‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ is the kind of drama that grabs your heart and refuses to let go.
Starring IU and Park Bo-gum, ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ is truly a breath of fresh air that captures everything from tough struggles to those simple joys in life. It’s one of those rare dramas that doesn’t rely on grand gestures or over-the-top romance.
Along with the amazing performances and top-notch storytelling, it’s the heartfelt dialogues that truly resonate with viewers—and makes this show a can’t-miss experience.
“The pain of losing a parent cuts deeper as life goes on, but the pain of losing a child is etched in the deepest part of your heart.”
When Ae-sun and Gwan-sik lost their third child, Dong-myeong, it absolutely destroyed me (and I’m guessing you too). Losing a child is one of those tragedies that feels beyond language—there are absolutely no words that can describe that kind of pain. If bringing life into the world is the purest joy, losing it is like having your heart shattered into a million irreparable pieces.
“A father’s weeping drowned out the waves.”
What really shattered me was Gwan-sik’s raw grief. I’m sure what particularly tore our hearts and brought those tears was that moment when he realizes Dong-myeong is gone, and his cries are louder than the ocean itself. And later, when he’s writing his son’s name on the death certificate at the registry office? He just breaks down.
Some people think that fathers are cold, unshakable, and not as emotional as mothers are. But, this was a reminder: fathers aren’t unemotional beings we sometimes think they are. They love just as deeply as mothers—they just don’t always show it. Their pain is real, even if it’s quiet.
“If mom and dad keep crying, it will cast a shadow over their children.”
I don’t think I’ve ever cried this much over a K-drama before this one. When the kids blamed themselves for Dong-myeong, I cried. When Ae-sun blamed herself, I cried again. Ae-sun and Gwan-sik were devastated, but once they found out their kids felt responsible, they pulled themselves together. They allowed themselves to mourn for only three days, then tried to get back to normal life, for their children’s sake.
That’s what truly loving parents do. Even if they’re falling apart inside, they’ll do everything they can to keep their kids from suffering along with them. They’d rather hide their own tears and pain than let their children carry that burden.
“I’m still here for you”
This line might seem simple, but it really struck a chord with me.
When Gwan-sik visits Geum-myeong in Seoul and they’re eating jjampong, he tells her he’ll sell more fish to help pay her rent. In other words, “I’m still here for you.”
Even though parents grow older, they never stop working hard for their children. They don’t care that it’s more effort for them—they’re just glad to offer support.
After, all parents remain by our side, no matter how old we get.
“Go together with others. If you do, 100 miles will feel like 10.”
We all have a path we need to travel in life—whether it’s chasing a dream, reaching a goal, or simply finding our place in the world. Sometimes that path seems painfully long or tough, like walking a hundred miles without rest. But when we let our loved ones join us, the journey feels lighter and less lonely. We can share some happy moments along the way, and those hundred miles suddenly shrink into something more manageable. It’s a parable that we don’t have to carry every burden alone—and that leaning on others can help us find small moments of joy, even when the road seems endless.
“But I treated the savior to whom I’m a million times grateful like scrap paper.”
This might be my favorite line so far because it hits so close to home.
Geum-myeong was incredibly thankful to her teacher, who was willing to give her money to study abroad—she even asked her mom to send tangerines for her teacher. But when it came to her own mother, Ae-sun—who had given her endless love and made countless sacrifices—she somehow couldn’t express that same gratitude. Instead, she said hurtful things.
It’s relatable, right? Sometimes a stranger does a small kindness, and we go out of our way to show gratitude. Yet when it comes to our parents, we feel immense thankfulness but end up messing up, like doing or saying things we regret. It’s a very important reminder not to take those closest to us for granted.
After this series, one thing’s for certain….I need to hug my parents more often. What about you?
And, hey, if we missed your favorite quote from ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines,’ don’t be shy—drop it in the comments!
Written by Diksha Gangadeen
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