Director Kim Won Seok delivers heartfelt storytelling in ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’.

On February 12th KST, Netflix released an interview with Kim Won Seok, where he shared insights into his latest project. Expressing his hopes for the drama, he stated, “I want this series to remain in people’s hearts even as time passes.”

‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ unfolds the adventure-filled life of Aesun (played by IU), a spirited rebel from Jeju, and Gwan Shik (played by Park Bo Gum), a devoted and steadfast man, portraying their journey across the four seasons.

Kim Won Seok, known for his masterful storytelling in ‘My Mister,’ ‘Signal,’ and ‘Misaeng,’ described the series as “a tribute to past generations who have lived through difficult times and a song of encouragement for future generations.”

He emphasized the dedication poured into every aspect of the production, saying, “We focused on creating visually stunning yet realistic scenes, delivering nuanced performances, and selecting music that resonates with the audience. Since the historical context serves as a significant challenge for the characters, the entire art and technical team put immense effort into portraying it authentically.”

Spanning from the 1960s to 2025, the series promises rich visual storytelling, incorporating era-specific music to enhance the emotional depth of the characters’ experiences.

Kim also teams up for the first time with writer Im Sang Chun, known for ‘When the Camellia Blooms’ and ‘Fight for My Way.’ Speaking about the collaboration, he praised, “From the multi-dimensional, lovable characters to her signature humor and profound storytelling, there’s not a single element that didn’t draw me in.”

With Kim Won Seok’s direction, Im Sang Chun’s screenplay, and a stellar cast led by IU and Park Bo Gum, ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ is set to be a major highlight. The 16-episode series will be released in four-episode batches over four weeks, starting on March 7th.

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