In the first half of 2025, Netflix has a highly anticipated movie!
It's a period drama starring IU and Park Bo Gum.
It is said to be an emotional romance and deep story set against the beautiful scenery of Jeju Island.
The title makes you wonder, what kind of drama is this?
We'll summarize all the information at a glance, including the meaning, plot, episodes, characters, and airing schedule.
Netflix Drama When Life Gives You Tangerines (폭싹 속았수다) – Overview & Cast
Basic Information
- Genre: Romance, Period Drama, Human Drama
- Release Date: March 7 – March 28, 2025 (4 episodes released every Friday)
- Total Episodes: 16
- Running Time: Approximately 60 minutes per episode
- Director: Kim Won-seok (Misaeng, My Mister)
- Writer: Im Sang-choon (When the Camellia Blooms, Fight for My Way)
- Production Companies: Pan Entertainment, Baram Pictures
- Estimated Budget: Approximately 50–60 billion KRW
- OTT Streaming Platform: Netflix
Synopsis
When Life Gives You Tangerines (폭싹 속았수다) is set in 1950s Jeju and tells a heartfelt love story that unfolds through four seasons, following a spirited girl, Oh Ae-soon, and a steadfast boy, Yang Gwan-sik.
- Spring: Ae-soon and Gwan-sik experience the excitement of first love.
- Summer: Their love deepens, but they face growing conflicts.
- Autumn: They must make difficult choices for their dreams and families.
- Winter: Walking separate paths, will they ever reunite?
The drama spans both their youth and middle-aged years, offering a deep and moving portrayal of their lives and love.
What Does 폭싹 속았수다 Mean?
"폭싹 속았수다" is a Jeju dialect phrase that translates to “Thank you for your hard work.”
The English title, When Life Gives You Tangerines, is a play on the phrase “When Life Gives You Lemons,” replacing lemons with Jeju’s signature fruit—tangerines.
Main Cast & Characters
Main Characters
-
Oh Ae-soon (IU / Moon So-ri)
- A rebellious yet bright girl, likened to a “clever young potato.”
- Dreams of becoming a poet despite growing up in poverty.
- Moon So-ri portrays the older Ae-soon.
-
Yang Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum / Park Hae-joon)
- A man of few words, but as strong as iron.
- Loves Ae-soon wholeheartedly and remains devoted to her.
- A silent yet reliable presence.
Supporting Cast
- Oh Jung-se – Ae-soon’s irresponsible stepfather
- Na Moon-hee – Ae-soon’s grandmother
- Kim Seon-ho (Special Appearance) – A person who greatly influences Ae-soon’s life
- Yum Hye-ran (Jeon Gwang-rye) – Ae-soon’s mother
- Choi Dae-hoon, Kim Yong-rim, Lee Jun-young, Lee Soo-kyung, Baek Ji-won, Jung Yi-seo, Kang Jung-woo, and other talented actors
Why You Should Watch When Life Gives You Tangerines
✅ A beautifully crafted period drama set in 1950s Jeju
✅ The romantic chemistry between IU and Park Bo-gum
✅ A collaboration between director Kim Won-seok (Misaeng, My Mister) & writer Im Sang-choon (When the Camellia Blooms)
✅ Stunning cinematography reflecting Jeju’s four seasons
✅ Authentic portrayal of Jeju dialect & traditional culture
✅ A profound story blending romance and historical struggles
Episode Release Schedule
- Episodes 1–4: March 7 (Friday) at 5 PM
- Episodes 5–8: March 14 (Friday) at 5 PM
- Episodes 9–12: March 21 (Friday) at 4 PM
- Episodes 13–16 (Finale): March 28 (Friday) at 4 PM
More Than Just a Love Story…
When Life Gives You Tangerines is more than just a romance—it paints a moving portrait of life and love in 1950s Jeju, capturing the beauty, hardships, and dreams of the era. With breathtaking visuals and a multi-generational storyline, this drama is expected to be one of 2025’s most anticipated series.
📅 Don’t miss the journey! Premiering on Netflix on March 7, 2025.
How to Fully Enjoy When Life Gives You Tangerines! Jeju Dialect, Filming Locations
