hh
I cried in every episodes, just when I think that those bad days are over, another worries arrive. But this drama really portrayed how hard it might be for some people to spend their daily life. IU's acting was really good, she's basically good at everything she does. That's what I love about her, she experiments and never fears of doing anything new. Park Bogum, He's my sweetheart, been loving him since Reply 1988.I loved this drama's main concept. Even the harsh journey feels bearable if you're with the one who'll stick to you by your side. Every pain would seem less painful if you're with your dear ones.
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Angst Ridden & Painful to Watch
I honestly do not get why anyone is enthralled with this show.The female lead is self-centered, abusive to the male lead who is stalwart, supportive, and steady. Their daughter is a repeat of the mother, and the entire show is angst ridden with hardship upon hardship and painful situation after painful situation.
I truly do not understand why anyone wants to immerse themselves in such unending drudgery, angst, abuse, and pain, much less call it a masterpiece and give it high ratings, even 10s. 🤯
I started watching for Park Bo Gum, and will tough it out to the end to say I’ve seen it, but I do not believe this deserves any rating above one or two, and dang sure does not deserve Baeksang nominations.
You might as well just shoot yourself instead of start watching this, unless you just revel in depressing content.
Rewatch value, zero. I had to give it 1 for the review to post.
PS:
KDramas are generally known for fabulous OST‘s, but in this show the music doesn’t even register. I’m a professional singer, so believe me I pay attention when there’s a good song, yet not one has made a dent from the show. If a zero were possible for music I would give it one, but it won’t let me post this review unless I give it some number for a rating.
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Controversial opinion but I enjoyed the love story between Ae-Sun’s daughter Yang Geum-myeong, the military guy, Park Yeong-Bum and the artist, Park Chung-seob. I feel it was more developed and happened more linearly whereas Ae-suns and Gwansik happened way to quickly and there was no real development to them getting together. I personally don’t see the hype with this one, maybe it’s just the genre as it isn’t something I usually venture into. I really tried giving this one a go but after a while the characters became tiresome. Especially Ae-sun she’s so whiny and annoying! Gwansik changes so much from the beginning to when he’s an adult, his personality changes to the point where it feels like an entirely different character. The story felt way to melodramatic and just using it as a way to make people feel something. It really repetitive and annoying the fact that so many characters kept dying, I understand why it’s added but it got to the point where I couldn’t care less who it was. Ae-Sun & Gwansik aren’t the best parents either they completely sideline their youngest son not caring about him at all, whereas the oldest daughter gets the most attention and the best treatment. The flashbacks to present to past got really tedious too, the show would’ve been so much better if it just stayed linearly instead of jumping back and forth between the four decades. This drama just feels like another overhyped kdrama that’s really not worth watching.
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If I could give this show higher than a 10, I would!
Everything about this show was fantastic! I've never been so moved by a story before. This just felt so real and relatable. I can't say enough good things about this show! I recommend it to everybody! All the actors did incredible as well! IU did an amazing job playing multiple roles in the show, and Bo-Gum really makes you swoon!Was this review helpful to you?
The beautiful, dreamlike story brought me to tears
When Life Gives You Tangerines is a beautifully crafted, deeply emotional story that takes viewers through love, loss, and the quiet yet profound moments that define a life. This is a rather poetic drama, unfolding like a slow-burning novel. There is no fairytale romance, exaggerations or grand twists; instead, the narrative finds beauty in the mundane: the laughter between people, the quiet ache of unspoken love and the weight of responsibilities that come with adulthood, especially when one takes on parenthood. It portrays the struggles of ordinary people with heartbreaking accuracy.What I found remarkable about this show is how it embraces the passage of time. We don’t just see Ae Sun and Gwan Sik as young dreamers; we follow them across decades, through different phases of life, witnessing their evolving relationship shaped by circumstances beyond their control. It’s a bittersweet meditation on destiny: what we choose and what is chosen for us. Without being heavy-handed, it gives us glimpses into a time when survival often took precedence over personal desires, making Ae Sun and Gwan Sik’s love story all the more poignant.
The level of acting in this drama is phenomenal. Every member of the cast pulled their weight in gold, from the child actors to the seasoned veterans. When IU finally made her entrance with that familiar bratty yet effortlessly sassy charm, I yelped. It’s been so long since I last saw her in a drama, and she lit up the screen the moment she appeared.
Gwan Sik feels like Choi Taek in an alternate timeline, and I love it. I won’t spend too much time talking about IU and Park Bo Gum because, frankly, it’s predictable. They always deliver. Everyone knows that. There’s nothing new to say except that they continue to breathe life into every character they play, and somehow, each new role becomes their best one yet. No amount of praise can ever fully capture what they bring. I'm just thankful that they’re healthy, kind humans who are still doing this for us to experience and I hope that never changes.
The two kiddos, how do child actors manage to understand the emotional weight behind such roles at that age? They amazed me. And Yeom Hye Ran, even with her limited screen time, left a lasting impression. Her portrayal of the haenyeo mother was so grounded and powerful that it’s impossible to think of this drama without her. She embodied a generation of women with quiet strength and left a deep emotional mark. I’ve seen her in many dramas, but this is her best performance yet.
Park Hae Joon’s portrayal of Yang Gwan Sik resonated with me the most. I lost my father, and he was a man just like him. I choked up when Gwan Sik came home carrying peas for the family because my dad used to do the same. Back then, it seemed like nothing, but now… a fictional father does it, and I’m in tears. That’s the beauty of this drama. There’s something here for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. It truly reflects the everyday life struggles of most folks out there, and it hits where it matters most.
The cinematography is stunning. Jeju Island doesn't just serve as a backdrop; it feels like a character in its own right. Every frame is like a painting, rich with nostalgia, warmth, and emotion. This level of visual storytelling has quietly become a hallmark in recent K-dramas, and it’s something I’ve come to really appreciate. It shows how much care and craft goes into the genre beyond just the writing and acting. I was especially impressed by the way the show transitions between timelines. That kind of narrative structure is tricky to get right, and more often than not, shows don't do this part too well. But here, it’s done so creatively and seamlessly that it elevates the storytelling. It adds depth without ever feeling confusing or forced. And the soundtrack was perfect, too. The folk-inspired melodies blend so well with the setting and story. Even as someone who isn't Korean, I felt deeply connected to the emotion they carried. It’s one of those rare combinations where the visuals and music work in complete harmony, making every moment feel lived in and real.
Gwan Sik is what some might call a "fool", a man living in a time when men were overwhelmingly favoured and entitled, yet he never once leaned into that privilege. He didn’t care for the roles that society handed to him. All he wanted was for his girl to have everything she dreamed of, simply so she could be happy. He could’ve followed the crowd, conformed to the norm of transactional love, of marriages built on obligations rather than feelings. Instead, he chose the harder path. He chose to suffer for love. And maybe, just maybe, we all need a fool like Gwan Sik in our lives, a man who wants to be a husband and a father and not just have a wife and a child. There were so many moments I caught myself smiling and even laughing amidst their tragedy, not because I took joy in their pain, but because of how raw, relatable, and innocent their love was. It’s the story of a woman too smart and too ahead of her time and a man who is so beautifully stupid in love with her. And that first kiss? Probably the most awkward I’ve ever seen in a drama, and yet, somehow, the best one.
I strongly believe that both children and parents should at least give this show a watch even if it's not your usual genre. It tells a powerful story about how each new generation tries to be better, to become everything the previous one was not. But more often than not, they end up falling short, whether by choice, by circumstance, or simply by the weight of life. Parents carry the guilt of what they couldn’t give, while children carry the grief of what they never received. We live inside our own struggles, rarely seeing the other side until we try to live theirs eventually. That’s the never-ending conundrum: one that continues to echo through time, always imperfect, always incomplete, but sometimes made a little better through understanding and the wisdom that only time can offer.
Some dramas entertain, but some dramas linger in your heart long after the credits roll. When Life Gives You Tangerines is a drama that will stay with you for a long time. It is going to leave you feeling both fulfilled and slightly heartbroken, a rare balance that only the most beautifully told stories achieve. It makes you pause and reflect and be grateful for the little things you normally take for granted. Great purpose, great delivery, and this is what art should be like. Not everyone will resonate with it, but for those willing to immerse themselves in its world, this drama offers an unforgettable experience– one that lingers like the taste of a perfectly ripe tangerine, sweet yet tinged with the slightest hint of bitterness.
“THIS IS A SILENT OUTCRY. A HANDKERCHIEF OF ETERNAL NOSTALGIA…WAVING TOWARDS THE BLUE SEAS!!!”
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A familiar story for all of us
I have just wiped my tears, so understand if my emotions are too raw as I write this review.I can't objectively judge this show on set parameters. Because it has transcended them all. It's not a new idea, not a brilliant script that's written once in a millennia, or a great fiction which you can't wrap your mind around. All it is, is a simple story of our great grand-mothers, grandmothers, mothers, and all those women who've worked very hard, against all odds, to survive this world, which is hellbent against them. And the man who stood by them, through all of their hardships.
I strongly commend anyone and everyone to watch this show, not to learn something new or for entertainment, but to gain a better understanding of our elders. Sure not everyone is alike, in their actions or in their fate. But throughout this series you will find yourself emotionally tangled to each and every aspect from the plot to the characters, because they carry a great sense of familiarity for all of us. We've definitely seen, heard, experienced something relatable once in our lives.
For me, it all hits too close to home. The reason why I wept, laughed, giggled, frowned all along with the show. It truly is a thing to be grateful for, that such a moving drama was created. A true blessing for future generations, to understand how things used to be.
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A Masterpiece I'll Carry Forever
This is truly the best things I’ve ever watched — especially as someone who cherishes feel-good, family-centered stories.No glitter no glams. No over-the-top drama. Just pure, heartfelt slices of life… portrayed with honesty and grace.
Out of the 1000+ movies and series I’ve seen, this one rises to the top and will stay there for years to come.
What hit me the hardest was Ae-sun’s character — a quiet, resilient mother who sacrifices everything for her children.
I could see so many real-life moms in her… including my own.
To every mother out there: you are seen, valued, and loved more than words can say.
This show made my respect for moms skyrocket.
It also reminded me of something we often forget in today’s fast-paced world —
Family is the most precious thing we have.
In this era where we sometimes take our parents for granted, where appreciation and respect are fading...
“When Life Gives You Tangerines” is a beautiful wake-up call.
A reminder to hug our moms a little tighter, thank our dads a little more, and cherish the love we often overlook.
Everyone should watch this.
It’s not just a show — it’s a soft, warm reminder of what truly matters.
This show didn’t just entertain me.
It made me cry & reflect.
This will stay at the top of my heart for ages.
10/10. A must-watch. Life-changing.
"When Life Gives You Tangerines"
“Sometimes, a drama doesn’t need to shout to be unforgettable — it just needs to feel like home. And this one does.”
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best show about life
I expected this show to be wholesome — but it went far beyond my expectations. When Life Gives You Tangerine is an absolute gem. Beautifully written and masterfully acted, it’s easily one of the best portrayals of life and adulthood I’ve ever seen on screen.This series captures it all — the ups and downs, the sweet and the sour — much like a tangerine itself. It reminds you that the life you dreamed of may not unfold exactly as planned, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be beautiful in its own way.
The characters didn’t have much in terms of money or luxury, but wow — they had love, friendship, and a strong sense of community. And sometimes, that’s more than enough.
When Life Gives You Tangerine is tender, real, and full of quiet wisdom. If you’re looking for something that will make you reflect, smile, and maybe even cry and cry — this is the one.
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Not for me...
Just my opinion, move on if it bothers you.All of the actors were excellent.
Kind of a slow, slice of life story, but it didn't work for me.
I must say I did love the last episode.
-I didn't like the FL at all. She was so self-absorbed.
-ML was a doormat.
-The haenyeo were constantly bickering and fighting, I could have done without them.
-the makeup on the leads was too brown. So show that they were tanned because it was Jeju?
-too much going back and forth in time.
-there seemed to be many characters that I didn't like, which made it difficult to stick with it.
Almost everyone else in the world loved this, so I'd say give it a try. Don't go by me!
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A Story of Life
I started this show with a lot of curiosity and, honestly, a bit of fear. I’d seen so many people praising it without a single bad word, and I wondered if it would actually live up to the hype. Not only did it live up to it — it completely blew me away. When Life Gives You Tangerines is an absolute masterpiece.I went in thinking, “I’m not the type of person who cries at dramas.” Then this show came along and proved me wrong. I don’t think I’ve ever cried this much watching anything. The emotions hit so deeply and naturally that you can’t help but break down with the characters.
What makes this drama special is that it defies categories. It’s not your typical K-drama, not a cliché family melodrama, not a simple coming-of-age story — it stands completely on its own. It weaves so many storylines together within each episode, and even though the timeline is a bit confusing at first, they handle the transitions between past and present brilliantly. Everything connects in the most beautiful way.
The production is breathtaking, but the real heart of the show is the acting. Every character feels alive. Every emotion feels raw. They brought so much depth to their roles that the story becomes almost too real — in the best possible way.
This show is a wake-up call. It reminds us of our parents’ sacrifices, the dreams they put aside for us, the silent battles they fight, and the love they give without expecting anything in return. It’s a story about life, its cycles, its heartbreak, its beauty, and the people who shape us.
I’ve seen people criticize certain characters, but that’s the point — they’re real. This isn’t a fantasy or a polished entertainment piece. It’s life. Life with flaws, mistakes, failures, and imperfect people trying their best.
One of the most beautiful moments for me was when the father told her, “If you can’t do it, just run back.” That line shattered me. It captures the essence of the whole drama: no matter how hard life gets, you will always have a place to come home to.
I recommend this show to every human being — even if you don’t watch K-dramas, Asian dramas, or dramas at all. This is more than a show; it’s an experience, a reminder, and a reflection of our own lives.
I don’t think I’ve ever felt so connected to a story before, and I genuinely hope everyone gives it a chance. It’s absolutely beautiful, unforgettable, and worth every second.
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beautiful drama
it is simply a beautiful Drama.It was so beautiful to see how the lives developed. How the characters grew, mastered situations, but were always there for each other.
What struck me personally and stuck in my mind was that the mother married her first love, but the daughter didn't. That's life, you never know what will happen.
I enjoyed every second. There have been few series, films or books that have captivated me so much.
Sometimes it takes not much, just the right thing at that moment.
I sometimes had a real rollercoaster of emotions.
But I laughed, cheered and cried.
I will definitely watch it again.
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Love for each other throughout the ups and downs in life
Belonging to a pure Asian middle class family, this drama has been the most relatable one I've ever watched. The bonds, the untold emotions, the sympathy, the guilt everything depicted so so beautifully. Qudos to the whole cast for giving an outstanding performance. I think this is the only drama where i cried almost on all episodes. Many would find this silly but whoever experienced those ups and downs in their life would definitely know how we felt during those times. Geum myeong is the most relatable character to me. Like her i also feel so sorry and grateful to my parents it's unexplainable beyond words. May all the parents in the world stay healthy.Was this review helpful to you?
