When Life Gives You Tangerines

Synopsis

When Life Gives You Tangerines (original title: 폭싹 속았수다) is a captivating 2025 television drama starring the acclaimed South Korean artist IU. The series follows the intricate journey of a young woman navigating the complexities of love, ambition, and personal growth against the backdrop of modern-day Seoul. Blending heartfelt moments with nuanced storytelling, the show delves deep into themes of resilience and self-discovery. It masterfully portrays the challenges and triumphs of everyday life, inviting viewers to reflect on the bittersweet experiences that shape who we are. With IU's compelling performance, the series has quickly become a standout drama, resonating with audiences both domestically and internationally.

Cast

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  IU

  Oh Ae-sun / Yang Geum-myeong

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  Park Bo-gum

  Yang Gwan-sik

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  Moon So-ri

  Middle-aged Oh Ae-sun

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  Park Hae-jun

  Middle-aged Yang Gwan-sik

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  Yeom Hye-ran

  Jeon Gwang-Rye

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  Kim Tae-yeon

  Young Ae-soon

Reviews

When Life Gives You Tangerines has received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike. On IMDb, it holds an impressive rating of 9.3/10, reflecting strong viewer engagement and appreciation. Rotten Tomatoes rates the series with an 86% approval score, praising its eloquent storytelling and emotional depth. Critics frequently commend IU for her nuanced and heartfelt portrayal of the protagonist, noting that her performance anchors the series with authenticity and warmth. Metacritic assigns it a score of 81, highlighting the show's balanced blend of emotional drama and subtle humor. Some reviews note that while the pacing can occasionally feel deliberate, it ultimately serves to deepen character development and narrative impact. Variety describes the show as "a beautifully crafted exploration of life’s unpredictable turns," while The Hollywood Reporter emphasizes its "ability to connect deeply with viewers through sincere and relatable storytelling." Overall, When Life Gives You Tangerines is celebrated for its strong character arcs, emotional resonance, and IU's standout performance, making it a must-watch drama of the year.