One of the best Korean dramas of 2025 has to be “When Life Gives You Tangerines.” It came out in March, yet it didn’t reach my feed until late September. I saw some cute edits, but scrolled past them because it didn’t seem like a drama I would enjoy. Oh, boy, was I wrong. It was one of the most heartfelt Korean dramas I have ever watched.

It discusses deep themes such as family dynamics, poverty, first generations, love, and sacrifices. The number of times my eyes welled up with tears after I had just finished crying was unbelievable. Not to mention, none of it felt forced. The cast, characters, plot, and cinematography were perfect because they just melted together.

People moved past it too quickly, as it seems to be a trend with a lot of films. We complain about not having good films or story lines, but when one falls into our laps, we don’t even blink twice. So, allow me to tell you all the great parts in “When Life Gives You Tangerines."

The Setting: Jeju Island

This location provided beautiful scenery throughout the film. The vast sea that stretched for ages, the vibrant greenery, and the part it played in the film. The main income source on Jeju Island is from marine life. You can either be a fisherman and own a boat, a diver (Haeyneo), or sell harvested seafood.

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In other words, it was a secluded population with no diverse opportunities. The depiction of the 1950s in the way people got around was natural because it felt like you were watching everyday people do their own thing while in a community. There was nothing glorified from the town to the homes; you saw the flaws and how people lived with jobs that barely amounted to anything.

However, there were moments like the yellow flower field scene or the scenes where you saw the rough, dark blue waves in the sea. There was something beautiful about the way the characters interacted with the setting.

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Oh Ae-sun

Ae-sun was such a fiery yet delicate character. She knew what she wanted, and when there was an obstacle in front of her, it sparked something within her to go at it harder. At times, she was stubborn and rebellious, always having a plan ready to escape the island.

The strength of her will was demonstrated by the way she spoke her mind and never lowered her head when faced with people deemed above her. Ae-sun had to raise herself because her mother was busy diving, which was also the cause of her weak lungs, soon leading her to pass away.

That leaves her father, who remarried and had two other children, to take care of, with one on the way. In the beginning, whenever she interacted with Gwan-sik, she had her walls up and was bleak towards him, until Gwan-sik made her feel safe and loved enough that she could break those walls and have a shoulder to cry on.

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Yang Gwan-sik

Gwan-sik, on the other hand, was such a sincere and tranquil character. He has followed Ae-sun around since they were kids, even in middle school. He was there waiting to read her poems.

This man is the definition of a green flag! The way the actors' eyes spoke a thousand words added to the whole gentle nature of the character.

He’s a simple man because he doesn’t ask for a lot–actually, he never asked for a single thing the entire show. One of his love languages was definitely acts of service because his sole priority was making sure Ae-sun was happy. He didn’t have much to his name, but every action and decision was for Ae-sun.

Gwan-sik was a very selfless and giving character. He literally swam across the sea while it was raining when he saw Ae-sun calling out to him!

Marriage and Partnership

Throughout the episodes, we see them grow not only as people but also as a partnership. They slowly take bits and pieces of each other's personalities, which nourishes their character development. The depiction of marriage and partnership in this film made me understand the battles and wins that come with such a commitment.

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Although they lived with Gwan-sik's family, whenever he saw his mother or grandmother disrespect Ae-sun, he stood up for her and set boundaries. He made sure they knew he’d choose her over them any day. When it came to Ae-sun, he never lowered his head and spoke his mind. As for Ae-sun, she would observe Gwan-sik to see what he liked and didn’t, slowly, acts of service were becoming her way of showing she cared for him.

I mean, this woman used the money her mother saved up before she passed to buy Gwan-sik a boat! This couple had barely anything to their name but created a foundation that was more valuable than any asset.

Becoming Parents

It was a surprise–they had their first baby girl, Yang Geum-myeong. The struggles were there, days where they both had to sacrifice their plate to keep Geum–myong's belly full or only give her hand-down toys and clothes, but the way their faces light up when they watch their daughter is what every child deserves to feel.

This section in their life is where the real sacrifices came in because they both wanted the best for their daughter. For her to finish school, rest her head without any worries, play until her heart is content, and just overall have the childhood and upbringing they never had. They also had two other sons, making them a family of five, until the sea drowns her youngest son, leaving them to mourn and grieve.

You’d think this would make them hate each other; it didn’t. Instead, they blamed themselves for what happened. They didn’t turn against each other but leaned on one another to get through it. This part made me tear up to think about all the sacrifices parents make for their children to be comfortable, and the struggles that their children were oblivious to.

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First Generation

Time jumps years later when Ae-sun's and Gwan-sik's hair is now grey, and the wrinkles start becoming prominent. Geum-myeong and her brother are now all grown up, living on the mainland instead of the little island. Geum-myeong made her parents' wish come true; she finished school and was off to college.

The dynamic between her and her parents changed because she didn’t see their sacrifices, only what they lacked. It was because of the way kids at school talked about her family and the way they lived. Geum-myeong knew she had to sacrifice her wants for her parents' needs.

The way this was done was so realistic, from the way Ae-sun questions why her daughter needs so many shoes when she has been using the same ones for years, to them judging each other for what they consider a luxury. You see Ae-sun being appreciative of the days spent with Gwan-sik.

As for Gwan-sik, he's watching her little girl grow up and accomplish all the things he wanted for her. Their relationship is what had me grabbing tissue after tissue! It did a good job showing the difference between the generations, from what their parents value to what their children value, and overall, how children tend to treat their parents.

Summary

I definitely gave away most of the show, but there is also a lot I didn't say. I believe watching it for yourself is an experience in itself. It was honestly a really touching Korean drama that made me want to hug my parents and tell them thank you.

This film set my standards in almost every aspect of life, such as gratitude. The development throughout the film was perfectly paced, and you got to know the characters well enough to go through the emotions with them.

Even with the characters that seem unlikable, you can sympathise and understand where they are coming from. In addition to that, the actors did a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life. Ae-sun and adult Geum-myeong were played by the same actor–IU!

Talk about talent. Definitely deserves more recognition.