Genre:
Korean Drama, Romance, Slice of Life, Period Drama, Drama, History
Episodes & Runtime:
- Total Episodes: 16
- Runtime per episode: Approximately 1 hour
- Released on Netflix every Friday from March 7 to March 28, 2025
Overview:
Set in Jeju Island, South Korea, in 1951, this emotional slice-of-life romance series follows Ae-sun, a spirited girl with dreams of becoming a poet, and Gwan-sik, a steadfast young man who loves her. Narrated by their daughter, the series spans five decades, reflecting love, family dynamics, societal pressures, and resilience through time.
Plot Summary:
“When Life Gives You Tangerines” tells a heartfelt story of love and endurance amid the trials of life. Ae-sun’s adventurous life and many challenges unfold alongside Gwan-sik’s unwavering support and love. Their journey is woven across historical shifts and domestic hardships, portrayed with tender realism and emotional depth. The story highlights personal sacrifice, the strength of partnerships, and what it means to choose love every day.
Highlights:
- Outstanding performances by IU (Ae-sun) and Park Bo-gum (Gwan-sik) celebrated for their chemistry and emotional depth.
- Beautiful cinematography capturing Jeju Island’s serene landscapes and the era’s nostalgic mood.
- A non-linear narrative structure that enriches the storytelling with depth and reflection.
- Heartfelt depiction of women’s struggles, family bonds, and societal expectations.
- A realistic, bittersweet tone that balances love, loss, and hope without romanticizing hardship.
Why Watch It?
- It offers a tender, poignant look at life’s realities rather than escapist fantasy, making it deeply relatable.
- Gwan-sik’s character redefines masculinity through gentleness, patience, and true partnership.
- The series is praised for its authentic emotional storytelling and rich character development.
- The show won 4 awards at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards, including Best Drama, and is highly rated (IMDb 9.1/10).
- Perfect for viewers who enjoy thoughtful, slow-burn dramas with nuanced performances and cultural depth.
FAQs
A: It is a Korean drama (K-drama) with elements of romance, slice of life, period drama, and historical themes.
A: The series has a total of 16 episodes.
A: Each episode runs for approximately 1 hour.
A: The series is available for streaming on Netflix.
A: It follows Ae-sun and Gwan-sik, a couple in 1950s Jeju Island, chronicling their enduring love and life’s challenges across five decades.
A: IU stars as Ae-sun, and Park Bo-gum plays Gwan-sik.
A: No, it is a fictional story but draws on historical and cultural contexts of Korea in the 1950s.
A: It is praised for its emotional depth, strong performances, beautiful cinematography, and realistic portrayal of relationships and life’s hardships.
A: It won 4 awards at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards, including Best Drama.