‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ is a touching slice-of-life K-drama on Netflix that tells the story of love, family, and the struggles of women across different generations. Starring IU as Ae-sun and Park Bo-gum as Gwan-sik, the drama is directed by Kim Won-suk and written by Lim Sang-choon. With four episodes released each Friday, the show is divided into four volumes.
The story follows Ae-sun, a woman with big dreams of becoming a poet, and Gwan-sik, a hardworking man who loves her deeply. Their journey from youth to old age is filled with hardships, sacrifices, and love as they build a life together despite societal challenges.
Episode 1: A Mother’s Love & A Lost Dream
The first episode focuses on Ae-sun’s relationship with her mother. The opening scene shows an older Ae-sun at 70 years old, reflecting on the word “mom” and how much it still means to her.
Ae-sun’s mother works tirelessly to support her family, and Ae-sun deeply admires her. She even writes a poem about her mother, which wins second place in a school competition—highlighting her love for writing and her dream of becoming a poet.
However, things take a heartbreaking turn when her mother falls ill due to her work as a Haenyeo (female diver) and passes away. Ae-sun is left with her stepfather, who promises to support her education but later betrays her.
Episode 2: Nowhere to Go
Ae-sun’s stepfather abandons her after she catches him with another woman, refusing to pay for her education. With nowhere to go, she seeks help from her uncle, who tells her to take a job in Busan. Not wanting to give up on her dreams, she turns to Gwan-sik for support.
The two decide to escape to Busan together, but after being robbed and caught, they are forced to return home. While Gwan-sik is accepted back by his family, Ae-sun faces harsh consequences simply because she is a woman.
Episode 3: Unfair Consequences & A Love That Fights Back
Ae-sun is expelled from school, while Gwan-sik faces no real punishment. Even he questions why only she is suffering.
His mother, worried about his future, asks Ae-sun to leave him so he can focus on his dream of becoming an athlete. But in reality, Gwan-sik’s running was never for himself—it was for Ae-sun, so he could win extra food to give her.
Feeling pressured, Ae-sun is forced to consider marrying a middle-aged divorced man. Meanwhile, Gwan-sik decides to leave for Seoul.
In one of the most emotional moments, Ae-sun runs to the shore, calling out his name. Gwan-sik, hearing her from a moving ship, jumps into the ocean and swims back to her. This moment confirms their love, and they decide to get married.
Episode 4: Starting a New Life & Standing Up for Family
As newlyweds, Ae-sun and Gwan-sik start their lives together, but family and societal pressures make things difficult.
Gwan-sik’s grandmother insists they have a son and traditions like men and women sitting separately during meals are still followed. However, Gwan-sik breaks the tradition by sitting at the other table, showing his support for Ae-sun.
Tensions rise when his mother and grandmother attempt a ritual to make their daughter a Haenyeo. Ae-sun, unwilling to let her child endure the same struggles as her mother, flips the table in anger. When Gwan-sik’s mother slaps her, Gwan-sik defends his wife and leaves the house with her and their daughter.
In the future timeline, their grown-up daughter also faces challenges when her boyfriend’s mother asks her to quit her job. Just like her mother, she stands her ground, proving that strength has been passed down through generations.
One of the most touching moments comes when their daughter asks Ae-sun, “Would you choose Dad again?” Ae-sun smiles and says yes. The episode ends with an older Ae-sun and Gwan-sik holding hands and walking down the street, showing that their love has lasted a lifetime.
‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ is a heartfelt drama that beautifully portrays the struggles of women, the sacrifices of parents, and the power of love. It captures family bonds, gender roles, and the challenges of marriage in a way that feels real and emotional.
Even with the first four episodes, the show has already made a deep impact. We can’t wait to see what happens next!
Written by – Tannu
Connect with us on Instagram | X | YouTube for more content, interviews, & news.
