‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ Premieres Tomorrow on Netflix

The wait is almost over for the highly anticipated series “When Life Gives You Tangerines,” starring the beloved Park Bo-gum and IU!

This heartwarming drama will finally premiere tomorrow, March 7, on Netflix. After months of anticipation, we can all rejoice as we prepare to dive into the world of Ae-sun and Gwan-sik.

“When Life Gives You Tangerines” is set against the beautiful backdrop of Jeju Island and tells a decades-spanning love story. We’ll follow Oh Ae-sun (IU), a spirited and dream-filled “rebel” with a literary side, and Yang Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum), a devoted and steadfast man, from their youthful days in 1960s Jeju to their later years in Seoul in 2025.  Prepare to be moved as the series explores their lifelong journey through life’s seasons, showcasing a love that blossoms amid setbacks and triumphs — proving that love truly endures across generations.

Viewers can look forward to a deeply emotional and visually stunning drama. Director Kim Won-suk, known for his works like “Misaeng: Incomplete Life” and “My Mister,” and writer Lim Sang-choon of “When the Camellia Blooms” and “Fight for My Way,” are at the helm, promising a high-quality K-drama with a rich storyline and compelling characters. 

The series is described as a tribute to past generations and an encouragement to the younger ones, aiming to bridge the gaps between generations and genders.  IU herself described the drama’s essence as making “warm tangerine tea from even the sourest tangerines life throws at you,” highlighting the theme of creating beauty from life’s bitterness.

(Read more about the cast and crew’s thoughts about the series in this K-entertainment News story)

The trailer offers glimpses into the vibrant and changing world of Ae-sun and Gwan-sik. We see Ae-sun as a bright literary girl with big dreams and Gwan-sik as a man with unwavering devotion, facing life’s challenges with grace.  Scenes flash from the 1960s Jeju Island to modern-day Seoul, showcasing the visual journey through different eras and the palpable chemistry between the lead actors. One memorable scene shows Gwan-sik offering a ring to Ae-sun, only to be refused, hinting at the complex and layered relationship we can expect.

“When Life Gives You Tangerines” boasts a stellar cast, with IU and Park Bo-gum portraying the younger Ae-sun and Gwan-sik, while Moon So-ri and Park Hae-joon take on the roles of their older counterparts, navigating the later chapters of their lives.  

IU, also known as Lee Ji-eun, a celebrated singer-songwriter and actress, continues to showcase her versatility. Her recent projects include the films “Broker” and “Dream,” and she is set to appear with Byeon Woo-seok in the upcoming series “The 21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife” this year. IU, who held a sold-out Philippine Arena concert last year, recently collaborated with BTS’ V in the music video “Love Wins All.”

Meanwhile, Park Bo-gum, affectionately known as the “Nation’s Crown Prince,” is well-loved for his roles in “Reply 1988,” “Love in the Moonlight,” and “Encounter.” His recent projects include the sci-fi drama “Wonderland,” where he portrayed Tae-joo, a flight attendant in a coma with an AI-generated counterpart. He will also star in the upcoming drama “Good Boy” with Kim So-hyun. 

Get ready to experience a heartwarming journey through love and life when “When Life Gives You Tangerines” premieres tomorrow on Netflix!