'When Life Gives You Tangerines' writer Im Sang-chun shared his thoughts upon winning at the Baeksang Arts Awards.
The Netflix series 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' (written by Im Sang-chun, directed by Kim Won-seok) clinched the Best Drama, Best Screenplay, and both Best Supporting Actor and Actress awards at the '61st Baeksang Arts Awards with Gucci' held at COEX D Hall in Gangnam, Seoul, on the evening of the 5th.
Writer Im Sang-chun, through his production company Pan Entertainment on the 7th, expressed, "I simply wished to create a drama that makes one want to call their parents or hug their child one more time. I am grateful to Director Kim Won-seok, all the actors, staff, and viewers. I want to repay this overwhelming honor not by getting carried away but by continuing to work hard as a quiet writer behind the scenes."
Having risen to stardom through works like 'Fight For My Way' and 'When the Camellia Blooms,' Im Sang-chun has once again proven his formidable talent with 'When Life Gives You Tangerines.' Known for his reclusive nature and writing under a pseudonym, Im prefers to stay out of the public eye.
Regarding the series' sweep of four Baeksang awards, Pan Entertainment's CEO Park Sang-hyun credited the achievement to everyone involved, including Netflix's CEO Kang Dong-han and co-producer Park Ho-sik, stating, "This award was made possible because of the support from everyone from the very beginning." He added, "Stories have never left our side," promising that the drama will continue to strive to be a source of joy, comfort, and inspiration for the audience.
'When Life Gives You Tangerines' unfolds the adventurous life story of the cunning Aesoon and the steadfast Gwansik, set in the 1950s on Jeju Island, through all four seasons. The drama, despite its characters' falls and frustrations, celebrates love that blossoms over time, paying tribute to the previous generation and sending a message of encouragement to the next.
With Kim Won-seok's meticulous direction and Im Sang-chun's warm narrative, 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' has become a global sensation. The series, featuring stellar performances by IU, Park Bo-gum, Moon So-ri, Park Hae-jun, and deep portrayals by Yeom Hye-ran, Na Moon-hee, and others, has received widespread acclaim.
Notably, 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' debuted as Netflix's number one in Korea and fourth in the global Top 10 (non-English), sparking an explosive response. It later topped the global Top 10 series (non-English) category and maintained its position in the Top 10 for eight weeks, garnering international praise. According to Good Data Corporation's report for the fourth week of March (March 24th-30th), the drama achieved a 50.71% buzzworthiness in the TV-OTT drama category, and according to a Korean Gallup survey, it was the most-watched broadcast program in March and April, creating the 'When Life Gives You Tangerines Syndrome.'
[Photos provided by Pan Entertainment, Netflix]
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)