'When Life Gives You Tangerines' Is A Rollercoaster Of Love, Loss And Devotion

P/S: Warning! Major spoilers ahead.

Ever since Netflix's hit K-drama When Life Gives You Tangerines premiered, everyone has been crying their eyeballs out. Some even call it one of the best and most beautifully written and directed K-dramas of recent years. Starring IU and Park Bo-gum, the title plays on the phrase "when life gives you lemons", while also referencing Jeju Island’s famous tangerines.

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The drama spans decades, following Ae-sun, a girl with dreams of becoming a poet despite her family’s poverty, and Gwan-sik, the childhood friend who has loved her for as long as he can remember. He promises to support her no matter what, even if it means years of hard labour and defying his family's wishes.

NGL, watching When Life Gives You Tangerines feels like watching our parents figure out life for the first time.

Always Choosing Each Other

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We witness Ae-sun and Gwan-sik’s growth and their unbreakable bond, from their youthful dreams to the struggles of adulthood. Despite the hardships, they always choose each other.

"It’s Just a Hair Clip"

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Ae-sun insists she won’t marry a Jeju Island man, especially not Gwan-sik, as she has big dreams. But actions speak louder. She keeps the same hair clip throughout her youth, even going back for it after being scammed in Busan.

Gwan-sik’s Selfless Love and Quiet Determination

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Gwan-sik shows selfless love in everything he does. He protects Ae-sun at all costs, even risking his life by swimming across the ocean for her. His quiet yet unwavering support makes his love even more powerful.

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When Ae-sun feels embarrassed to sell her cabbages at the market, he does it for her without hesitation. He even swaps her uncomfortable seat for a better one, taking the worse seat for himself. These small yet meaningful gestures show his deep devotion, just a glimpse of the many heartfelt moments in the drama.

Facing Life’s Harsh Realities

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The drama doesn’t shy away from life’s hardships. Scenes like Gwan-sik filling out his youngest son’s death certificate are gut-wrenching, making the portrayal of grief and resilience feel all too real.

Three Generations of Strong Women

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The story highlights the strength of three generations—Jeong Gwang-rye, Oh Ae-sun, and Yang Geum-myeong. Each woman overcomes different challenges, showing how women's roles have changed over time.

"I Will Defend You in Every Lifetime"

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Ae-sun has been standing up for Gwan-sik since they were kids, always defending him from bullies. Her love is about always having his back, no matter what life throws at them.

A Mother’s (and Father’s) Love

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Parental love is a recurring theme, from Jeong Gwang-rye’s devotion to Ae-sun to the bond between Ae-sun, Gwan-sik, and their daughter. The drama beautifully portrays the sacrifices and unconditional love of parents.

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Protecting Loved Ones from Toxic Family

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Gwan-sik defies his family for Ae-sun, proving that love sometimes requires breaking societal norms. His courage reminds us that true love is worth fighting for.

"If You Love Me, Let Me Go"

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Ae-sun and Gwan-sik let each other go at the same time, thinking they are holding each other back. But how far can they really go when they can’t live without each other?

Our Take on the Drama (So Far)

IU and Park Bo-gum’s natural chemistry makes Ae-sun and Gwan-sik’s love story feel so real, it hurts. Set against Jeju Island’s breathtaking scenery, the drama turns the island into more than just a backdrop, it becomes part of the story itself. The drama also highlights Korea’s culture, especially the haenyeo divers like Ae-sun’s mother, and their strength and resilience.

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With its slow, heartfelt pacing, When Life Gives You Tangerines already feels like a masterpiece, even though it’s not fully out yet (four new episodes drop every Friday). Written by Lim Sang-choon and directed by Kim Won-seok, this must-watch drama is now streaming on Netflix.

Watch When Life Gives You Tangerines Volume 3 Trailer: