When Life Gives You Tangerines

WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU TANGERINES...

When Life Gives You Tangerines not only has an amazing story, but also is carried out by the characters so well! It's a drama up to the point! The title, being so suitable for this kind of heartwarming drama. The story is so heartwarming that it can make you cry even through the happiest scenes as it is that moving. The story of Young Gwan Sik and Ae Sun, is the spring of the story, in the sense, the highlight of the drama, this may or may not be only my opinion.

First of all, I loved the first 5 episodes as it was mainly towards young Ae Sun and Gwan Sik... Although I totally lean towards that (IU and Park Bo Gum) the middle age parts wasn't entirely bad either(like most episodes were it)... But one thing is a given, Gwan Sik and Ae Sun played by IU and Park Bo Gum was definitely better!

The drama is set in the 1960's, the beautiful story of Ae Sun and Gwan Sik! Although they go through many hardships, they overcome them together. I don't want to spoil the story at all, as every moment can be cherished in this drama. I am so impressed by Park Bo Gum and IU's chemistry! They are a lit couple! I recommend watching IU's Mini Palette show, with Park Bo Gum, watching the episode, I felt so good!

To those who haven't watched it (WLGYT) yet, please go ahead and watch it now! This beautiful story portrays the ups and down of life, with the short life that we live, which is bittersweet and for we don't know what is upcoming to us, always respecting and caring for our family and loved ones is a must! I know this may sound cringy or whatever, I am just letting my thoughts out. Anyways, this drama gave me a very inspiring experience. Watching each scene, I could feel the hard work put up by the actors! No drama can beat this plot.

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Masterpiece!!!!

When Life Gives You Tangerines” is a touching Korean drama that takes viewers to the picturesque Jeju Island in the 1960s. It tells the story of Ae-sun (IU), who dreams of becoming a poet, and Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum), her loyal companion throughout the decades. The series stands out with its beautiful cinematography, deep emotions, and an authentic portrayal of everyday life in difficult times. While the narrative unfolds slowly, it allows for a thorough exploration of relationships and character development. This is a heartfelt story about love, dreams, and the passage of time—perfect for those who appreciate subtle, reflective storytelling. Love this !!!

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Life is The Real Villain of This Drama

“The ones alive keep on living…”

When Life Gives You Tangerines is a classic in the making.

This drama doesn’t rely on nostalgia or aesthetics. Instead, the chemistry between all the characters—major to minor, protagonist to antagonist—was just plain perfection. This is a classic, and I can definitely see it gaining a cult following and making a name for itself in pop culture in the future.

Unlike most dramas, especially K-dramas, where the most unnerving or exhilarating scenes happen near the end of the episode, When Life Gives You Tangerines stands out. The most action happens in the middle, and the rest of the episode focuses on how our main leads deal with the dilemma. Likewise, life isn’t a collection of cliffhangers. Instead, the most unforgettable, desperate, or happiest moments usually come out of nowhere. Truly, life is about all those little moments as well as braving the stormy future.

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ Villains

When we talk about “villains” in dramas, they’re usually people who target the main leads directly or some ever-present evil force that moves the plot forward. Those hostel people and Jennie’s mom? Bad people, sure. Minor antagonists for an episode or two? Yes. But THE villains of the drama? No. They were just awful people doing awful things who happened to cross paths with the main leads.

At first, I even thought the villains were Gwan-sik’s mom and grandmother, but they weren’t. They were also just victims and perpetrators of a toxic cycle that stems from poverty and patriarchy. Deep inside, I think they wanted to have someone treat them, love them, and respect them unconditionally—just like how Gwan-sik does for Ae-sun.

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ That Heartbreaking In-Laws Meeting

I can’t stop thinking about that first in-laws meeting where an elderly Gwan-sik used two hands to shake hands so his callouses wouldn’t be as noticeable. That scene really broke my heart. No one commented about it out loud at the time, but Yeong Beom’s mother later condescendingly called them “laborer’s hands.” That REALLY pissed me off! There is NO shame in hard and honorable work.

Geummyeong’s parents raised her properly—she wouldn’t even take more than necessary from a jar full of bills or be bribed by Jennie’s mom.

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ Yeong Beom’s Mother

Also, I just found out that the actress playing Yeong Beom’s mother recently died of cancer. Gosh, she definitely gave her all to that character. As much as I hated her at first, I have to admit I still gave her the benefit of the doubt, hoping for character growth since her son truly loved Geummyeong.

I applaud her performance. Even with just a few scenes, she caught my attention. At first, her character was hiding her disdain under the guise of “class,” but when all hell broke loose, it became clear—her so-called class was just pure snobbery, prejudice, and ignorance. The end of that confrontation and the smooth transition into her future was just the definition of karma

Yeong Beom’s mother fully deserved her lonely and miserable end. I mean, I pitied his mother’s end, but she brought it upon herself. It wasn’t “love” that made her wary of Geummyeong—it was snobbery and prejudice. Now, her grandchildren and daughter-in-law treat her like a ghost in her own home.

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ I Love You But I Love Myself Too.

I was heartbroken when Geummyeong and Yeong Beom broke up (while still being in love), but I was 100% supportive of Geummyeong when she said that while she loves him, she loves herself too—which is why she wouldn’t settle for in-laws like that.

Yeong Beom wasn’t entirely a pushover, but he hesitated a lot and needed a push most of the time—like in that restaurant scene where Gwan-sik kept eyeing him to make a move.

Sure, they tried showing some parallels between Yeong Beom and Gwan-sik. In the end, while Gwan-sik acted out of pure selflessness and love for Ae-Sun, it seemed like Yeong Beom acted out of doing what’s right based on what’s “right”. Sure, he loved Geummyeong but he was no Gwan-sik.

In that car scene where Yeong Beom told Geummyeong that no guy can choose between his wife/lover and his family, Geummyeong answered back that her father was able to. I truly think that growing up and witnessing her parent’s love shaped Geummyeong as a person and established her self-respect and refusal to settle.

Nevertheless, I feel bad for Yeong Beom because he ended up in a loveless marriage, but I guess that’s what happens when you don’t live for yourself.

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ Bu Sang Gil’s Fate

I can’t even feel bad for Bu Sang Gil when he tried to reconnect with his daughter after seeing Gwan-sik and Geummyeong’s father-daughter relationship. I mean it was kind of funny how he was ignored in his own home but what did he expect? He was never a good father or husband. He made his bed, and now he’s lying in it. Nobody in his family loves or respects him. His own biological sons prefer their stepmother over him.

Bad decisions after bad decisions—cheating, bribery, snobbery, bullying—and now, the people in his life barely tolerate his existence. Even his own wife asks him not to come home for dinner often because it’s “bothersome.” This drama doesn’t have a singular villain—except for life itself—but the bad people sure do get their karma in the end.

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ Cheong Seop: The Man That You Are

From the start, it was obvious that Cheong Seop was interested in Geummyeong. But even until he left for the military, we were left guessing—because he kept his boundaries and never once hit on her or made her intentionally feel confused about her relationship with Yeong Beom.

The moment we really became sure that he liked her fr fr was that bus stop scene. He had just been discharged, and he saw Geummyeong entering the bus he had just exited. It was just a split second, but that moment said everything.

And that episode 12 ending? I LOVE how KSH’s character, Cheong Seop, didn’t stop running. Sure, it was funny when he got tangled with the fangirls, but hey—he did NOT stop chasing after Geummyeong’s bus after just a split second of seeing her. That says a LOT.

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ A Perfect Drama from Start to Finish

To be honest, I already had decent expectations for this drama because IU was in it. That girl has a GOLDEN TOUCH when it comes to choosing her dramas istg.

Meanwhile, I only ever saw Park Bo Gum in Reply 1988, and I understood the hype—he was a cutie, after all. But I never really liked any of his other projects. I didn’t even finish Love in the Moonlight because the chemistry just wasn’t there for me.

So when I tell you that THIS drama is the BEST drama of the year, BELIEVE ME. Everything is just perfect.

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ The OSTs: A Perfect Fit

Someone commented that the OSTs weren’t by big-name artists. You know what? I didn’t even NOTICE that—because the OST was perfect the way it was, fitting the drama’s theme and time period flawlessly.

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ IU’s Dual Role: A Brilliant Choice

This is NOT an unpopular opinion lol but I really like how they made IU play both the mother and daughter. It emphasizes how Geummyeong is exactly like her mother—living the dreams her mother couldn’t (college, financial independence)—but at the same time, she’s still her OWN person.

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ Final Thoughts

When Life Gives You Tangerines isn’t just another drama—it’s art. It doesn’t rely on clichés or forced conflicts. Instead, it gives us a raw, honest, and deeply moving story about love, family, self-worth, and the weight of societal expectations. No flashy gimmicks. No over-the-top twists. Just pure, heartfelt storytelling that lingers long after the final episode.

Sure, I cried a lot and it’s probably difficult for me to rewatch the drama (lowkey traumatized) but never say never. Art is supposed to make you feel things and this drama definitely a masterpiece!!

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Life is just like tangerines—sometimes sweet, sometimes bitter.

I got deeply immersed in the drama Unfulfilled Dreams—huge sacrifices, heavy ambitions, love and duty, societal restraints. Everyone is just trying to survive a single day, to truly live for just one moment. The true villain in this story isn’t a person; it’s life itself.
Bogum was brilliant in every scene. His eyes alone—just a single sad yet gentle look—conveyed everything. He didn’t even need to act.
Ai-sun is not the perfect wife in the traditional sense, but that’s what makes her love real. She doesn’t just stand by Gwang-sik; she forges her own path and chooses to stay by his side. Ai-sun’s love story is not just romantic—it’s about choosing love while staying true to oneself. And perhaps, that is the most beautiful kind of love of all.
1. Resilience – Life tests her, but she never lets hardships break her spirit. She endures, fights, and keeps moving forward.
2. Independence – She refuses to be confined by societal expectations, proving that love does not mean losing oneself.
3. Loyalty – Even in tough times, she never wavers. She stays, loves, and commits.
4. Courage – She dares to dream, challenge norms, and love in a way that feels right to her.
5. Emotional strength – She carries pain, but she doesn’t let it define her. She finds ways to heal and grow.
6. Passionate nature – She loves deeply, feels deeply, and dreams boldly, making her presence unforgettable.
7. Unconventional love – Her love isn’t perfect, but it’s real. She loves on her own terms, reminding us that relationships aren’t about fitting into a mold but about growing together.

I highly recommend watching Unfulfilled Dreams—it’s truly amazing! This drama is deeply emotional and touching in an extraordinary way. I cried a lot while watching it because the story and emotions feel so real, making you live every moment with the characters. Don’t miss this masterpiece!

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A 10\10 Emotional Ride..!!!!

They say some shows end, but eventually stay with us. That would be true for me I think this show will stay with me forever. The realistic aspect of this series makes it masterpiece. I feel like i am also the part of Jeju crew. The acting of all actors is really incredible even the child actors are phenomenal. My celebrity "IU", the kind of idol every fan deserves, her script selection, chemistry with co-stars, and THE ACTING is to the point. I cried a lot, learned a lot, and will cherish it a lot. And i Believe whether you are male or female, or in any stage of your life, and no matter how old are you, THIS IS THE KIND OF SHOW, ONE SHOULD DEFINETLY WATCH ATLEAST ONCE IN A LIFETIME, once you watch it you will know why. Anyway, Thank you WLGYT for showing the real feelings of us towards our parents and also of our parents towards us..!!!

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Bittersweet and Beautiful: WLGYT Captures Life’s Hard Truths and Tender Moments

This was an emotional rollercoaster that left me both heartbroken and uplifted. The drama, which spans several decades, follows the life of Oh Ae Sun, a girl who faces numerous challenges as she goes through her childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. There are themes of love, sacrifice, the pursuit of dreams, societal expectations and personal struggles.

From the very beginning, we're drawn into Ae Sun's world. I loved how the drama explored the complexity of the relationship between Ae Sun and her mother, who, despite her tough love, ultimately just wanted the best for her daughter. It highlighted the sacrifices that parents often make for their children's futures.

One of the things I loved most about the drama was the character development. How Ae Sun evolved from this little girl into a strong resilient woman. Her relationship with Gwan-sik was adorable. He was that quiet, steady presence who always had her back. Their moments together, both the awkward and sweet ones, just melted my heart.

The drama's pacing was well-executed too. The pacing of the show was great, too. Just the right balance of drama and breathing space. I particularly enjoyed the flash-forwards that gave us glimpses into Ae Sun's life as a mother and the challenges her own daughter, Geum-myeong, faced. The generational storytelling added depth to the story, showing how the struggles of one generation can echo into the next. Geum-myeong's character, while initially appearing to be an ungrateful daughter, later revealed her own growth too as she had her own experiences, relationships and aspirations.

However, there were moments in the drama that I found frustrating. Gwan-sik's mother and grandmother's harsh treatment of Ae Sun was so frustrating. I understand that these are the things that go on in society even today but it was still heartbreaking to watch.

That said, the emotional moments were done so well. I teared up more than once—especially when Ae Sun loses her son, Dong-myeong. Those scenes were heartbreaking but beautifully acted. IU absolutely nailed it. You could feel every ounce of her pain and strength.

Ae Sun finally achieving her dream of publishing her poetry was such an uplifting and satisfying moment. Ae Sun and Gwan-sik's enduring love and the legacy they left for their children, was a fitting end to a story filled with trials and triumphs. It emphasized the importance of family, love, and the pursuit of one's dreams, even in the face of adversity.

All in all, WLGYT was such a beautiful, heartfelt story. The characters, the story, and the emotional depth made it totally worth it. If you're in the mood for a drama that'll make you feel everything, I’d definitely recommend it.

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A drama that will always have a special place in my heart

A Special Drama That Will Always Stay With Me

This drama will always have a special place in my heart. It was the first drama that made me sign up for Netflix—LOL. While it's far from perfect, its emotional impact is something I’ll never forget.

Volume 3 was a bit of a drag compared to the first two. I found myself skipping quite a few scenes, especially the flashbacks of Aesun and her mom. At first, their moments were touching, but they became repetitive and overdone, which made them more annoying than moving.

I also wasn’t a fan of the reincarnation theme. The idea that the publisher was like Aesun’s mom reincarnated didn’t sit well with me. I don't believe in reincarnation, and I honestly just wanted Aesun’s poetry to shine on its own, without all the superstition wrapped around it.

Volume 4 had its strengths. I appreciated getting to see more of the other characters’ perspectives—especially their son. However, I was left wondering what happened to the auntie who helped Aesun. It felt like their storyline was just dropped, and that was a shame.

But what really broke me was Gwan-sik. I knew he would die in the end, but I still hoped he’d enjoy his life before that happened. After everything he went through, from being scammed to just starting to find joy in simple hobbies, his sudden illness and death felt like such a heavy blow. I understand the show was going for realism—these things do happen in real life—but still, I truly wished we got to see him harvest the fruit of his labor and be happy for a while. That part genuinely hurt.

Now, onto the cast—they were phenomenal. I usually find transitions from young to adult versions of characters awkward (especially in other series like Reply), but here? They nailed it. The adult versions still felt like the same people we met in their youth. I never felt disconnected.

And major kudos to the writers for tackling the favoritism issue. It was one of the most realistic and powerful parts of the story. I’m so glad they didn’t brush it off or sugarcoat it. The son's feelings were valid, and Aesun’s acknowledgment of her mistake—without excuses—was such a strong and important moment. So many dramas gaslight the "less loved" child, but this one didn’t, and I truly appreciated that.

Despite its flaws, this drama is easily one of my favorites. It made me feel deeply, think critically, and reflect on life and relationships. I’ll carry this one with me for a long time.

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A Profound Story With The Biggest Heart

In this million miles an hour consumer-driven world we live in, how important it is to take a moment and remember what truly matters in life is not what we accumulate or what we achieve but rather the people in our lives and how we've lived and loved.

When Life Gives You Tangerines is an achingly beautiful ride that reminds us of just that...that life's moments of extraordinary happiness or profound love or heartbreaking sadness...it's moments of quiet contentment, or explosive intensity, moments in life, that can feel like eternities or moments that are so fleeting as to have never been...ultimately those moments are the riches in our lives, those are what truly matter, those are what we'll carry with us to the end.

If ever there was a part absolutely written for actor Park Bo Gum, this is it...his beautiful face that so heartbreakingly bears witness without words to Gwan Sik's quiet strength and unwavering lifelong love for Ae Sun is so poignantly beautiful. As a viewer, I was so invested in their life together I spent each episode either weeping tears of joy or tears of heartbreak. These magical 16 episodes exquisitely remind us of what a roller coaster ride life really is.

Kudos to the casting director for their perfect eye in casting Park Bo Gum and IU, as the younger adult pair and Park Hae Joon and Moon Soo Ri as the older pair. The seamless aging of Gwan Sik and Ae Sun couldn't have happened without the tremendous talent of these 4 actors. And truly, in When Life Gives You Tangerines there was no cast member who didn't give an amazing and memorable performance creating this masterpiece.

The Korean title, 폭싹 속았수다, has a specific cultural context. It is a common phrase in the Jeju dialect of the Korean language and translates to “you have worked hard” or “thank you for your hard work.” Life is hard work, often we might feel with little return, but like the cast of When Life Gives You Tangerines, in the end, the bittersweet realization of life itself is that it "never promised us a rose garden"...but through it all teaches us that "when life gives you tangerines, make tangerine tea".

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A thoughtful drama that captures life’s simple and lasting beauty

When Life Gives You Tangerines is a gentle drama that slowly shows me its beautiful storytelling and real emotions.
Set on Jeju Island, it follows Ae-sun, a strong-willed young woman dreaming of a bigger life, and Gwan-sik, a calm and loyal man who supports her quietly.
Their love isn’t built on dramatic declarations but on small, caring moments that feel genuine and deep.
Both actors give natural and moving performances making their characters feel real and relatable.
The way their relationship unfolds, through simple gestures, shared silences and everyday support is incredibly touching and capturing the beauty of love growing slowly over time.
What makes this drama truly special is how beautifully the story is told.
It doesn’t rush through events or rely on dramatic twists but instead takes its time to show the full lives of the characters, their dreams, struggles and growth.
The slow pace allows me to really feel the emotions behind each scene, making the joys and hardships more meaningful.
The drama also beautifully captures the culture, history
and landscape of Jeju Island, weaving those elements into the story in a way that feels authentic and heartfelt.
Watching Ae-sun and the people around her navigate family expectations, personal sacrifices and changing times makes the story feel both personal and universal.
It’s a quiet thoughtful drama reminding us that life’s beauty is often found in the small, everyday moments and the steady strength of love and hope.

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