When Life Gives You Tangerines (Korean: 폭싹 속았수다) is a 2025 South Korean romance and slice-of-life drama written by Lim Sang-choon and directed by Kim Won-seok. The series stars IU, Park Bo-gum, Moon So-ri, and Park Hae-joon, and was released on Netflix every Friday from March 7 to March 28, 2025.
The drama was loved by viewers for its touching story, strong performances, and beautiful direction. It won four awards, including Best Drama, at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards. Often compared to the hit show Reply 1988, When Life Gives You Tangerines is praised for its warm, nostalgic mood and heartfelt look at everyday Korean life.
K-Drama Profile
- Drama Title (English): When Life Gives You Tangerines
- Drama Title (Korean): 폭싹 속았수다
- Revised Romanization: Pokssak sogatsuda
- Genre: Romance, slice-of-life
- Production: Pan Entertainment, Baram Pictures
- Network: Netflix
- Air Date: March 7, 2025 ~ March 28, 2025
- Writer: Lim Sang-choon
- Director: Kim Won-seok
- Starring: IU, Park Bo-gum, Moon So-ri, Park Hae-joon
- Country: South Korea
- Language: Korean, Jeju language
- Episodes: 16
Plot Synopsis
When Life Gives You Tangerines follows Ae-sun (IU), a young girl from Jeju born in 1951 who dreams of becoming a poet, and Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum), the young man who loves her. Their story of love, challenges, and hope is told by their daughter, Yang Geum-yeong.
Main Casts
IU (as Oh Ae-sun)
- Stage Name (English): IU
- Stage Name (Korean): 아이유
- Revised Romanization (Stage Name): Aiyu
- Birth Name (English): Lee Ji-eun
- Birth Name (Korean): 이지은
- Revised Romanization (Birth Name): I Jieun
- Birthdate: May 16, 1993
- Age: 32
- Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
- Nationality: South Korean
- Occupations: Singer-songwriter, actress
- Debut: 2008
- Agency: EDAM Entertainment
- Height: 162 cm
- Blood Type: O
- MBTI: INFJ
- Social Media: Instagram, X
- Website: Official website
IU is a South Korean singer-songwriter and actress celebrated as one of the most successful solo artists in K-pop. She debuted in 2008 under LOEN Entertainment (now Kakao Entertainment) and became a star with her 2010 hit “Good Day,” which topped charts for weeks and was later named Billboard’s No.1 K-pop Song of the 2010s. Known for her emotional voice and creative songwriting, IU has released multiple best-selling albums and holds the record for the most number-one singles in South Korea. Beyond music, she earned praise for her acting in “My Mister” (2018) and “When Life Gives You Tangerines” (2025). As the first Korean female solo artist to perform at the Seoul Olympic Stadium, IU has cemented her place as both the “Queen of K-pop” and “Queen of K-drama,” recognized globally for her talent, artistry, and lasting influence.
Park Bo-gum (as Yang Gwan-sik)
- Name (English): Park Bo-gum
- Name (Korean): 박보검
- Revised Romanization: Bak Bogeom
- Birthdate: June 16, 1993
- Age: 32
- Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
- Nationality: South Korean
- Occupations: Actor, singer, musician
- Debut: 2011
- Agency: The Black Label
- Height: 182 cm
- Weight: 75 kg
- Blood Type: O
- MBTI: ESFJ
- Social Media: Instagram, X
Park Bo-gum is a South Korean actor, singer, and musician known for his charm, talent, and wide acting range. He made his debut in 2011 and rose to fame with popular dramas like “Hello Monster” (2015), “Reply 1988” (2015~16), and “Love in the Moonlight” (2016), later gaining global recognition through “Encounter” (2018~19), “Record of Youth” (2020), “When Life Gives You Tangerines” (2025), and “Good Boy” (2025). As the youngest actor named Gallup Korea’s Television Actor of the Year and the first ever to top Forbes Korea’s Power Celebrity list, Park has proven his star power. Alongside acting, he released his debut album “Blue Bird” (2020) in Japan and made his stage debut in the musical “Let Me Fly” (2023). Often called the “Prince of Asia” and “Nation’s Boyfriend,” Park Bo-gum continues to be one of the most beloved figures in Korean entertainment.
Moon So-ri (as middle-aged Ae-sun)
- Name (English): Moon So-ri
- Name (Korean): 문소리
- Revised Romanization: Mun Sori
- Birthdate: July 2, 1974
- Age: 51
- Birthplace: Busan, South Korea
- Nationality: South Korean
- Occupations: Actress, film director, screenwriter
- Debut: 2000
- Agency: Yooborn Company
- Height: 164 cm
- Blood Type: A
- MBTI: INFJ
- Social Media: Instagram
Moon So-ri is a South Korean actress, director, and filmmaker known for her powerful performances and artistic range. She made her debut in Lee Chang-dong’s “Peppermint Candy” (1999) and rose to international fame with “Oasis” (2002), which won her major awards at the Venice and Seattle International Film Festivals. Over the years, Moon has appeared in acclaimed films like “A Good Lawyer’s Wife” (2003), “The Handmaiden” (2016), and several collaborations with Hong Sang-soo, including “Ha Ha Ha” and “In Another Country.” She made her directorial debut with “The Actress” and later released her feature film “The Running Actress” (2017). Active in both film and theater, Moon continues to impress audiences through her performances in Netflix projects such as “The School Nurse Files” (2020), “Seoul Vibe” (2022), “Queenmaker” (2023), “Hellbound” Season 2 (2024), and “When Life Gives You Tangerines” (2025), cementing her reputation as one of Korea’s most respected and versatile actresses.
Park Hae-joon (as middle-aged Gwan-sik)
- Stage Name (English): Park Hae-joon
- Stage Name (Korean): 박해준
- Revised Romanization (Stage Name): Bak Haejun
- Birth Name (English): Park Sang-woo
- Birth Name (Korean): 박상우
- Revised Romanization (Birth Name): Bak Sangu
- Birthdate: June 14, 1976
- Age: 49
- Birthplace: Busan, South Korea
- Nationality: South Korea
- Occupation: Actor
- Debut: 1999
- Agency: Pleo Entertainment
- Height: 185 cm
- Weight: 75 kg
- Blood Type: A
- Social Media: Instagram
Park Hae-joon is a South Korean actor celebrated for his strong and versatile performances. He began his career on stage in 2005 and joined the Chaimu theater company in 2010 before moving into film and television. Park gained early recognition with the indie film “4th Place” (2015) and earned acclaim for his roles in “Believer” (2018), “The World of the Married” (2020), and “The 8 Show” (2024). His performance in “12.12: The Day” (2023) earned him a Blue Dragon Film Award nomination and a spot in Korea’s “Chungmuro 10 Million Viewers Club.” In 2025, he gained further international attention with his role in “When Life Gives You Tangerines.”
Drama OSTs
Midnight Walk
- OST Title (English): Midnight Walk
- OST Title (Korean): 밤 산책
- Artist Name (English): d.ear
- Release Date: March 8, 2025
Ode to the Green Spring
- OST Title (English): Ode to the Green Spring
- OST Title (Korean): 청춘가
- Artist Name (English): Chu Da-hye
- Artist Name (Korean): 추다혜
- Release Date: March 8, 2025
Neoyeong Nayeong
- OST Title (English): Neoyeong Nayeong
- OST Title (Korean): 너영나영
- Artist Name (English): Ahn Eun-kyung, Shim Eun-yong
- Artist Name (Korean): 안은경, 심은용
- Release Date: March 8, 2025
Name
- OST Title (English): Name
- OST Title (Korean): 이름
- Artist Name (English): Kwak Jin-eon
- Artist Name (Korean): 곽진언
- Release Date: March 8, 2025
Hwal Hwal
- OST Title (English): Hwal Hwal
- OST Title (Korean): 활활
- Artist Name (English): Hwang So-yoon
- Artist Name (Korean): 황소윤
- Release Date: March 15, 2025
To the Land of Hope
- OST Title (English): To the Land of Hope
- OST Title (Korean): 희망의 나라로
- Artist Name (English): Choi Baek-ho
- Artist Name (Korean): 최백호
- Release Date: March 15, 2025
Midnight Walk
- OST Title (English): Midnight Walk
- OST Title (Korean): 밤 산책
- Artist Name (English): IU
- Artist Name (Korean): 아이유
- Release Date: March 22, 2025
My Love by My Side
- OST Title (English): My Love by My Side
- OST Title (Korean): 내사랑 내곁에
- Artist Name (English): Isaac Hong
- Artist Name (Korean): 홍이삭
- Release Date: March 22, 2025
Episodes (1~16 Summary)
Episode 1
Ae-sun grew up smart and strong with her hardworking mother. Though small, she carries many big dreams in her heart. But she faces many hardships that make her young life challenging and emotional.
Episode 2
Ae-sun and Gwan-sik share a bright and gentle love, like a field of yellow canola flowers. Eager and determined, the two young lovers set out on the adventure of love, only to face unexpected challenges from the very start.
Episode 3
After a stormy series of events, Ae-sun and Gwan-sik return to Jeju. Nothing goes Ae-sun’s way, and she is ready to let fate take its course. Gwan-sik, who lives for Ae-sun, struggles with how to comfort his aching heart.
Episode 4
On a sunny summer day, the newlyweds dream happily about their future. But life with her in-laws is far from easy. Despite the hardships, Ae-sun is determined to give her child a better life.
Episode 5
Gwan-sik works hard to find a job, and Ae-sun cries worrying about their family. Just when things seem their darkest, a glimmer of hope appears. Ae-sun is ready to spread her wings and take flight in Jeju.
Episode 6
Ae-sun and Gwan-sik are happily enjoying their new life together. But one summer day, when the weather suddenly changes, a fierce storm strikes the young couple.
Episode 7
Against a dishonest rival, Ae-sun challenges herself to become Dodong-ri’s first female section chief. At the same time, Geum-myeong faces an unexpected temptation, testing his conscience against a great reward.
Episode 8
Geum-myeong has many dreams and goals, and he finally gets the chance to study in Japan. Maybe Ae-sun and Gwan-sik can also make one of their long-held dreams come true.
Episode 9
Ae-sun and Gwan-sik live together in a small, crowded apartment, facing new challenges with their teenage son, Eun-myeong, who takes after Gwan-sik. Meanwhile, Geum-myeong starts a new life in Seoul, full of hope and excitement.
Episode 10
Geum-myeong becomes closer to a colleague he met through a special connection. At the same time, Ae-sun can’t stop worrying about the troubling dreams that visit her each night. Maybe her mother’s intuition is trying to warn her about something.
Episode 11
Geum-myeong is getting ready to marry his beloved, who has always cared for him. But he can’t shake the nervous feeling in his heart. Like Ae-sun’s first love, will Geum-myeong’s first love have a happy ending too?
Episode 12
Hurt, Geum-myeong returns to Jeju and enjoys warm, heartfelt time with his parents, feeling like he’s back in his childhood. As time passes, Ae-sun grows to cherish even more the moments spent with her loved ones.
Episode 13
With the economy struggling, Geum-myeong runs into problems at work. On a particularly tough day, he unexpectedly meets someone familiar, bringing a surprising new start into his life.
Episode 14
Eun-myeong falls victim to unexpected misfortune. To protect him, Ae-sun and Gwan-sik are willing to do whatever it takes. Even if they lose everything, they know their family can overcome anything together.
Episode 15
As the family starts a business and makes bold choices, they face one challenge after another. Everyone meets their own obstacles, but no matter how hard it gets, they stay strong and move forward together.
Episode 16
It feels like all their hard work is finally paying off. Even though they’re tired, they laugh easily and enjoy happy, carefree days. But suddenly, a new challenge hits the family. Can they get through it again with their strong will and love?
Ratings & Reviews
| Platform | Score & Rating |
| IMDb | 9.2 / 10 (Top 250 TV #67) |
| Watcha | 4.4 / 5.0 |
| KinoRites | 96.75%, 4.6 / 5.0 |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 100% Fresh, Audience 99% |
| Metacritic | 74 / 100 |
| AlloCiné | Critics 4.1 / 5.0 |
| Letterboxd | 4.6 / 5.0 |
| Kinopoisk | 9.4 / 10 |
| Filmarks | 4.5 / 5.0 |
| Douban | 9.5 / 10 |
| TMDB | 90% |
| MyDramaList | 9.4 / 10 |
| JustWatch | 70% |
| 4Flix | 4 / 5 |
| FilmAffinity | 8.2 / 10 |
Key Highlights
- The drama received critical acclaim from the very first episode, with both audiences and critics praising it as a masterpiece.
- Episodes 1~4 alone were considered enough to demonstrate the series’ excellence.
- After the full release, reviews highlighted its perfect storytelling, consistent pacing, and high production quality.
- IMDb recorded the highest rating for the final episode at 9.8, showing viewers’ appreciation for the series from start to finish.
Awards & Achievements
| Year | Award Ceremony | Category | Recipient |
| 2025 | 61st Baeksang Arts Awards | Best Screenplay (Broadcast) | Lim Sang-choon |
| 2025 | 61st Baeksang Arts Awards | Best Supporting Actress (Broadcast) | Yeom Hye-ran |
| 2025 | 61st Baeksang Arts Awards | Best Supporting Actor (Broadcast) | Choi Dae-hoon |
| 2025 | 61st Baeksang Arts Awards | Best Drama | When Life Gives You Tangerines |
| 2025 | 4th Blue Dragon Series Awards | Upbit Popular Star | Park Bo-gum, IU |
| 2025 | 4th Blue Dragon Series Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Yeom Hye-ran |
| 2025 | 4th Blue Dragon Series Awards | Best Actress | IU |
| 2025 | 4th Blue Dragon Series Awards | Grand Prize (Daesang) | When Life Gives You Tangerines |
| 2025 | 6th Global OTT Awards | Best Writer | Lim Sang-choon |
| 2025 | 6th Global OTT Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Yeom Hye-ran |
| 2025 | 6th Global OTT Awards | Best Creative Work | When Life Gives You Tangerines |
| 2025 | 7th Newsis Hallyu Expo | Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Award | IU |
| 2025 | Bechdel Day 2025 | Series Category – Bechdel Choice 10 | When Life Gives You Tangerines |
| 2025 | Brand of the Year Awards | Best Actress (OTT) – Vietnam | IU |
| 2025 | Brand of the Year Awards | Best Actor (OTT) – Vietnam | Park Bo-gum |
| 2025 | Brand of the Year Awards | Best Actor (Scene Stealer) | Choi Dae-hoon |
| 2025 | Brand of the Year Awards | Best Actor (Rising Star) | Lee Joon-young |
| 2025 | 20th Seoul Drama Awards | Best K-Drama | When Life Gives You Tangerines |
| 2025 | 20th Seoul Drama Awards | Best Actress (K-Drama) | IU |
| 2025 | 2025 New Media Content Awards | Grand Prize (Medium-Long Format) | When Life Gives You Tangerines |
Netflix Viewership
Weekly Netflix Rankings (South Korea)
| Week | Overall Rank | Non-English Rank | Watch Time | Views |
| Mar 3~9, 2025 | 10 | 4 | 13,900,000 hrs | 3,600,000 |
| Mar 10~16, 2025 | 3 | 2 | 48,100,000 hrs | 6,000,000 |
| Mar 17~23, 2025 | 3 | 1 | 65,500,000 hrs | 5,500,000 |
| Mar 24~30, 2025 | 5 | 3 | 99,400,000 hrs | 6,000,000 |
| Mar 31~Apr 6, 2025 | 4 | 1 | 89,700,000 hrs | 5,400,000 |
| Apr 7~13, 2025 | 9 | 3 | 60,600,000 hrs | 3,700,000 |
| Apr 14~20, 2025 | 13 | 4 | 45,200,000 hrs | 2,700,000 |
| Apr 21~27, 2025 | 16 | 7 | 32,800,000 hrs | 2,000,000 |
| Apr 28~May 4, 2025 | 19 | 9 | 26,400,000 hrs | 1,600,000 |
Cumulative Performance
- Total Watch Time: 481,600,000 hours (Top Korean work on Netflix by watch time)
- Total Views: 29,000,000
Netflix Global Rankings (Top Countries)
| Country | Peak Rank | Date Achieved |
| USA | – | – |
| Brazil | 3 | Mar 8, 2025 |
| UK | – | – |
| Germany | – | – |
| France | – | – |
| Mexico | 2 | Apr 2, 2025 |
| Japan | 2 | Mar 9, 2025 |
| Canada | 9 | Mar 16, 2025 |
| Australia | 8 | Mar 16, 2025 |
| India | 2 | Mar 10, 2025 |
| Spain | – | – |
| South Korea | 1 | Mar 8, 2025 |
| Argentina | 5 | Mar 29, 2025 |
Global Performance Highlights
| Date / Event | Detail |
| Mar 8, 2025 | Ranked #8 globally on Netflix; #1 in South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia |
| Mar 9, 2025 | Climbed to #6 globally; #1 in South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Qatar, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam |
| Mar 14, 2025 | Climbed to #5 globally; #1 in South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Vietnam |
| Mar 22, 2025 | Ranked #4 globally; became #1 in the non-English category worldwide; Top 10 in 42 countries, #1 in 6 countries |
| Mar 27, 2025 | Day after episodes 9~12 released, Netflix Korea DAU (Daily Active Users) reached 3,775,061, a record high for 2025 |
| Apr 17, 2025 | Netflix Q1 report highlighted the series as driving revenue and exceeding market expectations with 23 million cumulative non-English views |
| Jul 17, 2025 | Series recorded 34.8 million views and 577 million watch hours in the first half of 2025 |
| 2023~2025 | Ranked 9th most-watched Korean drama on Netflix with 577 million total watch hours |
Key Insights
- The series appealed to a wide age range, from young viewers (20~30s) to older audiences (40~60s), demonstrating Netflix’s “generational integration” strategy.
- Maintained 6 consecutive weeks in the global non-English Top 10 and achieved #1 multiple times.
- Significant contribution to Netflix Korea’s monthly active users, the highest in two years since The Glory (Jan 2023).
- Confirmed as one of the most-watched Korean dramas globally, highlighting its international impact.
Watch When Life Gives You Tangerines on Netflix
