the most endearing story
It's a drama that feels like home, very raw and honest and it's a reminder of what happiness and love truly mean. The two main leads, IU and BoGum did such a great job portraying the humble lives of their characters who never had much, went through some difficulties but still found their path. Life is full of beautiful things, the most valuable ones money couldn't buy, this drama constantly reminds me of that and that's very humbling.It makes u realize that, in reality, Aesun and Gwansik had everything really.
This story really kept me deeply engaged, I loved every second.
Also i don't recall crying so much watching a drama before lol so yeah this one touched my heart.
It surely belongs in my top 10 of k-dramas, it's a little treasure.
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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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IU brings depth and warmth to Ae-sun, portraying her across years with resilience, longing, and subtle joy. Park Bo-gum as Gwan-sik radiates sincerity and kindness; his quiet devotion anchors the story in real, human emotion. The way their relationship evolves feels organic, shaped by the tides of life rather than grand tropes.
The writing shines in its fidelity to the rhythm of life. There are no rushed confessions or exaggerated showdowns; instead, there are small moments — a shared glance across a classroom, a silent sacrifice, a beloved memory of home. The series doesn’t shy away from pain or regret, but treats both with respect and softness.
Visually, the show uses landscapes, lighting and color to evoke memory and longing. The soundtrack underscores emotion without being ever intrusive. What’s memorable is how the setting (especially Jeju) becomes a character in itself: grounded, beautiful, and enduring.
“When Life Gives You Tangerines” isn’t just about finding love — it’s about staying, growing, and finding meaning in the everyday. It reminds us that life may hand us tangerines instead of lemons, but sometimes that’s the sweetest story of all.
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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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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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