When Life Gives You Tangerines, why do people love this K-drama?

"Parental love is said to be unconditional" — some embrace this truth, while others quietly disagree. Love may come with the seasons, but our hearts must be open to receive it. When love between a man and a woman is faithful and nurturing, it can create a space where talent takes root, children rise confidently, and old wounds quietly fade into smiles. This is what When Life Gives You Tangerines so gently reveals — that love, in its most valid form, has the power to grow, heal, and endure.

Netflix has done it again, dropping another incredible Korean series. Tangerines has surpassed Squid Game in IMDb ratings when Life Gives You, making waves worldwide.

With a star-studded cast including Lee Ji-eun (IU), who plays both the young Ae-sun and her daughter Geum Myeong, Park Bo-gum as young Gwan-sik, Moon So-ri as the older Ae-sun, and Park Hae-joon as the older Gwan-sik—the show has broken multiple records and captured the hearts of viewers everywhere.

South Korea has again gifted us with a heartwarming slice-of-life K-drama that practically demands a box of tissues for every episode.

Viewers have often compared this series' lingering aftertaste to the beloved Reply 1988, and it's easy to see why.

The story follows the journey of two individuals born on Jeju Island in the 1950s. Through rich and emotional imagery, we witness their lives unfold—from childhood to old age, from poverty to prosperity, from the loneliness of being parentless to the warmth of raising children and grandchildren.

The story focuses on the life of a talented young girl, Ae-sun, who aspires to become a poet, and her sidekick, Gwan-Sik, a young and silly boy who loves Ae-sun relentlessly and unconditionally.

Throughout the series, we witness their bond at different stages of life, as playful 9-year-olds, passionate teenagers at 17, and later as parents navigating adulthood.

The show beautifully captures their journey—from carrying the weight of responsibility at a young age to making tough decisions for their children. It portrays deep character growth and vividly depicts life's highs and lows, the difficult choice between dreams and reality, and the grace it takes to embrace struggles with laughter and tears. When Life Gives You, Tangerines is a story that follows life from dawn to dusk.

"One day, life might get so tough that you feel like you can't go on. Don't just lie still; struggle with all your might. Tell yourself you won't die and must survive, no matter what. You'll be able to breathe again." ​

In her final days, Ae-sun's hardworking mother, fully aware of what lay ahead, offered her daughter heartfelt advice—words that would later guide Ae-sun through life, helping her grow, shine, and survive. 

What's more, the ending is brought to a close by her daughter—the show's protagonist—reflecting on the life she's been given.

With quiet reverence, she acknowledges her parents, whose own journey, full of spring days, often scattered cherry blossom petals in sacrifice for their children's future. In a final gesture, Geum-myeong offers a tribute,

"To their seasons—once so young, still so tender—

with remorse, with gratitude, and with the deepest respect.

Here's to all that you've endured."

The story beautifully captures the mother-daughter relationship through the daughter's voice, like a heartfelt letter to her mother.

Main attractions

Beyond its story and plotline, the series showcases the breathtaking landscapes of Jeju Island—a culturally rich and naturally stunning part of South Korea. The visuals highlight Jeju's vibrant beauty, a world brimming with colour and life. The production team ensured viewers could truly experience the island in all four seasons, each painted with vivid, unforgettable hues.

Gwan-Sik quickly became a favourite among young female audiences, with many saying he raised their standards for men—"If he's not like Gwan-Sik, I don't want him." His unwavering love and willingness to stand against the world for Ae-sun made their relationship stand out. That kind of raw, unconditional love feels so rare these days.

Aside from the visual appeal and romantic charm, many viewers found a deeper connection with the show—often relating it to their lives.

Rimi Tanisha, a student of Prime University, expressed, "Even though many people liked Gwan-sik more, what touched me the most was Ae-sun's smile, even when life was hard. She wanted to go to college and become a poet. She became a poet when she was older but never finished high school. In the series, there were many things she couldn't do.

That's what scares me. What if my dreams don't come true either? Will I still be able to smile like she did?"

At its core, the series sought to capture the happiness and sorrow of life—expressed through colors, the changing seasons, the warmth of parental love, the gratitude of children, and the quiet beauty of simply living.

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