When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025)
A sweeping Korean drama about love, resilience, and the passage of time on the sun-warmed shores of Jeju Island.
When Life Gives You Tangerines - Series Information
- Original Title: 폭싹 속았수다
- First Air Year: 2025
- Last Air Year: 2025
- Created by: Lim Sang-choon, Kim Won-suk
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 16
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Korean
- First Air Date: March 7, 2025 (United States - TV-14), March 7, 2025 (Canada - 14+), March 7, 2025 (United Kingdom - 12), March 7, 2025 (Germany - 12), March 7, 2025 (India - U/A 13+), March 7, 2025 (New Zealand - M), March 7, 2025 (Australia - M), March 7, 2025 (Brazil - 12), March 7, 2025 (Spain - 12), March 7, 2025 (South Korea - 12)
- Networks: Netflix
- Production Companies: Pan Entertainment, Baram Pictures
- Production Countries: South Korea
- Alternative Titles: When Life Gives You Tangerines (US), pok-ssak sog-ass-su-da (KR), La vie portera ses fruits (FR), أحسنت عملًا (EG), أبليت حسنًا (SA), 苦盡柑來遇見你 (TW), ยิ้มไว้ในวันที่ส้มไม่หวาน (TH), 苦尽甘来遇见你 (CN)
When Life Gives You Tangerines - Plot
In Jeju, a spirited girl and a steadfast boy's island story blossoms into a lifelong tale of setbacks and triumphs — proving love endures across time.
When Life Gives You Tangerines - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the world of Jeju come alive:
Dedicated to you. Still blooming, always dreaming.
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When Life Gives You Tangerines - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Lim Sang-choon
- Kim Won-suk
Main Cast
- IU
- Park Bo-gum
- Moon So-ri
- Park Hae-joon
- Yoo Byeong-hun
- Yeom Hye-ran
- Oh Jung-se
- Choi Dae-hoon
- Baek Ji-won
- Kim Seon-ho
Writers
- Lim Sang-choon
Executive Producers
- Park Sang-hyun
When Life Gives You Tangerines - FAQs
Where can you watch When Life Gives You Tangerines?
When Life Gives You Tangerines is available exclusively on Netflix worldwide, including both the standard subscription tier and Netflix Standard with Ads. All 16 episodes of the limited series are available to stream. Check JustWatch for up-to-date regional availability and viewing options.
Is When Life Gives You Tangerines based on a true story?
When Life Gives You Tangerines is not based on a specific true story. It is an original work written by screenwriter Lim Sang-choon, drawing on the cultural history and landscape of Jeju Island to craft an emotionally resonant multigenerational love story rooted in authenticity rather than documented events.
Who are the lead actors in When Life Gives You Tangerines?
The series stars IU as the younger Oh Ae-sun and Park Bo-gum as Yang Gwan-sik. Moon So-ri and Park Hae-joon portray the middle-aged versions of the same characters. The ensemble also includes Kim Seon-ho, Yeom Hye-ran, Oh Jung-se, Yoo Byeong-hun, Choi Dae-hoon, and Baek Ji-won.
What is When Life Gives You Tangerines about?
Set on South Korea's Jeju Island, the series follows a spirited young woman and a steadfast young man whose youthful romance evolves into a lifelong bond tested by hardship and change. Spanning decades, it explores first love, family, resilience, and the bittersweet passage of time across generations.
Did When Life Gives You Tangerines achieve strong viewership on Netflix?
Yes. When Life Gives You Tangerines became a major global hit on Netflix in 2025, consistently ranking in the platform's Top 10 in numerous countries. It drew widespread critical praise for its performances, particularly IU and Park Bo-gum, and its emotional depth resonated strongly with international audiences.
How many episodes does When Life Gives You Tangerines have?
When Life Gives You Tangerines consists of 16 episodes presented as a single limited series season. All episodes were released on Netflix beginning March 7, 2025. The series has since concluded, with no additional seasons planned, making it a self-contained, complete narrative.
What is the content rating for When Life Gives You Tangerines?
When Life Gives You Tangerines is rated TV-14 in the United States, indicating content that may be unsuitable for children under 14. In other regions, it carries equivalent ratings such as 14+ in Canada, 12 in the United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil, Spain, and South Korea, and M in Australia and New Zealand.
Who wrote and directed When Life Gives You Tangerines?
The series was written by Lim Sang-choon and directed by Kim Won-suk, a celebrated Korean drama director known for his nuanced visual storytelling. The production was handled by Pan Entertainment and Baram Pictures, with Park Sang-hyun serving as executive producer.
More About When Life Gives You Tangerines
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