Three generation of tangerines!
Netflix’s latest hit drama, maybe not as big as other mainstream Kdrama on the platform, like the “Squid Game” or the “King the Land”, but it certainly achieved what others don’t, and it’s a perfect storytelling thanks to the writer, Im Sang Choon who also wrote one of my all-time favorite Korean series “Fight for My Way”. Her right-hand man is none other than Kim Wonseok, who directed multiple great drama, one of those is another fan favorite, and soul crashing drama “My Mister” where IU were also the main lead! So, even before the release, the chance for another amazing series were high, and if you watched “When Life Gives You Tangerines”, you probably already know, they didn’t disappoint us this time either.What you need to know about this drama is that it’s not an action packed fantasy or thriller. It’s a story about real people, packed with struggles, sadness, love, and happiness throughout 70 years! This is why I said it's “three generation of tangerines”, because just like real life, it has sweet, but sour moments as well!
"It's better to be born a cow than to be born a woman in Jeju."
In the beginning, the story takes place in the 50s and ends in our present. Aesun our grumpy, but lovable leading lady (played by the incredible child actress Kim Taeyeon, IU in her young adult era, and later Moon Sori) trying to make her mother Gwang Rye (Yum Hye-Ran – The Glory) to stop risking her life as a haenyeo, because she’s already sick. The main plot of the drama is not the romance! If you want another cute romcom, you're watching a wrong show! It’s about the relationship between parents and their kids, and how hard it is to be a woman in this era. The writer didn’t shy away from this important topic. Throughout the season, you can find a lot of strong female characters. More than I’ve seen in any other, probably. The mother-daughter bond was written in a way, I don’t think I’ve seen in any other Korean drama. It’s not in your face, they don’t spell-out everything, on the contrary, you have to listen very carefully to understand everything, because the creators paid attention to the tiniest details. I watched it twice, and I don't do this usually, but I had to, because I didn't want to miss anything, and after the second watch, it hit even harder!
"Parents dwell on what they couldn't give. And children dwell on what they couldn't get."
As I said, the most essential part of the story is the bond between loved ones. Obviously, you will get multiple love stories, and the most important one is Aesun and Gwansik relationship. Their story is not extraordinary, they don't have to fight with monsters, they just have to live day by day and support each other as much as they can, and oh boy, they did that. They not only fought to live another day, but for to earn everyone's respect and change things in an era where it was not usual to stand up for yourself, especially if you are a woman. Gwansik may be a silent warrior, but he was the strongest soldier in Aesun's army. Life is not easy, but if you have a partner for life, nothing else matters. It's a clishe, but it's still true. Aesun and Gwansik were partners in every possible way, not just as lovers, but as friends and parents as well.
"I was mad at my mom for being poor. I was mad because I knew I was the reason."
The second half of the season is where the drama becomes even more interesting, because the young adult duo turns into adults, and their roles is taken over by another two great actors, Moon Sori and Park Haejoon (who also worked with the director and IU on "My Mister"), and if that's not enough, we can see IU takes over another role as their oldest child, Geum Myeong, proving how versatile she is. At first, this may sound weird, one actress playing two roles, mother and daughter looking exactly the same, but it's easy to forget about this pretty fast, because the way IU portrays these characters helps a lot! Not to mention the make-up department, because even as a long-time IU fan (since 2008), even myself sometimes forgot that these characters were played by the same actress. One of my favorite part of the show is the narration! This is another example of IU taking her craft seriously. She could've taken this lightly, but she didn't. She not only uses different tones (also dialect, I think) for both characters, but her narrating helps so much to understand these characters and their struggles. On screen, you may see Geum Myeong arguing with her parents about something, acting as a brat, meanwhile in the narration, she's explaining, why she was a dumb kid who didn't understand her parents at all. This gives so much depth to the characters, both Aesun and her daughter, and of course Gwansik as the most important man in their lives. Sadly, as it usually happens, people realize too late they had everything from the beginning.
"I had a loving dad. But my dad didn't have a loving daughter."
Even tho the writer included many strong female characters of all ages, don't think male characters are less significant or strong. Of course, no man can hold the candle to Sir Gwansik, the Korean Lancelot, especially as a father and a husband. His relationship with his kids is something that will melt everyone's heart. Of course, his heart has its own Queen and that's Aesun, but all he can see since her birth is her Princess, Geum Myeong. If there's one man who gives his all to his loved ones, it's Gwansik, and it doesn't matter how long it takes, how much he has to do, he always there for his family, and he never gives up! The saying: "Not all hero wear capes." is really about him. You have to look for the tiniest details, even when it's about parenting or being a husband, because as I said, they don't say everything out loud.
There are so many elements of the show I don't want to talk about right now, because this is a spoiler-free review, and I know this isn't a feelgood drama, but I highly recommend to watch more than once, because finding all those clues, why these characters did something or didn't, why they're acting in a certain way is a huge plus. Even if they're frustrating at first, if you understand the signs, it helps you a lot to understand them. Even tho this drama is not a fantasy, you can still find exiting or even surprising moments. Especially if you miss those tiny details. It happened to me too on the first watch, and when I realized why that dialogue happened, it had a bigger impact on me than finding out who's the killer in a thriller. The scene where Geum Myeong hurt her parents' feelings, her dad raise his voice for the first time, and finding out the reason why that scene happened in the first place, is probably one of my favorite!
It's really hard to talk about "When Life Gives you Tangerines" without spoilers, and I didn't say anything about the amazing side characters or many other things, but I think, it's better if you experience it yourself.
If there's one thing, this drama taught me, is that nothing is simple in this life, but if you have people around you, you can achieve anything!
"To my parents who were so young, and always so tender-hearted all throughout the seasons.
With remorse, gratitude, and the deepest respect, thanks for showing us what to do when life gives you tangerines."
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why I love k-drama
series like these make me fall in love with Korean dramas again and again.what a beautiful story, exceptional acting and direction.
a feminist , heart warming story. it has so much to offer besides the female protagonist story. the love and devotion of a husband, the struggles of young love & poverty, living through the changing economic crisis of Korean history, mother -daughter relationship, parenting, losing a loved one, life and it's ups and downs .........
what a brilliant drama, it will stay will me forever.
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A TRUE MASTERPIECE ?
From start to finish, "When Life Gave You Tangerines" stands out as one of the most unique series I've ever experienced. It's not just another well-crafted show; it’s a journey. The k-drama offers a glimpse into the lives of multiple generations, prompting us to reflect on what truly matters and the importance of respecting ourselves above all else. I am thoroughly impressed by the performances of the entire cast, and I have no doubt they will receive numerous awards!I will keep on thinking about this drama for a very long time and I will definitely rewatch it!
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Would definitely recommend this drama that beautifully captures life
I loved it ! From the storyline, to the characters, to their relationships, everything is so beautiful, heart-warming and heart-wrenching, at the same time !The characters are very well written and feel real. The actors also did a great job portraying them !
The story is hits you in all the best ways. It is extremely well written and never feels poorly paced.
This drama is definitely an emotional rollercoaster, but that's what's so great about it ! Without harsh moments, you can't truly appreciate the moments of happiness in the characters lives.
I loved following these characters throughout their lives and throughout the generation in this wonderful story of love, pain, family, hope, dreams, grief, joy and life. This is a truly lovely drama that has a special place in my heart. ❤️🥰
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The Drama That Found Me When I Didn’t Know I Needed It
I didn’t know it was possible to cry so many times watching a single drama, but this one proved me wrong in the most unforgettable way.I started 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' while going through a lot of inner turmoil. I was slowly giving up—on life, on myself. But this story helped me see things from a new perspective. It reminded me that even the smallest things in life can bring happiness... if the person who truly loves you stays by your side.
I already had high expectations after hearing great reviews from friends, but this drama went beyond anything I could have imagined. It didn’t just tell a story—it lived it. And it made me live it too.
This isn’t just a tale of love. It’s a reflection on family, on sacrifice, and the quiet pain that so many of us carry. It shows the love of parents who give everything for their children’s happiness, even if it goes unnoticed. And it also reflects the sadness and confusion children often feel—when life feels unfulfilled, when we feel like we aren’t enough. But through it all, this drama reminds us: everything our parents do, even when it feels overwhelming, comes from a place of indescribable love.
No matter your age, this story will touch you. It paints the struggles of every generation, and somehow finds a way to bring them all together in one beautifully woven narrative.
And the characters… oh, the characters. Gwan Sik and Ae Sun’s love is something that can’t be described with words. It warmed my heart and shattered it all at once. The men in this drama showed a kind of gentleness and strength that I can only hope to find in a partner one day.
This drama was nothing short of perfection. It made me reflect on my own life, the people I’ve loved and lost, and the parts of myself I’m still learning to forgive. It reminded me that the people who truly love us—our parents, our chosen family—are often right there, just quietly waiting for us to see them.
It’s not just a drama. It’s a piece of art. One I want to keep fresh in my memory, always.
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Daebak
I am a big fan of Director Kim Won-Suk. From the drama Misaeng(2014),Signal(2016),My Mister(2018), Arthdal Chronicles(2019) and this drama.The directing style is magnificent. Kudos to writer for this drama. The plot and storylines is superb. The casting line is very good. Actor’s and actress’s is delivered the emotions to audience. The OST also stunning. Retro/classical OST sounds like is very suitable. Overalls this Drama is masterpiece. Looking forward to achieve many awards this year for this Drama “ Thank You for Your Hard Work/ When Life gives You Tangerines”.Was this review helpful to you?
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A Poetic Masterpiece of Healing and Transformation
This screenplay is not written; it is composed like poetry.This film is a story of acceptance and forgiveness,
of giving love and bringing light to life,
of transcending pain and suffering,
of transitioning from girlhood to womanhood.
This series is not just a film; it is a collection of unpretentious therapy sessions.
I would gladly kiss the hands of the writer who poetically gifted us this masterpiece a thousand times.
In honor of the production and editing team of this healing creation.
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Heartbreaking, yet Heartwarming.
This show didn't have a single episode where I didn't cry. They went through so much, yet they were so happy together. They broke my heart yet they made me believe in love and life, so it seems fitting. Every story had a purpose, every character had meaning, everything was deeply connected. I wish to someday have someone who loves me that deeply and to love someone that much.In some points, I just kept wondering how they managed to get up with every obstacle that life gave them, their third child's death got me ugly crying at 2 am, and it made me so sad for the parents that have to bury their children. She lost so much to the sea and didn't wanna be there anymore yet she moved back to that house because that was the place she felt more at home. The ending was realistic and hurtful, but in my mind, she passes away gently in her sleep and reunites with everyone she lost, that is my ending.
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A Sweet Slice of Healing
When Life Gives You Tangerines completely surprised me in the best way. The story feels so genuine and the characters are really easy to connect with. They don’t come across as typical drama roles but as real people going through real experiences. The chemistry between the leads is natural and makes you genuinely root for them.What I really enjoyed is how the show balances everything. It’s emotional and heartfelt without becoming too dramatic, and there’s just enough humor to keep things light. The side characters have their own stories that add depth without distracting from the main plot.
Visually, the show is gorgeous. The warm colors and cozy settings make it feel inviting, and the music fits the mood perfectly without being overwhelming.
Overall, it’s one of those dramas that stays with you after you finish it. It’s about growth, healing, and finding small moments of happiness even when life gets tough. Definitely worth watching if you want something sweet, real, and comforting.
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This review may contain spoilers
selflessness, dedication, and unconditional love
These 2 crying love birds got me crying too. There are many positive things to say about this drama. Both families went through hardships, especially Oh Ae-sun, But that didn’t matter to Yang Gwan Sik. He wanted to provide for her and he cared for her. It was obvious that she liked him too. They were so in love. This man would have given the world to her if he could.They were honest with each other and communication was not an issue. Their children are such cry babies too. When Geum - myeong was getting married and the father daughter flash backs had me crying 😭
The other flashbacks to when they were younger and older, makes me so emotional to know how far they are coming from and how old they got.
As parents, they did their best to give their children the life they didn't have. Gwan Sik showed, selflessness, dedication, and unconditional love while Ae-sun supported her husband through all the hardships so he never felt alone or burdened.
They were the perfect pair.
This drama was just about life and family.
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here's to all we are
This will break your heart - and then put you back together. The story is the star of this drama. It shines so bright. The actors are mere vehicles that carry this story forward. But what great actors they all are!!Life can be so miserable. And then a piece of art comes along and makes you feel glad to be alive, glad to have experienced something wonderful.
This story is about all of us. It puts a spotlight on the life of a woman and her family, but really it is about womanhood and motherhood. I don't know which character I loved more. I just know I am deeply grateful to everyone who created this - both behind and in front of the camera.
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