Limited Series poster
16 episodes

When Life Gives You Tangerines - Limited Series

First aired Mar 7, 2025Season 1

The drama follows the adventurous life and many trials of Ae-sun (IU), a poor girl wanting to become a poet who was born in Jeju in 1951, and Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum), a young man who cherishes and loves her. The drama is narrated by their daughter, Yang Geum-myeong.

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Reviews

Community reviews for When Life Gives You Tangerines, shown here with its season details.

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iam.biplob

10.0

I honestly underestimated this drama. I didn’t expect it to be this GREAT, this PHENOMENAL, this AMAZING?! "When Life Gives You Tangerines" isn’t just a drama; it’s a masterpiece and a masterclass in storytelling.[1] I had high hopes going into it, but after being let down by a few dramas before, I tried to manage my expectations. However, my gut feeling told me this would be special—and boy, was I right and so, so wrong at the same time! I didn’t just enjoy it; I was completely captivated, and it changed me in ways I can’t fully describe . There was a me before watching this show, and now, there’s a me after. It’s one of those stories that doesn’t just end when the show does; it stays with you and reshapes how you think . I never imagined a drama could make me reflect on my own life so deeply . From the first episode, I was hooked . And by the end, I was left emotionally wrecked in the most beautiful way . This isn’t just a love story—it’s about resilience, survival, and the kind of love that doesn’t need to be shouted from the rooftops . The bond between Gwan Sik and Ae Sun is so pure, so grounded in reality, that you can’t help but feel every emotion they go through . From their awkward yet beautiful first kiss to the way they support each other through everything life throws their way, their relationship is everything I wish for in a partner . It’s not always easy or perfect, but it’s real, and that’s what makes it so powerful . Their connection transcends time, and you feel it in every shared glance, every quiet moment between them . The scene where Gwan Sik jumps into the stormy sea to get to Ae Sun—that scene will forever be etched in my mind . It’s not just about love, it’s about sacrifice, and the lengths people will go to when they care for someone deeply . And then there’s the love between families. The dynamic between Gwang Rye and Ae Sun is heartbreaking yet beautiful . Gwang Rye’s sacrifice for her daughter, how she worked so hard as a Haenyeo, hoping to spare Ae Sun from that life, speaks to the lengths mothers will go to for their children . It’s such a layered portrayal of motherhood and the ways that generational trauma can shape how we live our lives . Ae Sun’s journey is a reflection of that tension between breaking free from what’s expected and the reality of what she has to face . The show also delves into the societal dynamics and gender roles that are imposed on women, and it’s something that really stuck with me . The way women are often expected to stay in their place, how the world around them limits their options—"When Life Gives You Tangerines" doesn’t shy away from showing these struggles . Ae Sun’s character feels like a rebellion in itself . She had dreams, she had ambitions, but life didn’t always give her the chance to pursue them . She wanted to be a poet, but the world she lived in had other plans and challenges for her to overcome first . That tension between following your heart and doing what’s necessary for survival is explored so well .

Episodes

Spring in a Heartbeat still

Episode 1

Spring in a Heartbeat

8.9
Mar 7, 202558 min31 votes

Raised by a tenacious mother, a young, bright-eyed Ae-sun has dreams bigger than her village — until an unexpected tragedy changes everything.

Sassy First Love still

Episode 2

Sassy First Love

9.0
Mar 7, 202554 min20 votes

As love blossoms between Ae-sun and Gwan-sik, they make their first bold move together. But their romantic adventure hits a snag.

Yesterday Was Your Spring still

Episode 3

Yesterday Was Your Spring

9.2
Mar 7, 202563 min16 votes

After a dramatic rescue, Ae-sun and Gwan-sik return to Jeju. Soon, Ae-sun resigns herself to a sad fate — leaving Gwan-sik devastated.

The Blazing Summer Sunshine still

Episode 4

The Blazing Summer Sunshine

9.2
Mar 7, 202560 min17 votes

Summer brings joy as the newlyweds start a life together, but living with Gwan-sik's family tests their happiness — can they find a path to peace?

A Midsummer Night's Full Nets still

Episode 5

A Midsummer Night's Full Nets

9.1
Mar 14, 202561 min17 votes

As Gwan-sik struggles to find work, Ae-sun worries for her family — until a lifeline appears. Soon after, Ae-sun sets her ambitions higher in Jeju.

Life Goes on and On still

Episode 6

Life Goes on and On

9.3
Mar 14, 202557 min16 votes

Just as Ae-sun and Gwan-sik taste the joys of their new life, a summer storm changes everything — testing their will to carry on.

A Fruitful Fall still

Episode 7

A Fruitful Fall

9.1
Mar 14, 202564 min14 votes

As the village chief election approaches, Ae-sun faces corrupt opposition. Geum-myeong receives an unusual request that tests her morals.

The Moon Wanes, Yet the Young Heart Remains still

Episode 8

The Moon Wanes, Yet the Young Heart Remains

9.3
Mar 14, 202563 min15 votes

When Geum-myeong receives a chance to study in Japan, dreams take flight. Now Ae-sun and Gwan-sik must make a tough decision.

The Wind Goes Whoosh, My Heart Goes Boo-Hoo still

Episode 9

The Wind Goes Whoosh, My Heart Goes Boo-Hoo

8.6
Mar 21, 202549 min11 votes

Life in a small apartment tests Ae-sun and Gwan-sik as they struggle to parent Yang Eun-myeong. Meanwhile, Geum-myeong juggles love and life in Seoul.

The Storm Sweeps My Heart, the Love Rocks My Heart still

Episode 10

The Storm Sweeps My Heart, the Love Rocks My Heart

9.0
Mar 21, 202557 min11 votes

While Geum-myeong grows closer to her quirky colleague, Ae-sun's troubling dreams stir real concerns. Do they hold any meaning?

My Love by My Side still

Episode 11

My Love by My Side

9.2
Mar 21, 202563 min13 votes

As Geum-myeong's engagement moves toward marriage, her heart fills with doubt — will her first love story find its happy ending like her mother's?

A Glistening Winter still

Episode 12

A Glistening Winter

8.7
Mar 21, 202559 min15 votes

Back in Jeju, Geum-myeong mends her heart in familiar surroundings. Ae-sun treasures sweet moments with her loved ones.

Such an Uneven Love still

Episode 13

Such an Uneven Love

9.2
Mar 28, 202562 min13 votes

While facing a career setback during an economic downturn, Geum-myeong encounters a familiar face — sparking an unexpected new beginning.

Spread Your Wings and Fly still

Episode 14

Spread Your Wings and Fly

9.2
Mar 28, 202565 min12 votes

Ae-sun and Gwan-sik grapple with Yang Eun-myeong's misfortune, sacrificing everything they can to help him. But Eun-myeong's self-confidence takes a hit.

A Spring Every Day still

Episode 15

A Spring Every Day

9.5
Mar 28, 202569 min12 votes

Between new business ventures and career changes, the family faces separate hurdles on their paths — drawing strength from their bond to press ahead.

Here's to All You've Been Through still

Episode 16

Here's to All You've Been Through

9.8
Mar 28, 202585 min14 votes

As the Yang family finally enjoys the fruits of their labor, sudden agony strikes — testing their resolve and the strength of their enduring love.