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Tatler Asia
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Romantic K-drama male leads who were created by female screenwriters
Yang Gwan-sik and Park Chung-seob from 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' Above Gwan-sik would swim across the ocean for Ae-sun. (Photo: IMDb) Screenwriter: Lim Sang-choon ( Fight for My Way , When the Camellia Blooms ) Lim Sang-choon gave us not one, but two of K-drama's best husbands in a single series. Yang Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum) is peak husband material—steadfast and supportive. He was in Oh Ae-sun's (IU) corner from the very beginning, holding her up, cheering her on and never once getting in her way. With zero ego, he found joy in simply watching her shine, devoted almost solely to her happiness. Like his father-in-law, Park Chung-seob (Kim Seon-ho) loved Yang Geum-myeong (IU) with the same quiet, unwavering loyalty. He was never showy in his affections, but was also not above a grand gesture or two. He respected her choices, gave her space and made her feel safe to be all that she was and could be. See also: 5 life lessons from 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' Hwang Yong-sik from 'When the Camellia Blooms' Above The tenderhearted small-town police officer who falls for Dong-baek (Photo: IMDb) Screenwriter: Lim Sang-choon ( Fight for My Way , When Life Gives You Tangerines ) The moment Hwang Yong-sik (Kang Ha-neul) set eyes on Dong-baek (Gong Hyo-jin), it was game over for the tenderhearted small-town police officer. Unapologetically earnest and unshakably devoted, he falls for single mum and bar owner Dong-baek and never once wavers—not when the neighbourhood gossips, not when her ex reappears and not even when a serial killer enters the picture. In a K-drama landscape full of alpha males and cold chaebols, Yong-sik is a breath of fresh air: he wears his heart on his sleeve, is not afraid to be vulnerable and is disarmingly sincere—someone you'd feel safe leaving your drink with. Screenwriter Lim Sang-choon reminds viewers that what women really want are emotionally available men who are true allies. Lee Jun-ho from 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' Above Attorney Woo's closest ally and most ardent admirer (Photo: IMDb) Screenwriter: Moon Ji-won Screenwriter Moon Ji-won definitely wrote Lee Jun-ho (Kang Tae-oh) with women in mind. Compassionate and empathetic, he treats Woo Young-woo (Park Eun-bin), a brilliant attorney on the autism spectrum, with dignity and respect. He sees her as an equal, neither diminishing nor underestimating her, but uplifting and empowering her instead. Whether helping her navigate office politics or cheering her on from the sidelines, he is always ready to help her overcome challenges, without being condescending or over-solicitous. Choi Taek from 'Reply 1988' Above There's no doubt about how Taek feels about Deok-sun. (Photo: IMDb) Screenwriter: Lee Woo-jung ( Reply series, Hospital Playlist Seasons 1 and 2) In the K-drama, Choi Taek (Park Bo-gum) eventually wins the heart of Sung Deok-sun (Lee Hye-ri)—and the audience—with his consistency and patience. He never plays it cool or keeps her guessing; instead, he expresses his affection honestly and openly, leaving no room for doubt. There's something attractive about a man who knows what he wants and goes after it confidently. Thoughtful, gentle and deeply attuned to Deok-sun's emotions, he proves that love is in the details, in the little things he notices and remembers. Lee Ik-joon from 'Hospital Playlist' Above Ik-joon navigates the transition from best friend to boyfriend with grace. (Photo: tvN) Screenwriter: Lee Woo-jung ( Reply series) He's smart, playful, funny and completely unproblematic. In Hospital Playlist , Lee Ik-joon (Jo Jung-suk) and Seong-hwa (Jeon Mi-do) start as best friends until feelings begin to surface that neither can ignore. Ik-joon's warmth and genuine care shine through as he navigates this delicate transition with humour, sincerity and grace. He leads with honesty but isn't pushy, making sure to respect Seong-hwa's feelings and give her the space she needs. His ability to balance friendship and budding romance shows emotional maturity, making him a refreshingly relatable and endearing male lead.
Daily Tribune
16-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Tribune
"When Life Gives You Tangerines" – A Love Story as Fresh as Jeju's Breeze
Email : When Life Gives You Tangerines breaks away from the usual glitz and glamour of chaebol heirs, fairy-tale romance, and Cinderella transformations. Instead, it brings us something even more precious—an honest, heartfelt story of love and life, woven with the warmth of nostalgia and the beauty of simplicity. Set against the stunning backdrop of Jeju Island, this drama follows Ae Sun and Gwan Sik, two ordinary yet extraordinary individuals whose love story is anything but predictable. Ae Sun, rebellious yet tender-hearted, shines with positivity despite life's hardships. She dreams of becoming a poet, even though she cannot attend school. Gwan Sik, on the other hand, is a quiet yet steadfast presence—love doesn't come easily to him, but his devotion to Ae Sun is unwavering. He may not know how to comfort her when she cries or celebrate when she laughs, but his love is constant, steady, and enduring. Beyond their romance, the drama paints a vivid picture of generations past—our parents' youthful days, our grandparents' rebellious streaks, their first loves, and their struggles. It's a tribute to the tender yet bold spirit of youth, a time when love was pure and life's uncertainties were met with resilience. With a stellar cast led by IU, the beloved singer-actress known for her depth and emotional performances, and Park Bo-gum, the global heartthrob celebrated for his charm and sincerity, When Life Gives You Tangerines promises to be a beautifully crafted masterpiece. Directed by Kim Won-suk (My Mister, Signal) and written by Lim Sang-choon (Fight for My Way), this drama is set to bring viewers a touching and nostalgic journey through love, loss, and unwavering devotion. Will Ae Sun and Gwan Sik's love withstand the test of time? Will their ordinary story become something truly extraordinary? When Life Gives You Tangerines is not just a drama—it's an experience that will warm your heart and stay with you long after the credits roll. 🍊✨
Korea Herald
12-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Most Korean yet most universal: 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' makes you laugh and cry
IU, Park Bo-gum explore parental devotion, romance in hit series 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@
South China Morning Post
07-03-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Netflix K-drama When Life Gives You Tangerines: IU, Park Bo-gum juggle love and hardship
Lead cast: IU, Park Bo-gum, Moon So-ri, Park Hae-joon Advertisement Despite its explosive global success and surging budgets, the Korean drama industry has struggled to produce prestige dramatic fare in between its bright and colourful romantic dramas and pricey genre tentpoles. That gap has finally been bridged with the rich and evocative drama When Life Gives You Tangerines, a stirring period romance that builds something more rich and ambitious than what we are used to seeing with the traditional building blocks of K-drama. The series is the latest from writer Lim Sang-choon, who previously penned the acclaimed dramas Fight for My Way and When the Camellia Blooms, while experienced director Kim Won-suk (Signal, Arthdal Chronicles ) confidently helms. Lee Ji-eun, better known under her K-pop name IU (Hotel Del Luna) and Park Bo-gum (Record of Youth), both returning to K-dramas following lengthy absences, play youths Ae-sun and Gwan-sik, who are born on Jeju Island in the 1950s, grow up and, over the years, fall in love.
