When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025)

A MASTERPIECE FOR THE AGES

I honestly underestimated this drama. I didn’t expect it to be this GREAT, this PHENOMENAL, this AMAZING?! When Life Gives You Tangerines isn’t just a drama; it’s a masterpiece and a masterclass in storytelling. I had high hopes going into it, but after being let down by a few dramas before, I tried to manage my expectations. However, my gut feeling told me this would be special—and boy, was I right and so, so wrong at the same time! I didn’t just enjoy it; I was completely captivated, and it changed me in ways I can’t fully describe. There was a me before watching this show, and now, there’s a me after. It’s one of those stories that doesn’t just end when the show does; it stays with you and reshapes how you think. I never imagined a drama could make me reflect on my own life so deeply. From the first episode, I was hooked. And by the end, I was left emotionally wrecked in the most beautiful way.

This isn’t just a love story—it’s about resilience, survival, and the kind of love that doesn’t need to be shouted from the rooftops. The bond between Gwan Sik and Ae Sun is so pure, so grounded in reality, that you can’t help but feel every emotion they go through. From their awkward yet beautiful first kiss to the way they support each other through everything life throws their way, their relationship is everything I wish for in a partner. It’s not always easy or perfect, but it’s real, and that’s what makes it so powerful. Their connection transcends time, and you feel it in every shared glance, every quiet moment between them. The scene where Gwan Sik jumps into the stormy sea to get to Ae Sun—that scene will forever be etched in my mind. It’s not just about love, it’s about sacrifice, and the lengths people will go to when they care for someone deeply.

And then there’s the love between families. The dynamic between Gwang Rye and Ae Sun is heartbreaking yet beautiful. Gwang Rye’s sacrifice for her daughter, how she worked so hard as a Haenyeo, hoping to spare Ae Sun from that life, speaks to the lengths mothers will go to for their children. It’s such a layered portrayal of motherhood and the ways that generational trauma can shape how we live our lives. Ae Sun’s journey is a reflection of that tension between breaking free from what’s expected and the reality of what she has to face.

The show also delves into the societal dynamics and gender roles that are imposed on women, and it’s something that really stuck with me. The way women are often expected to stay in their place, how the world around them limits their options—When Life Gives You Tangerines doesn’t shy away from showing these struggles. Ae Sun’s character feels like a rebellion in itself. She had dreams, she had ambitions, but life didn’t always give her the chance to pursue them. She wanted to be a poet, but the world she lived in had other plans and challenges for her to overcome first. That tension between following your heart and doing what’s necessary for survival is explored so well.

It’s also a story about breaking generational trauma and crafting your life the way you think it should be lived. One of the most moving scenes for me was when Gwan Sik, sitting at the men’s table, looked over at his family and decided he wanted to eat with them. It’s a simple act, but it means everything. He chooses his family over tradition, over expectations. And that moment, when he gives his daughter his beans, is just one of those gestures that speaks volumes about the kind of father he is. It was a small gesture, but one that said everything about the kind of man he was—and about love in its truest form. Gwan Sik showed Geum Myeong what it is to be a gold standard father, husband, and man. He is the standard. It’s not about grand gestures, it’s about the everyday acts of love that define who you are.

The acting is beyond words. Every actor brought their all to the table, and their performances were so raw and authentic that you couldn’t help but be drawn in. The chemistry between the leads especially IU and Bo Gum is electric, and the way the supporting cast adds depth to the world around them just elevates the entire story.

The cinematography is another element that makes this drama feel almost poetic. Every shot feels like it has meaning, and the way the visuals enhance the story is nothing short of incredible. The quiet moments, the big emotional scenes, everything is framed perfectly, adding another layer of emotion to the narrative.

When Life Gives You Tangerines isn’t just a drama you watch; it’s a drama you live. It stays with you, changes you, and leaves you thinking about the characters long after the last episode. It’s all so beautifully crafted that it feels like more than just a story. It’s an unforgettable experience about how people navigate life, love, hardships and the weight of the choices they make, and it’s one I will carry with me forever.

Full review coming soon. Stay tuned!

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A Magnificent Epic: Love, Sacrifice, and Resilience Across Six Decades of South Korean History

This drama did not simply unfold before me—it reached out, took my hand, and walked me through the quiet poetry of life. It arrived like a whisper at the perfect moment, as if it had been waiting for me, knowing I needed it before I even did. And now, as I step away, I do so with a heart that sees more clearly, that loves more deeply—my parents, my brother, the family I have yet to meet. Love that had always been there, yet somehow feels more vivid now, more profoundly alive.

With every episode, I wept—not just from sorrow, but from the weight of beauty, the kind that presses against your chest and makes you ache. The drama did not seek to impress; it did not force sentimentality. Instead, it captured life in its purest form. The fire of fleeting moments that propel us forward. The warmth of love that holds you just right, wrapping itself around you like a childhood memory. The unnoticed, mundane details of everyday life—the quiet rustling of morning, the lingering gaze of a loved one, the weight of an unspoken word—all painted with such tenderness that they became luminous.

But it also held space for the shadows, for the fractures we cannot bear to touch. It did not turn away from the memories we bury, from the wounds we pretend have healed. Instead, it showed the quiet, steady courage it takes to gather the pieces, to look back, to remember. And in that remembering, to choose—again and again—to keep living.

Never has a story felt so natural, so unassumingly profound, as if I had simply been invited to walk through life itself, to feel it fully. And as I reached the final moments, I cried—not just for what was lost, not just for what was found, but for the sheer, breathtaking experience of being alive.

To the writer who wove such delicate truths into a story, to the director and cinematographers who made every frame an embrace, and to the actors who did not merely perform but became—thank you. IU and Park Bo Gum shone as always, but every single soul in this drama—the parents, the grandparents, the brother, the sister-in-law, the rival father-in-law, the ex-boyfriend, the children—etched themselves into my heart.

I will return to this drama not just as a viewer, but as someone who now understands. Again and again, whenever I need to remember love. Whenever I need to remember life.

"THANK YOU FOR YOUR HARD WORK"

##REVIEW OF EACH VOLUME:

-> VOLUME 1: "More than a romance"
It's a deeply moving story of love, sacrifice, and perseverance set against the rugged beauty of Jeju Island.
At its heart is Ae-sun, a young woman who dreams of becoming a poet despite the constraints of her time, and Gwan-sik, the steadfast fishmonger’s son who remains by her side through every hardship.
Moments of intense emotion punctuate the narrative, with Ae-sun’s spontaneous, impassioned dashes becoming a powerful motif. One particularly striking scene shows her sprinting down a rain-soaked pier, eyes locked on a departing ferry, her tears mingling with the downpour - an image that lingers long after the episode ends.
Beyond the central love story, the drama is enriched by a compelling ensemble cast, each character adding depth to the world they inhabit. The performances are outstanding, which brings an authenticity that makes every joy and sorrow feel tangible.
The show also explores the struggles of women in a rapidly changing society, particularly through Ae-sun’s mother, a haenyeo diver whose tough exterior hides an unyielding love for her daughter. The theme of generational sacrifice resonates deeply, highlighting the quiet, often unrecognized burdens parents bear for their children.
Rather than relying on grand spectacle, *When Life Gives You Tangerines* finds power in intimate moments and richly drawn characters. With breathtaking cinematography, an outstanding ensemble cast, and an emotionally resonant story, this drama is a beautifully woven tale that lingers long after the final scene.

-> VOLUME 2: "It takes a village to raise a child"
It's a powerful and deeply emotional story of love, loss, and resilience that strikes at the heart of what it means to be a parent. At its core are Gwan-Sik and Ae-sun, a couple bound by unwavering devotion, navigating the harsh realities of life as they strive to build a better future for their children.
In one particularly devastating sequence, their grief unfolds in quiet agony as they mourn the loss of their child. The heartbreak is palpable, yet what lingers most is the moment they face their surviving children - and realize the children blame themselves. The weight of unspoken guilt, met with the parents' tender reassurance, makes this scene impossible to forget.
Yet even in their darkest moments, Gwan-Sik and Ae-sun press on. Burdened by sorrow but driven by love, they gather their strength to continue, understanding that life doesn’t pause for grief — it demands you carry it with you and keep moving forward.
The drama’s emotional core expands as Gwan-Sik and Ae-sun wrestle with another challenge: giving their children better opportunities. Their determination to secure a brighter future reveals the sacrifices parents quietly make - yet it also shows how these efforts can sometimes leave children feeling isolated or burdened, no matter how well-intentioned.
What truly elevates these episodes is the warmth of the community that surrounds them. The saying “It takes a village to raise a child” comes to life in scenes where the village mourn together, uplift one another, and remind us of a time when bonds between people were stronger and simpler. This rich sense of connection offers comfort in the midst of heartache - a reminder that no family carries its burdens alone.
With deeply moving performances and moments that cut straight to the core, these episodes capture the raw truth of parenthood - that love isn’t just about giving, but enduring, even when the weight feels unbearable. Through it all, Gwan-Sik and Ae-sun’s quiet strength reveals that no matter how fierce the storm, love - steady, stubborn, and unrelenting - is what keeps a family standing.

->VOLUME 3: "Some goodbyes come too soon"
It’s a season of heartbreak and healing, of love lost and love that endures. The characters are forced to reckon with the weight of their choices, the passage of time, and the painful reality that not all stories have happy endings.
At the heart of this volume is Geum-myeong, who faces the painful conclusion of her relationship with Yeong-beom. Yeong-beom, bound by family expectations, cannot stand beside her the way she deserves. And so, Geum-myeong walks away—not because she stops loving him, but because she chooses herself. In a moment that lingers long after the credits roll, she returns home, where the sea and the salt air, and the unwavering love of her parents, begin to piece her back together.
But not all goodbyes are chosen. The loss of the eldest Haenyeo leaves a void in the village, a reminder that even the strongest among them cannot outrun time. Ae-sun, always the pillar of strength, finally allows herself to grieve the child she lost so long ago, finding unexpected solace in the fading memory of her grandmother. And just as one cycle ends, another begins—Eun-myeong returns from the military, only to reveal news that upends everything.
These episodes remind us that life is made up of departures and reunions, and that some goodbyes come too soon while others arrive just when they’re needed.

-> VOLUME 4: "A Bittersweet Farewell to a Timeless Masterpiece"
As When Life Gives You Tangerines comes to an end, it leaves us with a mix of warmth and sorrow. This beautifully woven story of love, resilience, and family struggles has resonated deeply, making its farewell all the more bittersweet.
The final episodes bring both closure and heartbreak. Geum-myeong finds love again with Park Cheong-seop, but the 1997 IMF crisis threatens the Yang family’s stability. Eun-myeong’s imprisonment forces Gwan-sik and Ae-sun into desperate measures, leading Gwan-sik to take a risky gamble on a failing restaurant. Just as the family starts rebuilding, tragedy strikes—Gwan-sik is diagnosed with cancer. In a gut-wrenching farewell, he passes away in Ae-sun’s arms, leaving behind a legacy of love.
Despite the pain, life moves forward. Ae-sun finds solace in poetry, and the family carries on, honoring Gwan-sik’s memory. With stunning performances, breathtaking cinematography, and a story that captures life’s hardships and beauty, When Life Gives You Tangerines is a masterpiece that will be cherished for years to come.


ONLY CRITICISM:
Netflix subtitles were very bland. I'm Korean, and the dialogues are much more heartfelt and poetic.


For timeline reference, check out the 'Discussion' section.

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Life gives tangerines, love turns them sweet, a journey through struggles and growth with realism!

8.7/10
This drama wasn’t about a passionate love story that swept you off your feet, rather it was about the journey of two people who loved each other through thick and thin, in every phase of their lives. It was realistic, capturing the hardships and complexities of their relationship as they navigated various challenges. We have seen this several times in dramaland, but the portrayal here felt sincere and deep. Each time they faced hardship or joy, I felt like I was right there with them, crying when they cried, laughing when they laughed.

Yang Gwan Sik and O Ae Sun’s romance wasn’t the usual typical fairy tale, but it was so comforting in its own way. While there were moments when I didn’t get why they made certain choices, but their loyalty to each other was unmatched. The way Gwan Sik literally crossed oceans for Ae Sun spoke volumes about the depth of his love and commitment. Gwan Sik’s as a husband and his daughter's father is something I could write essays about.

O Ae Sun had a tough childhood and the only person who ever really had her back was Gwan Sik. And he didn’t just have her back, he protected her with everything he had. But Ae Sun herself was a strong, fiery woman and an even fiercer mom. She was determined that her daughter wouldn’t go through the same struggles she did. The way she showed her protective love was so bittersweet, it honestly made me cry a few times.

Watching her journey with Gwan Sik, I realised, it was never about love but survival in the most romantic way possible. To me, this is what real love is, not star-crossed lovers, but two people who fight against all odds and still manage to be soft and gentle with each other.

The drama also touched on the subject of the parent-child relationship with such raw honesty, reminding me of a universal truth that as a child, it was easy to argue with my parents and feel frustrated by their decisions. But as I grew older, I began to see things from two perspectives - mine, which often felt difficult with my own struggles and expectations from life and the perspective of my parents, where I realized they were facing their own challenges. The drama gave me a humbling experience here and there. It was a reminder that sometimes, you can't truly understand someone’s choices until you walk in their shoes or at least try to. It beautifully captured that emotional journey, showing how perspective can change as we grow and mature.

With realistic portrayals come realistic disappointments from our projections. (Lol xD ) I feel a certain way about when a mother chooses to favour one child over the other. One child is left to fade into the shadows, while the other is bathed in her undivided attention, somehow because they are the living embodiment of her own unfulfilled dreams.
While I do appreciate how the drama portrays both men and women with depth, this issue of favouritism really bothered me a bit. The mother’s desire to ensure her daughter doesn’t face the same hardships she did is understandable and I don't think there's anything wrong with that. However, I felt the boy was somewhat neglected in the story.

Gwan Sik and Ae Sun as Geum Myeong parents should and would win Oscars for being the best parents , a woman could ask for but sadly in the case of Eun Myeong , they missed the mark. They did try to come around in Vol 4 but for me, it was a little too late.

Also, compared to vol 1 and 2,vol 3 and 4 felt a bit off in terms of pacing where few arcs felt streched out and also the transitions between the past and present seemed somewhat random, something I didn’t notice in the first two volumes.

The acting was excellent across the board and I have no complaints. The main cast, IU and Park Bogum, were at their absolute best. The supporting cast also had some incredibly seasoned actors and their performances only elevated the drama whenever they were on screen.

The cinematography and the opening credits were also remarkable. The struggles of village life, the beauty of the sea, the vast open fields and the stunning sunsets were captured beautifully. In fact, I never skipped the credits once. You can sense throughout, that the budget wasn't the problem.

Overall , it was raw and messy but in all the right ways. For anyone who has been through tough times, whether it's financial struggles in childhood or personal battles against societal pressures and expectations, this would get to you. It somehow also teaches you that life goes no matter what.

Tangerines here were like problems in life - unexpected, sometimes sour and hard to handle at first. But when life hands a tangerine, it may not be clear what to do with it right away. Over time, though ,the bitterness can be peeled back, revealing the sweetness inside, turning something challenging into something worthwhile. It’s about making the best of what life gives, even if it’s not what was wanted or expected. The drama did a good job at that. (At least what I inferred)

I would definitely recommend this drama and would also recommend a tissue box on the side for the ugly crying that will follow. xD

Thank you for reading my review! It was difficult to write this one without spoilers. I hope you enjoy the drama if you give it a try! <3

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when life brings you to tears

i must say that the writing was excellent from start to finish and very well thought out. it’s meant for people who love slice-of-life stories or an excellent tearjerker. the cinematography was breathtaking. the sets and costumes fit the time periods they were meant to represent, and the overall scenery was gorgeous. i have no notes- except for two actors whose skills were somewhat lacking compared to the rest of the cast. however, I’m letting this one slide. IU has once again proven why she is a great actress by taking on different roles within the same drama. this drama wouldn’t have been the same without her.

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When life gives you tangerines you get see a whole Pie of life

This is not just one slice of life but a whole pie with cream and what not of life. As it offers us a bunch of glimpses in to several generations of life, struggles, love and more struggles.

Ordinary people, in some extraordinary circumstances showing us that it can be the little choices that define us. And that being loved matters more than being controlled.

The main couple is as sweet as sweet gets. Pure, loving the type that will litterally do anything to protect each other not only physically but mentally too.

"You have six people in your in your house hold, why do you only buy five fish?"

Showing us how to stand op against family oppression, tradition and prejudges. They may have been poor but they gave their children love and tools to stand up for them selfs teaching them not to settle and know their worth. Without skimping on the hardships poverty brings.

I loved the village, and the it truley takes a village feel to this, I loved the family, the aunts, the kids, the pain... the sweetness. The window in to the different decades and society and day to day life as it was, without diving in to politics. Showing common people. I also enjoyed them showing us even more pain and the time skips with the date and time shown like they used to on old photographs.

I did not like the last 30 minutes or so of the drama, it had a bit to much of a preachy tone and did a bad job with making me believe IUS character was over 50. It also has one moment that feels a bit off and over the top in this otherwise pretty down to earth drama. Making me lower the score from a 9,5 to a 9. Then all the yelling crying, and more yelling knocked off another 0,5 stars giving this an 8,5.

A good drama indeed, and apparently there is a lot you can do with tangerines, if it is life or some one else who gives you them is however a different question as the tangerines seem to be the first to go when poverty hits.

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A Raw and Heartfelt Journey

This drama made me cry a lot, ngl. Its story is both beautiful and deeply touching. However, I have to say, when a certain actor started showing up in later episodes, I just wanted to fast-forward through his scenes. I also wish they had focused more on Eun Myeong, and there were moments when Geum Myeong’s behavior frustrated me. That said, it’s understandable — her parents spoiled her a lot, and it showed.

The first two arcs were absolutely incredible, but towards the end, the story felt a bit stuck in time, lacking the same creativity and depth. It was pretty obvious that they just recreated the same romance for Geum Myeong based on her parents' love story, which I found a little disappointing.

This kdrama isn’t a fairy tale: it’s raw, real, and human. That’s why, despite my reservations, I still gave it a high score. The main and supporting actors (let me ignore that one actor for now) were phenomenal, and I loved how every single character served a real purpose in the story, even if we didn’t realize it until 10 episodes later.

I highly recommend this kdrama to anyone ready to cry and experience life in its most unfiltered form through art.

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A beautiful multi-generational story

Oh I sobbed so hard, especially in the last two volumes. The themes — both of the bravery of parenthood and of finding a romantic partner who supports you and your loved ones without thinking twice — are so realistic and moving, and I love the focus on womanhood.

I think the drama did take a little while to pick up for me. While the first few episodes have some similar themes, it didn’t hit me as much as the “second gen” story in the later volumes. The romance between Ae-sun and Gwan-sik is cute, and the relationship between Ae-sun and her mother is touching, but it felt like were in “prologue mode,” whereas the parallels really start to shine after the halfway point.

The entire drama, ultimately, is really powered by the long timeline of the drama, and by the end of the drama I felt like I’d really lived a lifetime with these characters, and I didn’t want it to end.

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"It takes a village to keep a person alive"

When Life Gives You Tangerines was a lovely bittersweet story of three generations of women, each desiring to do better than the previous generation. While the male characters were important, it was Ae Sun, her mother and her daughter that were the core of the story.

Much of the drama took place on Jeju Island centered around the haenyeo and fishermen. Most of the people struggled to live day to day, relying on each other when things became dire. The sea is a harsh mistress and not only sustained life but took it as well. Yet there was laughter amongst the tears. And most importantly, there was the great love story between Ae Sun and Gwan Sik.

The different generations demonstrated the sacrifices that parents make for their children as well as their mistakes. Children learned that regret was a bitter pill to swallow once a parent was gone. The village relied on each other giving with compassion often accompanied by biting humor. Sometimes love was enough to sustain a relationship and sometimes it wasn’t. Life wasn’t easy about handing out answers regardless of the season people were in.

“It takes a village to keep a person alive.” The people of Jeju Island were generous, reconciliation often came after many tears, and the people showed great resiliency in the face of a collapsing economy. “Go together with others. If you do, 100 miles will feel like 10.” When Life Gives You Tangerines also reminded us that growing up is a lifelong process.

3 April 2025

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cried a river T.T

It’s a family drama but a really really “depressing” one. This drama focuses on the reality of surviving when you are not from a wealthy family and also highlights the different stages in the life. How the choices they make affect their lives is also clearly shown. How parents can sacrifice so much for their kids and how the kids learn to appreciate their parents.

I cried alot watching this show…somehow IU always picks really sad dramas but she is able to really portray her characters well. I was amazed because she had to cry almost every episode. As an actor I feel like that must have been so hard and tiring. IU has the main role in the drama, most of the scenes are of her.

Park bogum, unexpectedly doesn’t have much screen time but he did really well as well. He was loyal supportive and hard working. He was the perfect husband for Aesun so she never regretted marrying him.

The drama was directed very well with clips from the past and present blended nicely and presented in a clear timeline. It was not confusing to understand and the story was very heartwarming.

Overall a very good drama which shows the difficulties of the past and how a family managed to live on together.

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A heartfelt tale at the struggles of poverty with some continuity and casting issues

The drama is first and foremost a slice of life drama so it does not have the usual protagonist and antagonist, conflict and resolution arc so it is not for everyone. It is a little slow as it covers the stories of some of the support cast, which adds substance to the drama but may feel draggy.

The production quality is of very high standard. The set, lightning, costume really show how village life in Jeju in the past is like. The script is intricate as the lines between the cast felt natural. The direction of the drama is great as well. Most of the cast were superb in their acting, especially the support cast of aunties who were Ae Sun's mother's friends. Yeom Hye Ran who played Ae Sun's mother was exceptional. Kim Tae Yeon who played the main young Ae Sun was great as well. They both were convincing as the protective mother and confident child. This part of the story, although short, tugged at my heartstrings the most. This background story added intricacy to the drama. IU and Park Bo Gum have good chemistry and are relatable as a couple as well.

IU, having dual roles of playing both the young Ae Sun as well as her daughter, Yang Geum Myeong, cemented her role as an actress, although she came from a singing background. She was competent in playing her younger role with Park Bo Gum as a poor but proud mother, and later on even better as Yang Geum Myeong. It possible that IU is still better when depicting modern characters . The scene where Yang Geum Myeong father's shouted her name when she was griping to her mother about not wanting to play the "pillar of the family" role was exceptionally good - one can feel that Geum Myeong's motions totally sank when she knew she was in the wrong.

The main and later part of the drama is where I have minor grips with casting, and major continuity issues. Firstly, Park Bo Gum as the younger Yang Gwan Sik is incredibly handsome. His character setup was that he was physically fit enough to be a national athlete, handsome, who gave them up in order to marry Ae Sun and provide for the family. He is also down-to-earth and a man of a few words. Park Hae Joon was cast as the older Yang Gwan Sik despite looking nothing like Park Bo Gum and being way too old. Yang Gwan Sik is 37-39 when her daughter entered university.

His character also had continuity issues. The idea of him being "handsome and athletic but gave it up" character script was not explored. His identity switched a 180 degree to an ailing father and sea-worn fisherman with a haggard look, even though his age is only around 37-38. When he developed cancer, he is only 55-57, but was portrayed as likely 60 over years old.

Similarly, Moon So Ri was cast as the older Ae Sun when her character is supposed to be much younger. When she first appeared, she was supposed to be 37-38, but was presented as something in her late forties to early fifties. Her character was displayed as someone who is meek - the only time she spoke up was when her daughter was mistreated by her potential in-laws and when she pulled her frenemy's hair. Her personality felt a little too different from who she was like in her teenage and motherhood years.

Despite these character continuity issues, Yang Gwan Sik and Moon So Ri made up for that lack in their acting.

IU's acting as a mother (both as younger Ae Sun and later asGeum Myeong) was slighter less impressive and she lacked a little maternal instinct and her chemistry with her children. These scenes were far and few in-between though.

Overall. this is a good drama for the start of 2025. It is just impossible to binge through so few episodes a time is still recommended.

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A simply beautiful story about family and life successfully told.

This will be the first review I have written on MDL.

When Life Gives You Tangerines 🍊 (2025)

I knew this drama would end up being similar to my expectations, but the storytelling elevated the experience further. For such a simple story, the storytelling was stellar, along with the cinematography, to keep the audience on their toes and their hearts softened. The history of Jeju was richly presented by aligning the struggles of villagers and Aesun and Gwansik, whose lives were filled with emotional, grand and simple moments. I was reminded of my parents whenever Aesun and Gwansik, as grandparents, stood by each other, and so I resonated with the sad, happy, and funny moments in the story, especially through the eyes of Geum-myeong and how she ended up being their treasure and so-called princess.

Besides the main story, side characters were tied to the storyline and were important to the lives of the main characters, which I enjoyed a lot for a slice-of-life drama. The direction and visuals, helmed by the director of critically acclaimed dramas like My Mister, Signal, and Arthdal Chronicles, left me breathless. The budget was intentionally spent, and I appreciated that a lot. The actors and actresses did their job, especially IU, who played Ae-sun and Geum-young and showed her versatility as an actress in between the relationship of a mother and her daughter. So did Park Bogum, who I didn't see in a project elsewhere except Reply 1988 in 2015, he crafted the image of a young father to his grown-up self, played by Park Hae-Joon. Moon So-ri was as great as Ae-sun, she felt like a real person to me with all of her emotions as a mother who once had dreams of her own. I never felt a disconnection between the same characters played by two different actors and actresses.

Volumes 1-4 each had a central theme that resembled a tribute to the younger generation and a great thank you to the elder generations. From the dreams of youth to the hardships and regrets of adulthood and parenthood, to the uncertain events in history that struck the country were covered in the seasons of time, fall, summer, winter, and spring.

The ahjummas and other roles, such as Bu Sang-gil and Yeom Hyeran, convinced me that their characters were, in fact, just as important in bringing the scenes of family and community that stood out to me in symbolism out of all the dramas I've seen. Kim Seon-ho was wonderful too. Two mother-daughter relationships were excellently written, and the messages of the story were strongly supported through their scenes and how they contributed to the growth of the female characters throughout. I would like to write about the scenes that impacted me the most, but I will mention that the death of Dong-myeong truly broke me. Bogum as Gwan-sik's cries were haunting, and IU as Ae-sun in complete denial hurt me badly. In a way, I will never forget, and how they have not forgotten what happened to him from the guilt and regret that arose in their hearts and minds.

The music wasn't that spectacular for me, but I still was able to cry at quite a few scenes because of the powerful writing and acting. The rewatch value remains low since I never rewatch dramas fully, but for anyone who would rewatch, I would suggest they skip many moments in the middle of the drama instead. The timelines involving the lives of Geum-myeong and Eun-myeong were not captivating or interesting for the most part, but there are still many moments to look forward to. I will be thinking about this show briefly whenever I think of my family, especially my mother. A lot of lines were special to me.

I loved that Ae-sun was able to write poetry, including her long-lasting marriage in the warm spring and that Gwan-sik's last moments had him thinking about the love of his life. This show was able to focus on the romance of the parents in the last episode and how their love had them walking hand-in-hand and overcoming each hardship together. The last line is deeply emotional and summarizes the message of the story,

"To their seasons,
once so young and still so tender.
With remorse, gratitude, and the deepest respect.
Here's to all you have been through."

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