The Netflix series 'When Life Gives You Tangerines,' which narrates the adventurous lives of 'the rebellious spirit' Aesoon (played by IU and Moon So-ri) and 'the steadfast iron man' Gwansik (played by Park Bo-gum and Park Hae-joon) from Jeju Island, has recorded 6,000,000 views in its second week of release. This achievement has placed it at No. 2 in the Global TOP 10 Series (Non-English) category. The series is gaining popularity not only in South Korea but also in 41 countries, including Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Turkey, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
'When Life Gives You Tangerines' vividly portrays stories from the 1960s and 70s as if they are happening right before our eyes, evoking empathy across borders and generations. After the release of the second act, it has left a lasting impression by reminding younger viewers of their parents' stories and older viewers of their challenging past.
Director Kim Won-seok, art director Ryu Seong-hee, and cinematographer Choi Yoon-man, along with the production team, have dedicated themselves to capturing the flow of time from 1960s Jeju to 2025 with realism. Ryu Seong-hee, known for her work on films like 'Decision to Leave' and 'Alienoid,' has contributed to the diverse settings in 'When Life Gives You Tangerines,' including the village of Dodong-ri, fields of bright yellow canola flowers, and 1970s Seoul. Director Kim Won-seok expressed gratitude for the dedication and effort of the art and props teams, led by art directors Ryu Seong-hee and Choi Ji-hye, and props manager Jang Jeong-woo, in achieving the detailed realism of each location. He further explained that he collaborated with the cinematographer to ensure the actors' performances flowed naturally without interruption, avoiding stylish camera work or editing.
On the 19th, Netflix released additional behind-the-scenes stills from 'When Life Gives You Tangerines.' The newly released stills feature actors fully immersed in their characters and sets that reveal the passage of time from 1960s Jeju to 1980s Seoul, bringing to mind the dramatic stories unfolded in the second act.
The youthful appearances of teenage 'Aesoon' (IU) and 'Gwansik' (Park Bo-gum) are particularly striking. Gwansik, participating in a writing contest despite being a member of the sports club, and Aesoon posing in front of a tree, bring smiles to viewers' faces. Additionally, the charming braided hair of 'Geum-myeong' (IU), 'Aesoon' (Moon So-ri), and 'Gwansik' (Park Hae-joon), along with their familial warmth, convey the warmth depicted in the series.
IU's portrayal of dual roles also captures attention. Her depiction of college student 'Geum-myeong' with long straight hair enjoying campus life, and 'Aesoon' with short permed hair at the Dodong-ri house, showcases her effort to express two distinct characters. The young 'Geum-myeong' (played by Ahn Tae-rin) wearing the same outfit as the college student 'Geum-myeong' hints at the cheerful atmosphere on set.
The appearances of characters who enriched the lives of 'Aesoon' and 'Gwansik' add to the delight. Na Moon-hee and Yeom Hye-ran, who play the role of 'Chun-ok,' demonstrate the passion of actors immersed in their characters, while the lively presence of the haenyeo aunts 'Chung-soo,' 'Yang-im,' and 'Kyung-ja,' played by Cha Mi-kyung, Lee Soo-mi, and Baek Ji-won, convey the cheerful atmosphere on set.
'When Life Gives You Tangerines,' which captures the eventful life journey of 'Aesoon' and 'Gwansik' from childhood friends to parents across four seasons, promises to continue delivering joy and emotional comfort to viewers in the upcoming third and fourth acts. The third act of 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' is set to be released on the 21st (Friday).
[Photo=Netflix]
Reporter Kang Sun-ae sakang@sbs.co.kr
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)