Acclaimed for his emotionally resonant work in dramas like My Mister, Signal, and Misaeng, Director Kim Won Suk is bringing us When Life Gives You Tangerines, a Netflix series spanning four seasons.
Starring the dynamic duo of IU and Park Bo Gum, this drama follows the adventures of Ae-soon, a rebellious Jeju Island native, and Gwan-sik, her ever-present, sometimes clumsy, but always devoted companion.
Explaining his vision for When Life Gives You Tangerines, Kim shared, “I wanted this to be a tribute to the generations before us who lived with great resilience, as well as a message of encouragement for the younger generation navigating today’s world.” His goal is for the series to transcend age and gender barriers, creating a story that resonates with everyone.
Kim also emphasized the effort poured into making the series visually stunning and emotionally impactful. “We focused on crafting realistic yet breathtaking scenes, delivering delicate performances, and incorporating deeply moving music,” he revealed. The show spans from 1960 to 2025, with a meticulous approach to period details, ensuring that every era is authentically depicted. Contemporary pop songs were carefully woven into the narrative to enrich the emotional depth of the storytelling.
The series also benefits from the talents of writer Lim Sang-choon, the creative mind behind When the Camellia Blooms and Fight My Way. Speaking about their collaboration, Kim said, “Everything about the script drew me in—from its three-dimensional, lovable characters to its signature humor and heart-wrenching moments.”
With its vibrant portrayal of life’s ups and downs through the changing seasons, When Life Gives You Tangerines is set to offer viewers not only laughter and entertainment but also profound emotion and a lingering impact. As Kim expressed, “I hope this becomes a story that stays in people’s hearts long after they’ve watched it.”
When Life Gives You Tangerines premieres exclusively on Netflix on Friday, March 7.
Leave a Reply