The 16-episode K-Drama short series When Life Gives You Tangerines, by Lim Sang Choon, released in March, is undoubtedly a vibrant celebration of humanity. Unexpectedly, it took me on a roller coaster of emotions, pulling at my heartstrings between playful slice-of-life scenes, magical imagery, and elegant, subtle expression of real loss, real pain, and real familial love.
The series is beautifully pieced together as viewers follow Ae-Sun, an aspiring poet from Jeju Island, through her maturation from a fearless young girl to a kind, humble mother. Like poetry itself, every scene is incredibly intentional, yet frequently discreet in its underlying meaning. In each episode, scenes jump over 20 years in and out of different timelines, one from when Ae-sun was in her youth, played by IU, to her middle-aged years, as played by Moon So-ri. Following the different stories from the different periods of Ae-sun’s life is like flipping through the pages of a photo album, skipping from one special moment to the next in an equally nostalgic and exciting experience. And as we skip between these compelling memories, the puzzle pieces fall perfectly into place at the perfectly right moment, and no question is left unanswered.
Some aspects of the plot, like Ae-sun’s love story with her caring childhood friend, Gwan-sik, are wildly fantastical and almost fairy-tale-like in nature, characteristic of a K-Drama, and clearly catered to the starry-eyed audience of romantics. However, the occasional exaggerated elements are what set the story apart from reality. These are the moments that inspire viewers to imagine the fantastic and to dream idealistically. When the deep, heartfelt grief seems almost too much to bear, magical moments restore hope.
The series is profoundly impactful in the way it paints the picture of Ae-sun’s family. Although she initially seems to be the lone subject, Gwan-sik is soon painted by her side. And despite the weathering of grief and the tears of loss, her portrait is beautifully imperfect when complete with the people she loves—the family she builds with her husband, children, and neighbors. The series emphasizes the importance of community and addresses generational differences, ultimately proving that love cannot make promises, but it can heal wounds, it can bring strength, and it can forgive.
When Life Gives You Tangerines delicately illustrates the relationship between a mother and daughter. From a daughter’s frustration, fear, and admiration, to a mother’s worry, strength, and affection, the series is shockingly relatable. Ae-sun’s dynamic with her mother and with her daughter made me feel seen like no other show has. I think that both my mother and I are like Ae-sun. Like Ae-sun, I am my mother’s best friend. And like Ae-sun’s connection with her daughter, my mother is mine.
