The highly anticipated Korean drama When Life Gives You Tangerines brings together two of South Korea’s most beloved stars, IU and Park Bo-gum. The series tells a heartwarming story about love, growth, and the different seasons of life, both literally and figuratively.
The drama follows the journey of Oh Ae-sun (played by IU) and Yang Gwan-sik (played by Park Bo-gum) as they navigate life’s ups and downs, experiencing love, hardships, and personal transformation over the years. Their story is divided into four distinct chapters, symbolized by the four seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—each representing a new phase in their lives.
IU Reflects on Her Personal Growth Through Ae-sun
For IU, this role was deeply personal. Having started her entertainment career as a singer at the young age of 15, she has grown up in the public eye. She admitted that, much like Ae-sun, she has gone through different “seasons” in her life.
“In my teenage years and early twenties, I was quite reserved and often distanced myself from people,” IU shared. “Now that I’m in my thirties, I’ve learned to enjoy life more. I feel more comfortable with myself, and that’s something I see in Ae-sun as well.”
Her character, Ae-sun, is someone who starts off as a dreamer, full of energy and youthful passion, but as she faces life’s struggles, she matures into a wiser, more grounded woman. IU found it rewarding to portray Ae-sun’s evolution, saying, “It’s rare to be able to play the same character at different ages. This was a very new and exciting challenge for me.”
Park Bo-gum Sees His Own Life in Gwan-sik’s Journey
Park Bo-gum also connected deeply with his character. Before becoming an actor, he dreamed of being a singer-songwriter, but life took him in a different direction. Much like Gwan-sik, he had to make unexpected choices and adapt to new circumstances.
“I started acting when I was 18, and I’ve had many experiences since then—attending university, serving in the military, meeting people from different backgrounds,” he said. “All of those experiences have shaped who I am today. I see a similar growth in Gwan-sik’s character.”
Gwan-sik is a man of few words, someone who carries a quiet strength within him. He represents stability and perseverance, contrasting with Ae-sun’s more emotional and free-spirited personality. Park Bo-gum was drawn to the role because of the depth and complexity of Gwan-sik’s character.
“What I love about When Life Gives You Tangerines is that it doesn’t just focus on romantic love. It’s about how we change as people, how time and experience shape us,” he explained.
A Project They Couldn’t Say No To
Both IU and Park Bo-gum were immediately captivated by the script. IU was particularly touched by the realistic portrayal of life’s journey, saying, “It’s not a typical love story—it’s about two people growing together, sometimes growing apart, but always impacting each other’s lives in meaningful ways.”
Park Bo-gum was equally excited, especially about the way the story unfolds across different time periods. “It’s a rare opportunity to tell a story that spans so many years in the lives of these characters. I felt that this was something I would be proud to show to my family, friends, and fans,” he said.
Another major reason they both signed on to the project was the chance to work together. Despite their long careers, this is their first time starring in a drama together. IU expressed her admiration for Park Bo-gum’s acting skills, saying, “I’ve always wanted to work with him. He’s a very thoughtful and dedicated actor.” Park Bo-gum, in turn, praised IU’s ability to bring depth and emotion to her role.
A Drama That Will Resonate With Many
When Life Gives You Tangerines is more than just a romance—it’s a story about growing up, facing hardships, and embracing life’s changes. It’s about finding happiness in both the sunshine of spring and the cold of winter. “When Life Gives You Tangerines” offers a rich, multi-faceted exploration of life’s seasons, both literal and metaphorical. With its complete 16-episode run now available on Netflix, viewers can fully immerse themselves in this poignant journey of love, growth, and self-discovery. The inclusion of Kim Seon-ho’s character adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, making it a must-watch for fans of Korean dramas seeking depth and authenticity in storytelling.
The series premiered on March 7, 2025, with the initial four episodes representing the “Spring” segment. Subsequent episodes were released in batches corresponding to the seasons:
- Summer Episodes (5-8): Released on March 14, 2025
- Autumn Episodes (9-12): Released on March 21, 2025
- Winter Episodes (13-16): Released on March 28, 2025
This episodic release strategy allowed audiences to immerse themselves in each season’s thematic essence, enhancing the storytelling experience.
