Dramas

K-netizens share their initial reactions to Netflix's 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' starring IU x Park Bo Gum

AKP STAFF

Posted by Susan-Han Friday, March 7, 2025 32,295

Netflix's highly anticipated period drama, 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' starring IU x Park Bo Gum, premiered worldwide on March 7 KST, revealing its first 4 episodes.

The drama, directed by Kim Won Seok of 'My Mister' and written by Lim Sang Choon of 'When The Camellias Bloom', tells the story of the rebel Ae Sun (IU) and the strong and sturdy Gwan Sik (Park Bo Gum), and their life on the island of Jeju. Viewers will follow Ae Sun and Gwan Sik's journey from the days of their youth in the 1960s until the years of their adulthood in the present, finding comfort and healing through glimpses of the ordinary and the extraordinary. From the early stages of its production, 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' garnered significant buzz not only for its star-studded cast and its veteran crew, but also for its massive production budge of 60 billion KRW (~ $42 million USD).

So how did Korean netizens initially react to the premiere of 'When Life Gives You Tangerines'?

Some netizens said,

"It's only been 4 episodes but I was already crying my eyes out."

"It made me think of my mom so much TT."

"Ae Sun's acting was crazy TT."

"Be warned, it will make you ugly sob."

"It's impossible not to cry when Ae Sun cries."

"The acting is just *chef's kiss*. Especially the veteran cast."

"If you liked 'When the Camellias Bloom', you will love this for sure."

"I was crying so hard during the first episode."

"My mom loved it."

"It's quiet and sentimental and the period aesthetics are well done. The cast is phenomenal."

"I didn't mean to watch all 4 episodes in one sitting but I just could not stop."

While others felt,

"I thought it was a little boring."

"The pace is pretty slow.. it's good for killing time, but not really something I would become completely immersed in."

"It deals with the really difficult struggles that a lot of people endured back in those days... but I'm not sure if people born after the 2000s will be able to relate to what life was like then."

"I think it's meant to appeal more to older generations who actually lived during those times... It's too bad that my grandparents don't know how to watch Netflix."

"It's not for everybody, definitely a hit or miss kind of drama. All the emotional roller coasters felt a little forced and also a little predictable."

"If it weren't for Park Bo Gum and IU, I don't think many young people would have taken an interest in this kind of drama. It feels more like it should air early in the morning for the elderly at home."