When Life Gives You Tangerines: A Portrait of Life

Sometimes, it’s the quietest stories that leave the loudest echoes in our hearts. The newly released ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ has gained global popularity, earning a seat in Netflix’s growing roster of hit K-dramas. The English title comes from the saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” which applaud a positive attitude and resilience in the face of hardship, suggesting you should find ways to turn negative situations into something positive or desirable. Finding out the true meaning of the drama will open a path to the true meanings of life. 

The drama is about the tumultuous life of a young girl named Ae-sun (played by singer-actress IU) who lives on Jeju Island. It contains beautiful messages about the importance of family and centers around the relationship between Ae-sun’s daughter, Geum-myeong, and her husband Gwan-sik (played by Park Bo-Gum). Personally, this drama was quite a tear jerker. 

“None of us have fully grown up. But every time our hearts feel growing pains, we all grow a little." was one of the lines that hit me the most. I realized that growing up is a lifelong journey. We may never feel completely mature, but through each emotional challenge or hardship, we learn and grow a bit more. It’s a reminder that personal growth often comes through the difficult moments in life. The fact that the line belonged to Geum-myeong, a character with her fair share of hardships, made it all the more moving, showing the universal journey of maturation and personal growth.

Upon closer inspection, Ae-sun’s journey was about love, money, and dreams. From a young age, she kept hope of becoming a poet, even though she faced hurdles of poverty and suffocating societal expectations. Her love for Gwan-sik, a steadfast and supportive existence in her life, provided both comfort and complexity as they navigated the challenges of their era. Their relationship faced countless trials against the backdrop of Korea’s rapid modernization, reflecting the broader tensions between protecting cultural identity and embracing change.

Ae-sun’s pursuit of her dreams was not solely personal. It symbolized the aspirations of a generation seeking self-fulfillment in a transforming society. Her resilience in the face of hardship highlighted the drama’s exploration of individual growth and the sacrifices made along the way. Its emphasis on the multilayered bond between Geum-myeong and Gwan-sik showed mutual respect and understanding, demonstrating the enduring strength of family bonds weathering the storm of life. 

“When Life Gives You Tangerines” powerfully forms these themes into poignant art that appeals to viewers, reminding us that life’s journey, with all its trials and triumphs, shapes who we become. It’s a story that encourages reflection on our own paths, the dreams we chase, and the relationships we are in.

The Korea Times