Most Korean yet most universal: 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' makes you laugh and cry
Transcending cultural boundaries, "When Life Gives You Tangerines" is perhaps the most Korean yet universally relatable series — portraying the lives and loves of characters from the 1960s to contemporary times in Korea in a way that stirs both laughter and tears in viewers.
The 16-part Netflix original series follows the lives of Ae-sun (played by Lee Ji-eun, or also known as singer IU) and Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum), spanning decades from the 1960s to 2025.
Netflix Korea takes a fresh approach with this release, unveiling four episodes per week over four weeks — an intentional pacing designed to let viewers "savor it slowly, like picking and enjoying dried persimmons one by one," according to the director.
Each set of four episodes represents a season in the protagonists' lives, beginning with "spring," where young love blossoms and Ae-sun and Gwan-sik navigate their early years and marriage.
The first four-hour stretch, which debuted at No. 8 worldwide in Netflix's TV show category the day after its release on March 7, is at the same time a tearjerker and a laugh-inducer, seamlessly blending humor with heartbreak.
At its core, the series explores universal themes of love, sacrifice, gender roles in the 1960s, as well as generational struggles. One of the most compelling narratives unfolds through Gwang-rye (Yum Hye-ran), a mother determined to keep her daughter from becoming a "haenyeo" (female diver) while continuing to dive herself despite a debilitating lung condition — an act of self-sacrifice that underscores the drama's exploration of parental devotion.
Meanwhile, Ae-sun and Gwan-sik's unwavering love in the face of opposition also evokes deep reflections on family, romance and personal dreams.
Celebrated screenwriter Lim Sang-chun ("When the Camellia Blooms," "Fight for My Way") once again showcases her signature wit and emotional depth. The series is filled with profoundly moving lines, such as: "Parents only remember what they regret, while children only remember their disappointments." Such poignant lines strike a chord with anyone who has ever grappled with the complexities of familial relationships.
Beyond its gripping narrative, the casts also deliver stellar performances. Lee takes on the dual roles as Ae-sun and her daughter Geum-myeong, showcasing a remarkable range as vastly different characters living through different times. Park also perfectly embodies Gwan-sik's lovely, steadfast charm, creating an undeniable on-screen chemistry with Lee.
Director Kim Won-seok, known for his nuanced storytelling, described the drama as both "a tribute to the generations of grandmothers, grandfathers, fathers and mothers who have lived fiercely, and a song of encouragement for the daughters and sons who will navigate the world ahead." "When Life Gives You Tangerines" is just that ― a series that salutes and cheers on viewers as they navigate life.
yoonseo.3348@heraldcorp.com
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