This review may contain spoilers
This was a 10/10 for me
I watched this drama a while back but never got the chance to write a review. For me, reviews are a way to revisit the story, capture my lingering feelings, and keep the memory of a drama alive.
Growing up, I remember reading a book with the line “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” I don’t remember who it was by, but I do remember my teacher asking us why the story had such a title and what lemons symbolized. That lesson stayed with me, especially when she explained the true meaning. So, when I came across the title When Life Gives You Tangerine, I instantly knew this was going to be my type of drama—and I made sure to have a tissue box ready.
Set in Jeju, an island famous for its tangerines, the drama beautifully reshapes the familiar phrase into something new and meaningful. Instead of lemons, life gives you tangerines—symbols of resilience, endurance, and quiet strength. I didn’t expect to fall in love with this series as deeply as I did. In fact, writing this review makes me want to go back and rewatch it all over again.
At its core, When Life Gives You Tangerine is a story that spans multiple generations. We witness struggles, sacrifices, and growth through the eyes of the leads. IU, who I already admire for her ability to choose strong storylines, delivered a performance that was both heartfelt and unforgettable.
What I loved about this series:
The cast: Like many, I was drawn in because of IU and Park Bo Gum. But as the series unfolded, I grew attached to the entire cast—including the older generation. Their portrayals made the story feel rich, layered, and complete.
The lessons: This drama is both heartbreaking and uplifting. For anyone who has endured loss yet continues to show up every day—this story honors that resilience. One of the most emotional moments for me was when the family lost their youngest son. It was devastating, yet their journey of pulling themselves together and continuing life was deeply moving.
The music: The instrumental pieces are unforgettable. One that stands out is the scene when he decides to leave the island, and IU chases after him after turning down the rich man’s proposal. The music elevated that moment into something timeless.
The fan community: After finishing, I loved watching fan clips, edits, and interpretations. They brought back tears, memories, and reminded me of just how meaningful the series was to so many people.
If you’ve read my other reviews, you’ll know I don’t usually watch many Korean dramas unless they’re slice-of-life, have a strong storyline, or feature a cast I already adore. This drama met all three criteria. I’m so glad it won awards because it gave me the push to revisit why I loved it so much.
For once, I don’t have much to critique or wish had been different. When Life Gives You Tangerine was unique in the best way possible. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a heartfelt, beautifully told story. This was a 10/10 for me.
Growing up, I remember reading a book with the line “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” I don’t remember who it was by, but I do remember my teacher asking us why the story had such a title and what lemons symbolized. That lesson stayed with me, especially when she explained the true meaning. So, when I came across the title When Life Gives You Tangerine, I instantly knew this was going to be my type of drama—and I made sure to have a tissue box ready.
Set in Jeju, an island famous for its tangerines, the drama beautifully reshapes the familiar phrase into something new and meaningful. Instead of lemons, life gives you tangerines—symbols of resilience, endurance, and quiet strength. I didn’t expect to fall in love with this series as deeply as I did. In fact, writing this review makes me want to go back and rewatch it all over again.
At its core, When Life Gives You Tangerine is a story that spans multiple generations. We witness struggles, sacrifices, and growth through the eyes of the leads. IU, who I already admire for her ability to choose strong storylines, delivered a performance that was both heartfelt and unforgettable.
What I loved about this series:
The cast: Like many, I was drawn in because of IU and Park Bo Gum. But as the series unfolded, I grew attached to the entire cast—including the older generation. Their portrayals made the story feel rich, layered, and complete.
The lessons: This drama is both heartbreaking and uplifting. For anyone who has endured loss yet continues to show up every day—this story honors that resilience. One of the most emotional moments for me was when the family lost their youngest son. It was devastating, yet their journey of pulling themselves together and continuing life was deeply moving.
The music: The instrumental pieces are unforgettable. One that stands out is the scene when he decides to leave the island, and IU chases after him after turning down the rich man’s proposal. The music elevated that moment into something timeless.
The fan community: After finishing, I loved watching fan clips, edits, and interpretations. They brought back tears, memories, and reminded me of just how meaningful the series was to so many people.
If you’ve read my other reviews, you’ll know I don’t usually watch many Korean dramas unless they’re slice-of-life, have a strong storyline, or feature a cast I already adore. This drama met all three criteria. I’m so glad it won awards because it gave me the push to revisit why I loved it so much.
For once, I don’t have much to critique or wish had been different. When Life Gives You Tangerine was unique in the best way possible. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a heartfelt, beautifully told story. This was a 10/10 for me.
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