In this edition of our drama review, we spotlight a production that’s already winning hearts and destined to become a K-drama classic. Netflix’s When Life Gives You Tangerines (Korean title: Thank You for Your Hard Work), written by Lim Sang-choon and directed by Kim Won-seok, is a romance-infused slice-of-life drama that gently unpacks the lives of a family across generations, telling a heartfelt story of love, resilience, and the weight of dreams.
The story begins with Oh Ae-sun, a free-spirited young girl who dreams of becoming a literary icon. Although her intelligence and passion are undeniable, her family’s socioeconomic situation becomes a heavy burden on her path to success. After losing her mother early on, Ae-sun takes on the responsibility of helping her stepfather raise her two younger brothers in exchange for the promise of a college education—a promise that ultimately turns out to be a lie. As a teen, Ae-sun (played by IU) runs away to Busan with her best friend Yang Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum), but their journey quickly turns sour when they’re scammed out of their money, forcing them to return to Jeju. Expelled from school and labeled a runaway, Ae-sun is thrust into an even harsher reality.
Despite all odds, Gwan-sik remains by her side, becoming her anchor as they step into adulthood. Their eventual marriage brings both comfort and hardship. Gwan-sik does everything he can to protect Ae-sun, even defying his own family to ensure her safety and dignity. Together, they try to build a life and raise a family amid poverty and setbacks, never letting go of the small joys and big dreams that keep them going. Their story deepens when they face the loss of one of their children—a devastating moment that leaves a scar but strengthens their commitment to building a better future for their remaining two children.
The second half of the drama shifts focus to their grown children, particularly their daughter Yang Geum-myeong (also played by IU), who carries her mother’s dreams to Seoul, only to find the city as isolating as it is full of opportunity. Meanwhile, their son Yang Eun-myeong (Kang You-seok), a hopeless romantic like his father, stays in Jeju. As we follow these siblings in very different phases of life, we also return to Ae-sun and Gwan-sik, now in their 40s, navigating marriage, regrets, and renewed hope. Their quiet love story continues to evolve, reminding us that love matures alongside us.
Final Thoughts
When Life Gives You Tangerines is a beautiful drama filled with raw emotion, poetic storytelling, and a grounded depiction of ordinary people fighting to make life work. It captures the highs and lows of life with care and honesty—offering moments of deep warmth, unexpected laughter, and quiet heartbreak. Sensitive topics such as loss, poverty, mental health, and generational sacrifice are handled with subtlety and sincerity, making this one of the most human K-dramas of the year. If you’re in the mood for something touching and real—with just enough sweetness to balance the sorrow—this one’s for you.
Catch When Life Gives You Tangerines now streaming on Netflix, and don’t forget to check out the trailer below.