K-Drama Review: When Life Gives You Tangerines 폭싹 속았수다 (苦盡柑來遇見你) (2025) - South Korea
Rating - 10/10
Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critic Circle of Australia)
2025 Review Count - 56
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In “When Life Gives You Tangerines”, director Kim Won-seok and writer Lim Sang-choon masterfully navigate the delicate intricacies of loss, love, and longing, creating a narrative that is as emotionally resonant as it is deeply affecting. This South Korean drama, available on Netflix, transcends the confines of traditional storytelling, delving into the complexities of human relationships with a poignancy that lingers long after the final episode.
The series follows the lives of Oh Ae-sun (portrayed by IU) and Yang Gwan-sik (brought to life by Park Bo-gum) against the backdrop of Jeju Island, weaving a tale that spans decades and emotions. Amidst the rich tapestry of their love story lies a poignant reminder of loss—the youngest child whose absence is a constantly lingering presence, his haunting last words echoing through the narrative: “hug me.”
IU’s portrayal of Ae-sun is a tour de force, capturing not only the character’s resilience and vulnerability but also the profound ache of a mother haunted by grief. Park Bo-gum, as Gwan-sik, navigates the complexities of loss and longing with a quiet intensity, his performance imbued with a raw emotional depth that is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming.
Supported by a talented ensemble cast, including Moon So-ri and Park Hae-joon, the series delves into the intricate dynamics of familial bonds, exploring the ways in which loss can shape and redefine relationships. Each character, each interaction, carries the weight of that unspoken loss, infusing every scene with a palpable sense of longing and remembrance.
The series’ visual storytelling, captured artfully by cinematographers Choi Yoon-man and Kim Dong-soo, paints Jeju Island in hues of melancholy and memory, while the evocative soundtrack, led by Kim Jung-mi’s haunting melody “Spring,” serves as a poignant backdrop to the characters’ emotional journeys.
At its core, “When Life Gives You Tangerines” is a testament to the enduring power of love, the resilience of the human spirit, and the profound impact of loss. Lim Sang-choon’s evocative screenplay delves into the depths of grief and longing, offering viewers a glimpse into the fragility of life and the enduring legacy of love.
Drawing comparisons to the acclaimed “Reply 1988”, this series forges its own path, delving into the complexities of loss and memory with a sensitivity and grace that is both captivating and cathartic. It is a series that speaks to the universal experiences of love, loss, and longing, inviting viewers to reflect on the profound impact of the relationships that shape our lives.
In conclusion, “When Life Gives You Tangerines” is a triumph of storytelling, a masterpiece that resonates with a depth and poignancy that is truly extraordinary. It is a series that captures the essence of the human experience—the joys, the sorrows, and the enduring power of love—even in the face of loss. And in this series, the “how” is a poignant and powerful exploration of the complexities of life, loss, and the enduring legacy of love. (Neo, 2025)