When Life Gives You Tangerines: All we know About the Upcoming K-Drama Starring IU & Park Bo-gum

The much-anticipated K-drama When Life Gives You Tangerines has unveiled its trailer, giving fans a glimpse of IU and Park Bo-gum’s heartwarming chemistry. Set against the breathtaking landscapes of Jeju Island, the trailer showcases the changing seasons and a nostalgic coming-of-age story filled with love, dreams, and resilience. 

This romantic slice-of-life series follows Ae-sun, a rebellious yet bright young woman, and Gwan-sik, a steadfast and devoted man, as they navigate life’s challenges. Fans are also buzzing about IU and Park Bo-gum’s on-screen pairing, with the trailer hinting at an engaging and deeply emotional romance.

As excitement builds, viewers eagerly await more details on this captivating drama. From its intriguing narrative to its unique release format, When Life Gives You Tangerines is shaping up to be a must-watch. Stay tuned as we bring you the latest updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and everything you need to know before its release!

Release date & Where to Watch

When Life Gives You Tangerines follows a unique release strategy, aligning with its seasonal theme. The 16-episode series is structured into four acts—spring, summer, fall, and winter—mirroring Jeju Island's changing landscapes. Each act consists of four episodes, with new installments dropping weekly from Friday, March 7, 2025 to March 28, 2025 on Netflix.

Netflix’s senior director Bae Jong-byung explained, “We chose a release strategy that aligns with the creators' vision to maximize viewer enjoyment. From the beginning, the director and writer envisioned 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' as a story unfolding in four acts, and we wanted viewers to experience it that way.” (via Korea Times)

He further noted, “Previous series have also adopted various launch patterns. Our goal is to release content in a way that best suits the creative intent and provides the most enjoyable experience for viewers.”

What is the plot of When Life Gives You Tangerines?

When Life Gives You Tangerines is a heartwarming coming-of-age drama set against the breathtaking backdrop of Jeju Island. Spanning decades from the 1960s to 2025, it follows the intertwined lives of Ae-sun, a spirited dreamer longing to be a poet, and Gwan-sik, a steadfast and hardworking man who struggles with expressing emotions.

Despite their differences, their bond weaves a lifelong tale of love, setbacks, and triumphs. Ae-sun, known as the "remarkable rebel," is fearless yet secretly anxious about defying societal norms. Though unable to attend school, she radiates optimism and refuses to hide her emotions. 

Gwan-sik, nicknamed the "unyielding iron," is quiet and diligent, devoted to Ae-sun from the very beginning. While romance isn't his strength, his unwavering love speaks through his actions rather than words. Their journey unfolds through the seasons, reflecting life's ever-changing nature.

More than just a love story, the drama captures the youthful adventures of past generations, painting a nostalgic portrait of parents, grandparents, and their untold tales. Through moments of joy, hardship, and self-discovery, When Life Gives You Tangerines explores the enduring power of love and resilience, proving that even in life’s bitter moments, there is sweetness to be found.

Who’s Starring in When Life Gives You Tangerines?

• IU as Ae Sun
• Kim Tae-yeon as child Ae-soon
• Moon So-ri as middle age Ae-soon
• Park Bo Gum as Gwan Sik
• Lee Cheon-mu as child Gwan-sik
• Park Hae-joon as middle age Gwan-sik
• Kim Yong-rim as Mak-cheon 
• Na Moon-hee as Chun-ok
• Yoo Byung-hoon as Sam-bo
• Choi Dae-hoon as Sang Gil
• Oh Jung-se as Byung Chul
• Uhm Ji as Min Ok
• Yeom Hye-ran 
• Oh Min-ae 
• Chang Hyae-jin 
• Cha Mi-kyeong
• Lee Soo-mi
• Baik Ji-won 
• Cheong Hae-kyun
• Kim Seon-ho
• Lee Jun-young
• Jung Yi-seo
• M.J. Kang

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Is There a Trailer for When Life Gives You Tangerines?

The official trailer for When Life Gives You Tangerines introduces viewers to the intertwined lives of Ae-sun and Gwan-sik, set against the picturesque backdrop of Jeju Island. 

The trailer beautifully captures the changing seasons of life while also highlighting the duo's palpable chemistry. Ae-sun's spirited and aspirational nature contrasts with Gwan-sik's steadfast demeanor, hinting at a dynamic and evolving relationship. 

Visually, the series promises a rich tapestry of Jeju's landscapes, from lush canola fields to serene coastlines, enhancing the narrative's emotional depth. The evolving dynamics between Ae-sun and Gwan-sik, set against this scenic backdrop, suggest a heartfelt exploration of love, ambition, and resilience. Watch the official trailer below.

The teaser offers a nostalgic glimpse into the past, with Ae-sun in a period-accurate school uniform and Gwan-sik in gym clothes, evoking youthful charm. It beautifully portrays the changing seasons of life while highlighting the undeniable chemistry between the duo.

The date announcement video captures the vibrant charm of Jeju Island, featuring canola fields, persimmon trees, and the serene sea, all set to uplifting music. Ae-sun and Gwan-sik share heartfelt moments and playful banter, highlighting the natural chemistry between IU and Park Bo-gum. 

Episode Guide

• Season 1 Episode 1 (Friday, March 7, 2025)
• Season 1 Episode 2 (Friday, March 7, 2025)
• Season 1 Episode 3 (Friday, March 7, 2025)
• Season 1 Episode 4 (Friday, March 7, 2025)
• Season 1 Episode 5 (Friday, March 14, 2025)
• Season 1 Episode 6 (Friday, March 14, 2025)
• Season 1 Episode 7 (Friday, March 14, 2025)
• Season 1 Episode 8 (Friday, March 14, 2025)
• Season 1 Episode 9 (Friday, March 21, 2025)
• Season 1 Episode 10 (Friday, March 21, 2025)
• Season 1 Episode 11 (Friday, March 21, 2025)
• Season 1 Episode 12 (Friday, March 21, 2025)
• Season 1 Episode 13 (Friday, March 28, 2025)
• Season 1 Episode 14 (Friday, March 28, 2025)
• Season 1 Episode 15 (Friday, March 28, 2025)
• Season 1 Episode 16 (Friday, March 28, 2025)

Filming Details

When Life Gives You Tangerines was filmed in Andong over 30 times in 2023, with production spanning from March 2023 to Feb. 2024.

Behind the Scenes

When Life Gives You Tangerines is an upcoming South Korean romantic drama directed by Kim Won-seok and written by Lim Sang-chun. Production companies include Pan Entertainment and Baram Pictures.