
On the 28th, the Netflix series 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' concluded its journey with the release of its final fourth act. IU, who led the series, received rave reviews for her captivating narration and her ability to intricately portray her character's emotions from the first to the fourth act. In the final act, she left a lasting impression on viewers by deeply expressing the growth and transformation of her character, Geum-myeong.
▲ Emotional Acting That Shone Until the End
In the fourth act, significant events that define Geum-myeong's life unfold, and IU's delicate emotional acting truly stood out. Particularly in the childbirth scene, she skillfully depicted the emotional changes of a mother from the labor pains to the moment she hears her baby's cry. Her eyes conveyed fear and desperation when told the baby wasn't moving, amplifying the emotions. Even as her body grew weary, she portrayed the struggle to push through, and the moment her head fell back in exhaustion was performed with such realism that it drew viewers in.
IU also convincingly portrayed Geum-myeong's strong resolve to protect her family. In the hospital, she reassured her parents with a calm tone, saying, "Dad, don't worry. Don't be scared. I'm here. I'll be here, okay?" showing the strength of a dependable daughter. When she learned about her father Gwan-sik's (played by Park Hae-jun) illness, her trembling lips and tear-filled eyes captured the deep anxiety and her attempt to remain composed, delivering a powerful emotional impact.

▲ Genuine Acting, Perfect Character Portrayal
IU infused authenticity into the series by expressing different emotions in each scene of 'When Life Gives You Tangerines.' Her performance from the first to the fourth act was so compelling that it was clear how much she cherished this project. She meticulously adjusted her gaze, breathing, expressions, tone, and gestures to bring the characters 'Ae-soon' and 'Geum-myeong' to life, portraying not just a simple coming-of-age story but the profound lives of two individuals.
Even within the same character, she skillfully expressed different nuances in each scene, highlighting the character's multifaceted nature. She flawlessly portrayed the confident career woman, the warm mother, the daughter who still whines to her parents, and the reliable figure. Her narration also shone, as she added depth to the repeated line, "When one door closes, another one makes a sound," by varying the emotional tone and delivery, making each instance resonate differently and drawing viewers further into the story.
▲ IU's Growth as an Actress, A New Milestone
Through 'When Life Gives You Tangerines,' IU has taken another leap forward as an actress. She flawlessly executed the challenging task of playing dual roles, expanded her acting depth with immersive narration and nuanced performances, and left a strong impression on viewers.
After the release of all four acts, IU shared her thoughts through her agency, saying, "It was a tremendous honor to play the roles of young Ae-soon and Geum-myeong in 'When Life Gives You Tangerines,' which encompasses stories from various generations." She added, "I hope this warm series, like the people of Dodong-ri who quietly offer comfort and support during tough times, will be remembered by many viewers for a long time. I am truly grateful to all the viewers who loved the series passionately."
Meanwhile, IU continues her busy acting career with her next project, '21st Century Grand Lady.' In the series, IU will play 'Seong Hee-joo,' the second daughter of the top conglomerate family, who possesses exceptional beauty, intelligence, and a fierce competitive spirit. Expectations are high for IU's portrayal of 'Seong Hee-joo,' following her impressive character portrayal and solid acting skills in 'When Life Gives You Tangerines.'
[Photo=Netflix]
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)