The Greatest K-Drama of all time
All the praise and positive remarks this show is, and will get, are rightfully warranted. Having known about this drama prior to its airing years before, I had nothing but high expectations for this. Given the amazing cast and crew, thank you My Mister, another masterpiece, it was drama of the year or bust for me. Let me just get started by saying this is the greatest work of television I have ever watched, and is now my favorite drama EVER.Just in terms of analyzation of a piece of film at its core, cast/crew, screenplay, cinematography, characterization, production, story-telling, pacing etc, this drama is masterful. Similar to My Mister, the Director does an amazing job in showcasing the nuances of life in general. From the grandiose events someone may experience in their life such as graduating school, getting married, getting your first paycheck, to the simple everyday things such as talking with a friend, or buying groceries, not one second of this drama is wasted, or unimportant in the grand telling of the story. Everything literally serves a purpose, and gradually builds upon one another as further themes are either explored and or introduced.
The actors ARE the characters. It's one thing to memorize lines and say them, it's another thing to ACT, to BE the character, and every actor and actress here became their character and acted their butts off. IU and Park BoGum deserve to sweep all Korean show awards this year with how masterful and emotionally provoking their acting were. The nuances in how they act with their body, from literally how they use their limbs, their eyes, and minute changes in facial expressions, and inflection in voice, were perfect.
One thing that can set a good drama from an amazing drama is the characters and their journey. The characters are so perfectly imperfect, and that's so beautiful. Like life itself, we continue to learn and change as we grow older. While the trendline in life is to become a better person in aspects (upwards), it is not linear. We have highs and lows, either or which may be sustained over an extended period of time. Perhaps we were more financially stable a decade ago, maybe I could control my emotions better when I was younger versus me right now who is supposed to be more mature and experienced. We grow and regress accordingly, and all the characters envelop these realities of life so well, that it feels like I was watching a real story, like this can happen (and maybe in some semblance when you divide by the 4 volumes, aspects of these stories have definitely been lived by another real person(s)). Because this story feels so real and palpable, it all the more allows viewers to connect to their personal lives and become more invested and appreciate what the cast/crew were trying to show us.
I can literally write a thesis on this show, but I will end it by saying that you will not be disappointed watching this show. If you are not affected by the brain rot of social media right now, aka having a short attention span, you will love this show, regardless of your experience with kdramas, or television for that matter. This show will have you laughing, crying, and contemplating life after. If you are not experiencing this while watching, you are the problem LOL (I say very kindly and semi-sarcastically, as everyone has their own preferences).
I feel that I have a good basis to call this the greatest kdrama ever given my watchlist. While I have not watched many kdramas comparatively to those who have watched for a long time (i'm a little less than two years in) I have watched the likes of Moving, My Mister, My Dearest, The Good Bad Mother, Extraordinary Attorney Woo, Hospital Playlist, which I feel are objectively masterpieces on all fronts of story-telling, and can confidently say that When Life Gives You Tangerines is in a league of its own.
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“In life, you never know what will happen unless you go for it...
It would’ve been a shame if I’d given up halfway through it.”- Oh Ae-sun
Mostly people watching this drama were crying a lot, as for me the last few eps already made me cry because I could feel the sad and bittersweet ending with this drama. It was really such a masterpiece, as it was all about family, grown by an independent woman, Ae sun, who's dreams are falling apart, but part of her progress was thankfully to her one and only mother who also bring her tragedy and her hopes and dreams, carrying her haenyo hardworking mother's luck from her past. One thing that really highlights was how this drama was a slice of life and how it really gives resemblance to the older generation's past experiences and challenges, as the writer recommends the oldies in their 70's or 80's to watch this series because it was all dedicated to them. Even if the story was not aligned to my generation today, but I could really feel the heartbreaking and challenges that even my grandmother or my mother experienced. It was not just about love and relationships of growing one family, but it is how womanhood brings generation and memories where they would cherish until the last day. It was a wonderful story, about how life goes on, and how tangerines represents life and finding joy in life and resilience in most difficult times. The drama would also like to initiate and gives message where life still goes on, no matter the challenges encountered, and the unexpected turns that comes in into your life anytime in your time of growing.
I would also comment on their cinematography, the blue-themed drama where it all started with its transition of the character's habits and then how the director is also creative in terms of color blending of its scenes and the setup of the scene as well. It really inspires me to make an own story, and as well as how it gives so much atmosphere with the drama.
I also really love the cast, and how they really made this drama very special in a different way. The selection of the cast by the director and writer was all worth it, especially all of them (starting from the haenyo halmoji's) where they really give justice and passion from this drama. I really am passionate and very interested with Lee Ji Eun's roles in every drama, especially this series was really special for me and her, and even all the halmoni's who wanted to feel the comfort and love through the story slowly unfolds in each volume. Lee Ji Eun and Park Bo Gum did so well with their characters, the resemblance in their older days as the story goes by really gives so much memories and passion on how the characters itself developed through their years and ages. I really appreciate (again) the cast who did their roles at their best, and I really thanked them for their efforts and how they made me really bawled my eyes out crying in the middle of the night.
Overall, I would not be saying so much with this drama, as I also thought of how this drama would give so much impact to the older generations and as me craving for comfort and slice-of-life drama about life is still going on, achieving that dream no matter the circumstances are unexpectedly come. Really a great watch, binge watchable, rewatchable and really recommended to anyone looking for relatable life dramas like this. I am so emotional in terms of dramas like this, because I have been craving for comfort, but not just romance, but also slice of life and youth dramas. It has been my favorite genres, but this drama I would never forget how I am not yet late of its end release and how I keep up with the updates despite getting a bit spoiled. On the positive side, looking forward to the cast's future roles, esp. to lee ji eun and park bo gum's drama project selection!! <333
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Nuclear bomb of emotions.
Spectacular.An incredible story telling the difficulties of being a woman, a wife, a husband, a mother, a daughter and also a breadwinner father during the last 6 decades in South Korea in the island of (Jeju).
A powerful story full of emotions, a life lesson.
Out of the 16 episodes, i cried during watching 13 or 14 of them i think. especially cried during the first 7 even episodes straight and multiple times per episodes.
Certainly one of the best things I've seen lately and one of the most beautiful stories I've seen in my life.
The fact that some life lessons are told through Ae-Sun’s poetry makes the immersion even more pleasant.
The Narration being by Ae-sun (young), Ae-sun (middle-aged) and their daughter was just wonderful storytelling.
Park BoGum's performance is at the top level but then that of IU.. I don't know what she ate but wow.
I can only say respect.
The Quote that resonates with me the most is :
" i thought once everyone became adults, they’d be able to carry hot bowls with their bare hands .. I thought that once you grew up your hands and heart would naturally become calloused. But everything’s still too hot for me. I get burned everyday, and it huts everytime ".
It's the kind of fiction that will take all your energy so much it pulls on your emotions. It's also very well written.
If I had to make my mother watch something, it would be that. Really very very powerful and it must be even more so if we look at it as a parent
Some may think that I do tons of them, but for those looking for something strong in emotion, with excellent writing, a powerful message, good cinematography and top actors, I can only recommend.
Totally deserves its success.
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Oh Ae Sun, the poet.
A breathtaking work, capable of awakening long-dormant emotions. It draws us into a narrative that transcends time and makes us reflect on sacrifice, loss, love, family, and friendship from different perspectives. The external gaze upon the characters' choices and renunciations makes the experience even more visceral, allowing us to feel every pain, every hope, every disillusionment.The hardships portrayed come like waves crashing upon us without warning, overwhelming in their intensity. This drama does not merely convey emotion—it sculpts it, weaving it into every scene, every glance laden with unspoken feelings. Love, disappointment, regret, sadness, anger, happiness… everything intertwines to make us understand and, above all, feel. At times, it is impossible not to imagine ourselves in the place of those living and reliving the cycles of life.
Set in the 1960s, the storyline transports us to a distant time, a reflection of harsher days when life was shaped by struggles and resilience. As I watched, I realized something essential: our parents and grandparents carry stories beyond our imagination—journeys of sacrifices and triumphs unseen by modern eyes. This glimpse into their pain and victories brought me profound empathy, a desire to listen, to understand, to respect the weight of the past they bear.
“It’s my first life,” “It’s my first time being a parent”—phrases that echo as a reminder of human imperfection. We are all living for the first time, stumbling, failing, learning. There are no experts in the art of existence. We are all beginners on this journey, trying to find our own rhythm.
How often do we ask ourselves if we will endure tomorrow? If we will be able to overcome our struggles and hardships? This drama does not just tell a story—it whispers hope. It reminds us that tomorrow always brings new possibilities and that, even in the face of adversity, there is always a path to be found.
As for the acting, there are no words that can do justice to the grandeur of the cast. Every glance, every gesture, every silence was delivered with astonishing precision, conveying emotions that transcend the screen. A spectacle where no one was merely supporting—each played a leading role in their own emotional journey. A drama built upon raw, unfiltered emotions, where every scene is both a blow to the soul and an embrace to the heart.
And the script? Unforgettable. The story of Ae Sun and Gwan Sik is a whirlwind of emotions, a romance that defies barriers and burns like an uncontainable flame. Beautiful, heartbreaking, overwhelming. A story that makes us crave more, that makes us long to understand, to immerse ourselves, to chase after a love as grand as theirs.
“In love, in sorrow, in wealth, in poverty, in sickness, in health, and until death do us part...” - These words are not merely a vow; they are the essence of this story. A love that defies time, intertwining with existence itself.
I am completely enthralled, overwhelmed, in love. A story sent from the heavens, a gift for the soul. Everyone should experience this unforgettable masterpiece.
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Give me tangarines not lemons!
This is one of those kdramas that you can either only say a few words about or write a whole essay, though i’ll try to find the latter as I write about it.Once again, IU. Holy shit dude. She’s amazing.
Every show i’ve watched that featured IU has left me speechless each time. The way she conveys her emotions is truly something special, I genuinely believe IU is a better actress than some of the actual actresses. Seriously, what can’t she do?
This story is a mother daughter centered show, though it’s also about lovers, dads and siblings. So many themes are explored and yet the biggest one that left its lingering scar behind was the grief of it all.
I cannot express how many times this show has made me cry. Good, bad, painful, sorrowful. The actors made you feel everything they felt and yet somehow you knew that whatever that character felt is something you could never feel on the same level as them.
This will leave you wanting to call up your mom and dad and tell them how much you love and appreciate their sacrifices for you. It’ll make you ponder about your grandchildren and hope that once its your time to pass, your grandchildren will look after your child in their old age.
Wonderful show. Truly. From beginning to end, each story was unfolded in its own pace and has wrapped itself up perfectly.
IU and Bogum’s chemistry is admirable.
However as I compliment this show, I have to say I will never rewatch this show again lol… It has tugged at my heart one too many times, I’ve exhausted myself watching it.
One time watch but it’s worth it.
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"Tangerines"? A Drama That Feels Like Life Itself
Our lives are like tangerines, sometimes sweet, sometimes unbearably sour. This drama beautifully captures the reality of ordinary people’s lives, no villains, no exaggerated luxury, just raw emotions and everyday struggles.At first, I didn’t even want to watch this drama. But now, I can confidently say that watching it was one of the best decisions of my life.
After Moon Lovers, this is the one drama that made me cry from the very first episode. There were moments I laughed, moments I felt anger, and moments I simply couldn’t hold back my tears. It’s more than just a drama, it’s an experience.
On a personal level, Tangerines hit me hard. As the eldest daughter in my family, I have always struggled with the burden of responsibility. I never wanted to be the eldest, I was just born into it. While my parents favor their youngest son, I have to work tirelessly to fulfill their dreams. It’s an exhausting reality, one filled with guilt and unseen sacrifices.
And yet, what touched me the most was Gwan Sik. I don’t have a father like him. This drama reminded me that while we often say money is everything, it means nothing if you don’t have the love and support of someone like Gwan Sik, a father, a partner, someone who truly sees you.
Many may see Tangerines as a story meant for women, but in my eyes, it’s also a lesson for fathers. Gwan Sik represents the kind of love, protection, and support every child deserves but not everyone receives.
The OST, the cast, the plot...everything is top-notch. But will I rewatch it? Probably not. I don’t think I can cry that hard again… but maybe, if I ever have a really hard time, I’ll come back to it.
Still, this is my comfort K-drama. The best of the best.
If you’re thinking about watching it, don’t hesitate. Just make sure to have some tissues ready.
🍊🧡🧡
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Work of art!
An exceptional work of art. The narrative, characters, settings, emotional depth, and conflicts are remarkable. It's insightful to consider this a reflection of life's complexities. Life presents challenges; when faced with obstacles, frustration is often directed towards parental figures. Experiencing significant hardship at only 22 years of age, I find this drama both inspiring and motivating. The central relationship serves as a relatable and aspirational model. Beyond personal enrichment, this drama fosters perseverance in the face of adversity, reinforcing the belief that brighter times will follow. Collaboration and faith are key. Currently grappling with the consequences of a poor decision, this drama has reignited my motivation and resolve.Thank you for this outstanding production. This is truly exceptional.
452pm 51925
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An ode to life in its purest and most authentic form
Some stories don’t just entertain you—they carve themselves into your heart, leaving echoes of their presence long after they end. *When Life Gives You Tangerines* is one of those rare dramas that feels less like fiction and more like a quiet, intimate conversation with life itself. It doesn’t seek to dazzle with grand gestures or force sentimentality; instead, it whispers truths about love, loss, and the fleeting nature of time in the gentlest yet most devastating way.This is a love letter to life’s simplest moments—the gentle touch of sunlight on your skin, the soft whisper of leaves in the breeze, the unspoken emotions in a lingering glance. It’s about returning to the places we once called home, confronting the past we tried to forget, and realizing that life is full of constant changes and moments that shape us into who we are.
The drama unfolds like the changing of the seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—each marking a different phase of the characters' journeys. With every shift, we witness love bloom, wither, and endure in the way only the truest of loves can. It teaches us that love is not just passion or permanence but also patience. It’s in the waiting, in the enduring, in the willingness to stay even when life pulls us apart. The changes—whether good or bad—that we inevitably go through throughout our lives.
I have to praise the actors for portraying their roles so beautifully. IU and Bo Gum did an incredible job conveying their characters' emotions, and the rest of the cast was just as outstanding. Everyone delivered an exceptional performance! The number of times I cried because of these impeccable performances is insane (honestly, I cried through the entire drama, lol). The amount of emotions this story conveys is incredible. Every moment feels so raw and relatable that it’s impossible not to shed tears.
Every frame is a painting, every silence a poem. Jeju Island is not just a setting—it’s a character in itself, cradling the story in its vast landscapes and timeless beauty. Through its breathtaking cinematography, the drama captures not only the passage of time but the emotions that come with it: the gentle hope of spring, the burning passion of summer, the bittersweet nostalgia of autumn, and the quiet solitude of winter.
Few dramas dare to capture the raw, unfiltered emotions that When Life Gives You Tangerines does. It doesn’t offer neatly wrapped happy endings, nor does it shy away from the heartbreak that comes with loving deeply and embracing life in all its imperfect reality. Instead, it leaves us with something far more profound—a life lesson, a tribute to parents who sacrifice themself for their children, to love that endures when it’s real, to dreaming, to embracing our true selves—and the understanding that even if love is fleeting, its imprint remains forever, and life is always teaching us something new.
For me, this wasn’t just a drama—it was a lesson in both life and love. And though I may not be able to rewatch it without breaking all over again, I know it will stay with me in the deepest part of my heart for a very, very long time. ♥
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PSA: You will cry, but i's worth it!
It's a masterpiece. It's a story I might have nothing in common with, but I empathized so much with each character, I feel like I was living and learning with them. It is a beautifully depicted life story, and I'm so thankful to everyone who worked on this drama.Buy the tissues (I used a towel) and allocate time for swollen eyes.
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Dreams Change, Love Doesn't
When Life Gives You Tangerines is a masterpiece. They took incredible actors and mixed them with the most heart-wrenching story and beautiful cinematography to create one of the best dramas I have ever seen. Fair warning - I don't think you could watch this show without shedding tears. However, it is every bit worth the pain.Oh Ae-Sun (IU) is a young girl growing up on Jeju island in the mid 20th century, who is constantly follow around by Yang Gwan-Sik (Park Bogum). With big dreams of moving to Seoul, marrying a wealthy man, going to college, and becoming a poet, Ae-Sun has a hard road in front of her. Growing up with a single mom working long hours diving and a good-for-nothing step father makes those dreams seem even more out of reach. Gwan-Sik, hopelessly in love with Ae-Sun, will do everything he can to support her dreams - and when he finally figures out his feelings are reciprocated, he feels on top of the world. Ae-Sun and Gwan-Sik have a tough life ahead of them though, as everything and everyone seems to be standing in the way of their happiness.
This show is absolutely gorgeous. The way the story manages to tell the lives of these characters from the 1960s to the early 2000s and do so in a way that is never confusing is incredible. As you move through the show, you get glimpses of the past and the future, and you start to put together the picture of the couples life. The more you learn about them, their hardships, and their love, the more you fall in love with them. This show is truly about building these characters, and showing how their experiences early in the show influence their decisions later - a girl who could never follow her dreams growing up is determined to let her daughter try everything she wants; a father who went through the hardship of providing for his family at a young age wants his son to not bear the same burden. However, these are not perfect humans, and their choices as parents are not always the best. These ups and downs are what make the characters feel so real, and it truly draws you in to the story like no other drama. The turns the story takes are so realistic, and I loved the shifts in focus throughout the story to look more closely at their children as the story progressed. Overall a gorgeous drama that is ABSOLUTELY worth the watch (just have the tissues ready).
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Realistic drama of hardships through the life - not a fairytale
Beautiful story of O Ae Sun and Gwan Sik, who love each other dearly and do everything for their family. The cinematography and acting are amazing.The storytelling is awesome, and I love how they managed to switch between the past and present storylines. It is perfect. It is so hard to watch as their life was/is so hard, and all the hardships they endure. Even with sixteen long episodes, it is easy to watch, and you do not get bored. I was hooked from the beginning and could not stop watching it. To be honest, I did not like IU's character at the beginning at all; she was screaming and hysterically crying all the time. I am glad I stuck with it as it is a great drama, but be prepared as it is not a typical fairytale but a realistic portrayal family's hardships.
I think I need to watch something light and happy now.
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Aesun cries like a baby and I do too when I miss my mom. When something bad happens, I sat down and talk to my mom. What if I have someone I could cry on too and tell story of what I’ve been through. I miss my mom like that just like Aesun. I never talked about it with my dad cause I don’t want him to feel like he has to fill that gap, I never felt abandoned because he did his best - he was never lacking. It’s just that a mother’s love is something only a mother can give. And you can see that in the story. A mother’s love was different.
As Aesun, a mother who lost a child will always wonder how her son would be when he grows old. I am that child just like Aesun, who lost her mother, and always wonder how it would like growing up with her. To go home to a mother who knows what you’re feeling even if you don’t speak. The story was crazily accurate also, cause I also had a time with my Mom weeks before she died, telling me to live a good life. I still remember it vividly. So when I was watching that scene, I fucking feel like that was me. Now that I’m an adult, I still call mom when life is tough, I often say sorry if I’m living a life still trying to make her proud. But I think that spot she left, become a wall that made me stronger.
I believe Aesun makes her Mom proud.
Writing this review makes me feel like I finally have someone to talk about it. Watching this drama makes me feel like, finally, someone told my story. I never felt comfortable telling people this is how sad to grow old without a Mom. This drama did.
To everyone who lost their parents and are longing for them with unfathomable pain, thinking how life would have been if we walk this life in a path they’ve already walked on, here’s to all you’ve been through. I hope you take time to stop too. I know “it’s okay” is not the most consoling word, but “how are you?” is. So to you, how are you?
Thank you to the creator, writer, director and casts for not doing the drama recklessly. Thank you for actually telling a real story. I hope everyone chooses to go on even when life gives you tangerines.
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