of our drama is When Life Gives You Tangerines. No matter how bitter life's tangerines are, we turn them into tangerine syrup and serve it as warm tea. That's the essence of our story."
A Multi-Generational Tale Set Against Jeju's Changing Seasons
The drama follows the adventurous life of Ae-soon (played by IU), a rebellious, free-spirited girl born in Jeju, and Gwan-sik (played by Park Bo-gum), a steadfast, hardworking man who would do anything for her. Their lives are told through the lens of Jeju's four seasons, portraying the ups and downs of love, dreams, and resilience.
Director Kim Won-seok described the drama as "a tribute to our grandparents' generation and an anthem of encouragement to their children." He hopes the series will help bridge generational and gender divides.
Two Eras, One Story—A Star-Studded Cast
- IU and Park Bo-gum play Ae-soon and Gwan-sik in their youth.
- Moon So-ri and Park Hae-joon portray their older selves, ensuring continuity in their emotional journey.
Kim Won-seok revealed, "This script required incredibly talented actors. IU's detailed acting perfectly embodied Ae-soon's rebellious yet endearing nature. For Gwan-sik, I needed someone genuinely kind—both Park Bo-gum and Park Hae-joon were perfect choices."
The actors themselves were deeply moved by the script:
- IU: "I couldn't resist—I had to take this role. I said yes in less than a day."
- Park Bo-gum: "The changing seasons in the story kept lingering in my mind. I knew this was a project I'd cherish forever."
- Moon So-ri: "I cried with every page. It reminded me of my parents. I've never read a script that made me this emotional."
- Park Hae-joon: "I was so excited after reading it that I worried I might be recast. I was relieved when the offer was finalized."
Bridging Past and Present—How the Actors Matched Their Counterparts
One of the challenges was ensuring a natural transition between young and older versions of the characters.
- Moon So-ri admitted, "At first, I wasn't sure how IU's character would grow into me, but then I realized—when we look at our parents' old photos, they seem like different people. It's a natural transformation."
- She also adopted a unique acting trick: "IU has a beauty mark on her cheek. I asked the makeup team to place one on me in the exact same spot. That helped me step into her character."
IU, in turn, embraced her senior co-star: "Moon So-ri guided me through so many conversations about our characters. I naturally became attached to her, just like Ae-soon would."
A Nostalgic Yet Modern Production
Spanning 65 years, from 1960s Jeju to 2025 Seoul, When Life Gives You Tangerines captures the changing face of Korea through meticulous historical details.
Director Kim noted, "I can't recall a recent drama that spans such a long period. Time brings both hardship and unexpected gifts, and our drama reflects that journey."
Unique Release Format
Unlike most Netflix series, When Life Gives You Tangerines will be released over four weeks, with four episodes dropping each week.
Kim explained, "This is a story meant to be savored—like watching the seasons change. We want viewers to take it in slowly and feel its depth."
A Message of Hope for the Uncertain Youth
The director concluded, "Youth is full of uncertainty. I hope that by watching this drama, young viewers will feel that they, too, can make it through."
Finally, IU left a heartfelt invitation: "Life will always give you bitter tangerines, but this drama is about turning them into something warm and comforting. I hope you take the time to sit with our story and let it sink in."
Premiere Date
When Life Gives You Tangerines premieres on March 7 on Netflix.
[Photo Credit: Song Hyo-jin, Dispatch]
