When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025)

heartfelt journey of life and love

An Honest, Heart-Wrenching Chronicle of Family Through Generations
This drama is a damn good three-generation life story, told with rare honesty and emotional depth. It begins slowly, grounded in a realistic portrayal of rural life in older times, centering on a tender young romance. From there, it grows—following the highs and lows of the protagonists' lives, and later, the lives of their children.

It’s not a melodrama, yet it hits incredibly hard by the end, simply because you’ve lived their life alongside them. You’ve laughed, struggled, and grown with them. And though it’s not strictly a historical drama, it still offers a compelling window into the evolving Korean regime and how everyday people lived through those times.

What makes this truly special is how deeply it explores the emotions, relationships, and inner struggles of each family member. Their romances feel real, their conflicts are raw, and their bonds are tested by time. It’s a quiet, powerful piece that lingers long after the final episode.

PS:
A big part of my admiration goes to IU, who delivered an outstanding performance across multiple roles within the same story—transforming from a rustic young girl to a weathered mother, and even portraying the daughter with distinct emotional depth. While the drama used visual cues to help viewers distinguish between characters, I honestly believe her acting alone would’ve been enough. Her ability to build believable chemistry with multiple co-stars only added more weight to the story.

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This show matches it’s title, life indeed tastes like tangerine

Tangerines generally taste sweet and slightly sour, with a hint of bitterness. That’s how this show tries to capture what life is as common people. Life is full up and down, sometimes your life is prosperous, sometimes you got big problems and some external situations that you can’t control in life which affect the life of people in that time. What matters more is our reaction and our relationship with people who matter to us the most, which is our families and close friends. Just like how my brother said: “that’s life!”

The show is talking about the life of 3 women in a span of 80 years. From grandmother, mother and daughter until the grandchildren appears in their life. Mainly talking about this ae sun’s character. Her life is full pf challenges but she is lucky to have someone who loves her dearly since childhood. She is also lucky to have a mother who loved her so much with her own way. The villagers also helped her during tough times in their own way too. Here, we see that there are many different characters of human who can change, who we think are not sweet initially but turn out they are sweet in their own way. They also help ae sun with their own way.

The most important thing is ae sun and gwang sik’s character, how tough they are, despite life can turn out to be bitter, but their love outshines the bad situation. They defend each other. They know who they are, so they act according to their strength to overcome many situations. Their character that makes people respect and help them especially gwang sik’s kindness, his kindness always comes back to pay him later on. It shows and teaches people that you need to be gracious no matter what your situation is. Their act of kindness even save their daughter in the future. How amazing this story to let us see that karma is working. Some people become unhappy and not peaceful because of bad things they do. Meanwhile people who are kind will always get respected and treated good especially by their families.

The show is also showing family relationship dynamic, even an act of kindness can hurt the one we love. It shows that there are many misunderstandings even in the family. So we have to communicate and talk honestly with each other even though it hurts but it will heal us instead of not communicating can just burry problems in heart.

There are no fillers in the show, every episode and scene has its own meaning. This series also shows another lesson that different era has different difficulties, people have different thoughts because of the way they were raised. Their background, their education, family’s expectation etc. it’s so worth it. You won’t regret watching this. It has raised another standard in kdrama. Bravo to the writers.

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It wasn't what i expected.

I was expecting a cute K-drama focused on the love story of the main characters and how they gradually develop feelings for each other, but since it’s produced by Netflix, I expected it to be a little different — just not this different.

Like, what I wanted was to see more of their childhood, how their feelings slowly grow for each other, and maybe see them kiss only around episode 9 and then start a relationship. But after the first four episodes, they already had a child!

The story is good, and the actors did an AMAZING job, but they focused too much on the secondary characters, and in the second half they even changed the actors playing the main characters. Like, I get it — but I still wanted to see more of just the two of them.

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a beautiful & comforting coming of age drama

The story revolves around three generations of women, exploring the complexities of mother-daughter relationships (love-hate relationships), the struggles of being a woman in a society where men's education is often prioritized over women's, the societal pressure on women wherein they are expected to sacrifice their careers to fulfill traditional roles as housewives. They are often looked down upon and judged for their choices. This drama also touches on the complicated relationships between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law. Furthermore, it explores the beauty of romantic love, where two people can face the world together, no matter the challenges. These are just a few of the many themes tackled in the first four episodes alone.

What makes this drama truly exceptional is its relatability, coupled with outstanding dialogue and performances by the actors. The cast's acting is so compelling that even in moments of silence, their expressions speak volumes. The art production is also noteworthy. They basically built a while town with all the small details making the drama feel more authentic. Can’t wait for Volume 2!

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One of the very best kdramas out there.

A highly carefully detailed production, exceptional script and an excellent acting make the perfect recipe to any show. And this one has it all. The story makes you want to keep watching. I had the same feelings I had watching Reply 1988. Nostalgia for a past I didn't even live or knew in some ways(since I am not South Korean) and familiar with it in others. Like when popular movies of that time where mentioned. The whole cast was on point. The script simply beautiful and the production the best. This show is more like an artistic masterpiece. Even the intro was beautiful.

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Maybe the Best Korean Drama of 2025

"When Life Gives You Tangerines" is really a good drama worth watching!
Whether it is the plot, shooting techniques, actors' acting skills or the handling of various details, it is hard not to be involved in it.
When it comes to the plot, the female writer will delicately portray the characters, love, family, friendship, and each line is particularly touching.
Sometimes we complain that our parents have different ideas from us, but in fact, the reason why we can freely choose our own life direction and live the life we want is because of the efforts of the previous generation and even the generation before that.
To borrow a line from the play: "Grandma swims in the sea, mom runs on the ground, so I can fly in the sky."
So don't back down, please enjoy life to the fullest!

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It's a comfort kdrama

Honestly, everything about this drama is masterpiece, i have already watched the 4 episodes and yes, i'm crying, it's so touching because i can relate to ae-sun so much, the feelings of not having anyone, losing parents (in my case dad), especially i couldn't handle when it comes to mom, my heart is just too weak, this story is not just about love and silly romance, but there's lot of moral story you can take and learn.

I actively promoting this to all of my friends, because i don't like suffering alone :p please give this a chance if you hesitant, even the cinematography it's the best, it can give you that nostalgic, calming, the familiar feelings within yourself.

Would i rewatch it over and over? Does it deserve and has the worth to be rewatch? Yes i would and yes it does, even now, only 4 episodes but i'm still stuck rewatching it again and again, and honestly, this is my favorite so far, usually it's hard for me to finished a drama because sometimes i just give them 10 seconds to decide if it's all worth it for my time or not, and usually i would drop them in the middle of episode one. I love this, is 3 words aren't enough to say it?

Well i think that's it, i'm waiting for more episodes, anyway thank you for anyone who read until the end, xoxo.

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Intersting but..

!!!!! IDC WHAT U THINK THIS IS MY OPINION.!!!!!
At first like all people its very intersting, left me teary every single seconde, screaming of cuteness and all.
But the moment we get to know that they finish together, idk why, the motivation i had went away. Maybe the fact i was relivied that they will end up together made me like this but idk well. Iam not saying its bad. But i kinda dropped this. It was like "when the phone rings" at first all were screaming for the 10 first episode but when the ml learn that 406 is his wife most of us dropped it. Its like this idk. Directors need to understand that the plot needs to be long and make us want to know what comes next. This is what keep me wanting to watch and having that motivation to continue.
Well nvm
Still the cast is good (with iu and park bo-gum) Their acting is amazing.
The story line is very good too (made me cry thats why)
Recommended but i think u might drop it if u have same opinions like me

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10/10

Rating: 10/10

"When Life Gives You Tangerine" is a beautifully crafted drama that stands out for its heartwarming storyline, remarkable character development, and stunning cinematography. From the first episode, it pulls you into the lives of its characters, making you care deeply about their individual journeys. The narrative revolves around themes of love, resilience, and personal growth, all told through the gentle symbolism of tangerines—signifying both life's sweet and bitter moments.

The drama masterfully balances lighthearted moments with emotional depth. It takes viewers through the highs and lows of life, but always with a sense of hope and optimism. The subtle yet impactful storytelling makes it easy to relate to the characters, as they face challenges that mirror the complexities of real life. Each character, whether they are in the main or supporting roles, has their own distinct personality and struggles, adding richness and layers to the plot.

The chemistry between the lead actors is undeniable, bringing a sense of authenticity to their relationships. Their performances are heartfelt and natural, allowing viewers to connect with their emotional journeys. The soundtrack further enhances the emotional weight of each scene, complementing the atmosphere without being overwhelming.

In addition to its excellent script and acting, the picturesque settings and cinematography are simply breathtaking. The vibrant colors of the tangerine orchards provide a soothing backdrop, while the delicate visuals add a dreamlike quality to the overall viewing experience.

Overall, "When Life Gives You Tangerine" is a drama that will linger in your heart long after the final episode. It’s a must-watch for anyone seeking a feel-good yet poignant story about life, love, and the power of resilience.

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Se a vida te der tangerinas

Eu não tenho palavras pra descrever todos os sentimentos que tive ao ver esse kdrama. Eu sabia desde o primeiro trailer que ele iria me conquistar profundamente. As produções asiáticas sobre a vida tendem a ser as mais marcantes.

O que me deixa mais feliz é saber que o alcance desse kdrama foi absurdo. Não acho que outra produção em 2025 consiga fazer o que fizeram em Se a Vida Te Der Tangerinas. Lembro que quando saiu o pôster, a sinopse e até o trailer, muitos disseram que não iam assistir porque achavam o casal sem graça ou a história muito simples.

Pensei que esse ia ser daqueles meus doramas confortos com mais 5 fãs, já que realmente as produções originais da netflix que mais estouram a bolha são comédias românticas bobinhas, com exceção de round 6. Mas aí tive uma linda surpresa ao ver o quanto o streaming acertou nos 4 atos e essa história cativou um público maior.

Primeiramente, que elenco incrível. Desde a escolha dos mais novos até os adultos. A essência da Aesun e do Gwansik não se perdeu em nenhuma estação do ano e muito menos nas diferentes épocas. É lindo e raro ver o crescimento de personagens diante dos seus olhos. Geralmente é estranho ver a troca de atores - senti isso, por exemplo, em reply 1988 com a versão adulta dos protagonistas sendo completamente nada a ver com eles mais jovens - mas no kdrama das tangerinas os atores principais apenas se tornaram mais maduros, mas o olhar, o jeito de falar, entre tantos outros detalhes permaneceram ali.

A escolha da IU para ser a Aesun e também a sua filha foi um dos tantos acertos nesse dorama. Mesmo sendo interpretada pela mesma pessoa e possuindo semelhanças hereditárias na genialidade, você conseguia sentir a diferença entre as duas. Principalmente pela questão geracional, pela criação e por se tratarem realmente de indivíduos diferentes.

Um dorama sobre a vida que mostrou a camada de como pais e filhos são parecidos e diferentes ao mesmo tempo. A realidade escancarada de uma família pobre que quer sempre o melhor pros seus filhos.

Vi na Aesun a minha mãe e a minha avó. Pensei nelas porque a Aesun é o retrato de todas as mães que um dia foram filhas, órfãs e mães. O detalhe mais lindo do processo de desenvolvimento do enredo foi mostrar que o tempo todo era sobre a Aesun. A história que estava sendo contada, as dificuldades, as perdas, os diálogos, às mudanças de estação, todas tinham uma protagonista em destaque: Aesun.

Foi emocionante acompanhar a jornada dessa mulher, mais lindo ainda ver a relação que ela tinha com a mãe e o papel que ela desempenhou pelo bem dos filhos e o fato de ter sido a frente do seu tempo, mas que, infelizmente pela realidade vivida não pôde alcançar vôos mais altos enquanto ainda era jovem e queria muito isso. Mas ainda com as limitações de ser pobre e de ser mulher, a Aesun nunca perdeu a sua essência, nunca parou de sorrir e também nunca ficou parada no mesmo lugar. Ela foi tudo o que podia ser.

E que marido é esse? O Gwansik não era apenas um green flag, ele era aquele campo de flores inteiro. Aquele campo bonito em Jeju onde dois jovens partilharam seus sentimentos de maneira tão apaixonada e emotiva. Eu amei demais o Gwansik e o ótimo marido que ele foi pra Aesun, e o pai batalhador pros seus filhos. Firme e forte, o coração de ferro. Mas que ainda assim, era gentil e sensível, mais derretido que uma manteiga e um doce de pessoa.

Se a Vida Te Der Tangerinas entrou para o meu top 3 de doramas favoritos da vida, foi lindo e emocionante acompanhar todas as estações.

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