On March 7, Netflix dropped its latest original Korean drama, When Life Gives You Tangerines, and it didn’t take long for it to become the talk of the town. With IU and Park Bo Gum leading the cast, expectations were already sky-high, but this drama goes beyond just being a star-studded romance.
Set in 1950s Jeju, When Life Gives You Tangerines weaves together romance, resilience, and the raw struggles of women in a time when opportunities were anything but equal. It’s a story about love, but also about fighting for your place in the world, making it one of the most compelling releases of the year.
So, what makes this drama worth your watch? Let’s dive into the details!
Got it! I’ll rewrite the article with an engaging, conversational tone—like you’re chatting with your bestie about the latest K-drama obsession. The flow will be natural, the energy will be fun, and the SEO will be on point. Let’s dive in!
1. It’s Not Just Another Love Story—It’s a Powerful Tale of Women’s Struggles
Let’s be real: we love a good romance. But this drama goes beyond that. It shines a light on the hardships women faced in the 1950s, and IU’s character, Ae Sun, is right at the heart of it.
Growing up on Jeju Island in a family struggling to make ends meet, Ae Sun watches her mother take on the role of the breadwinner while her stepfather… well, let’s just say he’s not exactly helping. From a young age, Ae Sun learns that life isn’t fair—especially for women.
One of the most frustrating (but oh-so-realistic) moments? When Ae Sun wins the class president election with 37 votes, but a male classmate with only 28 votes gets the position instead—just because of his family background. And it doesn’t stop there. Later, when Ae Sun gets caught trying to escape to Busan with Gwan Sik, she’s expelled from school, while Gwan Sik? He gets off with just a suspension. The double standards are infuriating, and the drama doesn’t shy away from showing them.
2. Two Timelines, One Heartbreaking Story
If you love dramas that jump between past and present (Hello, Reply 1988 vibes!), you’re in for a treat. When Life Gives You Tangerines beautifully blends two timelines—Ae Sun and Gwan Sik’s lives in the 1950s and their daughter Geum Myeong’s modern-day journey.
The transition between these timelines is seamless, so don’t worry about getting lost. Instead, you’ll find yourself completely invested in both stories, piecing together how the past shaped the future. And let’s be honest—half the fun is in the slow-burn reveals that make you gasp out loud at 2 a.m.
3. IU Plays Two Roles—And Absolutely Owns Both
We already know IU is insanely talented, but this drama takes it to another level. Not only does she play Ae Sun, a young woman fighting against societal norms in the 1950s, but she also plays Geum Myeong, Ae Sun’s daughter, who’s carving her own path in the modern world.
Ae Sun is strong-willed and fearless, always speaking her mind—even when it gets her into trouble. Meanwhile, Geum Myeong is just as determined but navigates life with the freedom her mother never had. Watching IU seamlessly switch between these characters is chef’s kiss perfection.
4. Park Bo Gum as Gwan Sik? Total Green Flag Energy
We need to talk about Park Bo Gum’s character, Gwan Sik. If you’ve ever suffered from Second Lead Syndrome, don’t worry—there’s none of that here. Gwan Sik is the ultimate green flag boyfriend.
He’s kind. He’s loyal. He respects Ae Sun as an equal (which, let’s be real, is rare in a drama set in the 1950s). Through all of Ae Sun’s struggles, he’s by her side, supporting her without overshadowing her.
Gwan Sik isn’t just there for Ae Sun—he sees her. And that? That’s what makes him so swoon-worthy.
5. A Unique Release Schedule Keeps the Suspense Alive
Here’s something different: instead of dropping all episodes at once like most Netflix originals, When Life Gives You Tangerines is releasing four episodes per week. That means no all-night binge sessions (unless you save them up, of course).
This staggered release actually works in the drama’s favor. It builds anticipation, gives fans time to digest the emotional rollercoaster, and—let’s be honest—prevents us from spiraling into a post-drama depression too quickly.
If you’re ready to jump in, the first four episodes are already on Netflix, and new ones are dropping every Friday.
When Life Gives You Tangerines is More Than Just a Love Story. Should You Watch It?
If you love emotional storytelling, breathtaking cinematography, and characters that feel painfully real, When Life Gives You Tangerines is a must-watch. It’s not just another love story—it’s a deep, thought-provoking drama that stays with you long after the credits roll.
So grab your tissues, cancel your weekend plans, and get ready to fall in love with Ae Sun, Gwan Sik, and a story that will completely wreck you in the best way possible.
Already watching? Let’s hear your thoughts! Are you Team Ae Sun? Obsessed with Gwan Sik? Drop your theories, reactions, and emotional breakdowns in the comments. Because trust me—we’re all in this together.