On March 7, Netflix released the first four episodes of “When Life Gives You Tangerines” a drama that chronicles the adventurous life story of Ae-sun (played by IU) and Gwan-sik (played by Park Bo-gum) across the four seasons. The series quickly gained attention, debuting at No.1 in the TV-OTT drama buzz ranking. At the same time, IU ranked No.1 in the TV-OTT drama cast buzz ranking, with Park Bo-gum securing the No.2 spot.
GOODDATA Corporation, an agency that tracks the online competitiveness of K-content, noted that “When Life Gives You Tangerines” surpassed the opening buzz of Netflix’s other popular dramas, such as “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call” and “Melo Movie,” which featured medical and romance genres. These new dramas, which offer a broader range of emotions and themes, have resonated with viewers, particularly those who had grown fatigued by Netflix’s previous focus on crime, thriller, and fantasy genres.
Data analyst Won Soon-woo from GOODDATA stated, “We are seeing a diverse range of positive comments from viewers, with expressions like ‘funny,’ ‘cute,’ ‘sad,’ ‘touching,’ ‘exciting,’ and ‘lovable.’ This shift in viewer sentiment shows a growing appreciation for Netflix’s more diverse and universally appealing dramas.”
Additionally, Netflix’s decision to release “When Life Gives You Tangerines” weekly, rather than all at once, is expected to keep the series competing at the top of the rankings for an extended period, continuing to draw significant viewer interest.
In the drama, IU plays “Ae-sun,” a determined and bold Jeju girl who makes a strong impression from the start, declaring during her school days, “I’m going to marry a guy from Seoul.” Through subtle facial expressions, IU skillfully conveys her character’s emotions. One of the standout moments is when her character shares a passionate first kiss with Gwan-sik in a canola flower field, where her excitement and nervousness are perfectly captured as she clenches her fists.
As the series progresses, IU’s emotional range deepens, particularly in a poignant scene where her character, now married with two children, says, “I think my mom is crying,” leaving a strong emotional impact on the audience. In another powerful moment, Ae-sun chases after Gwan-sik in the rain, collapsing by the sea, crying uncontrollably, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
IU also brings humor to her character. When Ae-sun and Gwan-sik run away to Busan, IU’s character wears makeup and lipstick that don’t quite match her usual style, which amuses the audience. In the later episodes, IU shows yet another layer of her character as she takes on the roles of both a mother and a wife. Her anger is evident when she sees her great-grandmother trying to turn her daughter into a diver.
In just four episodes, “When Life Gives You Tangerines” has received widespread praise, with IU’s performance as Ae-sun being a highlight. From her bold, determined portrayal of Ae-sun to the more affectionate, heartfelt version of her character, IU has captivated audiences with her nuanced performance.
“When Life Gives You Tangerines” continues to air every Friday at 4 PM and will run for a total of four weeks. With its captivating performances and heartfelt storytelling, “When Life Gives You Tangerines” promises to continue enchanting viewers, leaving them eagerly anticipating each new episode.
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