Set against the picturesque backdrop of Jeju Island, "When Life Gives You Tangerines" intertwines the lives of two unforgettable characters, Oh Ae-sun, played by the talented IU, and Yang Gwan-sik, portrayed by the charming Park Bo-gum. The film explores their transformative journey from spirited adolescence to steadfast adulthood, highlighting how their strong bond grows amidst the breathtaking landscapes of their island home. With each passing season, their relationship is tested by life's unexpected challenges and triumphs, showcasing a vibrant tapestry of emotions that are deeply relatable to audiences.
Full Cast of When Life Gives You Tangerines
IU
Oh Ae-sun / Yang Geum-myeong
In the television series "When Life Gives You Tangerines," IU delivers a compelling performance as Oh Ae-sun, a character whose journey from a bubbly and optimistic high school student to a mature and independent woman is both heartwarming and poignant. IU captures the essence of Ae-sun's resilience and determination with a nuanced portrayal that highlights her dramatic range. As Ae-sun navigates the trials and tribulations of her unconventional family life, IU brings depth to the character's struggles and triumphs, showcasing her ability to convey complex emotions with authenticity. Viewers are taken on an emotional ride as they witness Ae-sun's growth through the years, thanks in large part to IU's magnetic screen presence and her character's relatable quest for identity and purpose. IU's performance is a testament to her talent as an actress, as she seamlessly transitions between the lighter moments of youthful exuberance to the more profound instances of love and loss, earning her acclaim for her role in this coming-of-age story.
Park Bo-gum
Yang Gwan-sik
Park Bo-gum delivered a compelling performance as Yang Gwan-sik in the television series "When Life Gives You Tangerines," a role that showcased his versatility and depth as an actor. Gwan-sik, a young man with a troubled past, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and redemption after taking on the identity of a deceased high school student following a tragic accident. Park Bo-gum adeptly captured the complexities of Gwan-sik's character, portraying the subtle nuances of his internal struggle, guilt, and the longing for a fresh start with authenticity and emotional resonance. His nuanced portrayal of the character's transformation, as Gwan-sik learns to navigate the challenges of his new life, forge genuine relationships, and confront his past, was both moving and inspiring. Park's performance was highlighted by his ability to convey a wide range of emotions through his expressive eyes and poised demeanor, endearing him to the audience and adding layers of depth to the narrative. His chemistry with the rest of the cast further enriched the story, making his character's journey a memorable and impactful one within the heartwarming tapestry of "When Life Gives You Tangerines."
Moon So-ri
Middle-aged Oh Ae-sun
Moon So-ri delivers a nuanced and emotionally resonant performance as Oh Ae-sun in the television series "When Life Gives You Tangerines" (also known as "Life is Beautiful"). Her portrayal of a resilient single mother navigating the complexities of parenthood, love, and personal growth is both heartwarming and inspiring. Moon skillfully captures the delicate balance of Ae-sun's strength and vulnerability, showcasing her character's fierce determination to provide for her children while also yearning for companionship and personal fulfillment. Her interactions with the characters around her, particularly her children and potential love interests, brim with authenticity and depth, drawing viewers into her world and making her struggles and triumphs deeply relatable. Moon's performance is a testament to her range as an actress, as she seamlessly transitions from moments of light-hearted humor to scenes of profound emotional intensity, ensuring that Ae-sun's journey is one that audiences will remember and cherish.
Park Hae-joon
Middle-aged Yang Gwan-sik
Park Hae-jun delivers a compelling performance as Yang Gwan-sik in the touching television series "When Life Gives You Tangerines." His portrayal is a nuanced blend of stoicism and vulnerability, capturing the essence of a character who is both a pillar of strength and a man grappling with the complexities of his own past. Gwan-sik's journey from a stern, no-nonsense detective to a individual learning to embrace the softer aspects of life and community is conveyed with a depth that resonates with viewers. Park Hae-jun's ability to shift between moments of intense focus during investigations and scenes of heartfelt tenderness, particularly in his interactions with his fellow cast members, showcases his range as an actor. His performance is a standout feature of the series, providing a realistic and relatable depiction of personal growth and redemption that tugs at the heartstrings.
Yeom Hye-ran
Jeon Gwang-Rye
Yeom Hye-ran delivers a captivating performance as Jeon Kwang-rye in the television series "When Life Gives You Tangerines," portraying the character with a nuanced blend of resilience and warmth. As the matriarch of a family that finds itself in the midst of personal and financial turmoil, Yeom's portrayal of Kwang-rye is both commanding and understated, showcasing her ability to convey deep emotional complexities. Her character, tasked with holding her family together while facing societal pressures and her own struggles, resonates with authenticity and strength. Yeom's performance is highlighted by her character's quiet determination and the subtle expressions of hope and despair that she brings to the screen. Her interactions with the cast, particularly in moments of familial conflict and tenderness, reveal the depth of her acting prowess, making Jeon Kwang-rye a character that viewers can both empathize with and admire for her unwavering spirit. Through Yeom Hye-ran's adept acting, Kwang-rye emerges as a pillar of the narrative, driving the emotional core of "When Life Gives You Tangerines" and leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Na Moon-hee
Kim Chun-ok
Na Moon-hee delivers a captivating performance as Kim Chun-ok in the heartwarming television series "When Life Gives You Tangerines," where she brings to life the character of a resilient and spirited grandmother. Her portrayal is a testament to her exceptional acting skills, as she seamlessly embodies the strength, wisdom, and gentle humor that define Kim Chun-ok. The character, faced with the challenges of old age and the complexities of family dynamics, is rendered with a depth and authenticity that resonates with viewers. Na Moon-hee's ability to convey the nuanced emotions of her character—from the fiery determination to protect her family's tangerine farm to the tender moments shared with her on-screen grandchildren—makes Kim Chun-ok a memorable and endearing figure. Her performance is not only the emotional anchor of the series but also a celebration of the enduring spirit of family and the joys and sorrows that come with life's later years. Through Na Moon-hee's nuanced acting, Kim Chun-ok becomes an inspirational character that viewers can't help but root for and cherish.
Kim Tae-yeon
Young Ae-soon
Baek Ji-won
Gyeong-Ja
Choi Dae-hoon
Bu Sang-gil
Oh Min-ae
Kwon Kye-ok
Kim Yong-rim
Park Mak-cheon
Seo Hye-won
Yang Kyung-ok
Cha Mi-kyeong
Choong-su
Jang Hye-jin
Park Young-ran
Oh Jung-se
Yeom Byeong-Cheol
Jung Hae-kyun
Oh Han-mu
Lee Jun-young
Park Young-beom
Kang You-seok
Yang Eun-myeong
Kim Seon-ho
Park Chung-Seob , Park Chung-seop
Lee Soo-kyung
Bu Hyeon-suk
Lee Cheon-mu
Young Gwan-sik
June Yoon
Teacher/Incidentals(English version) (voice)
Yoo Byeong-hun
Sam-bo
Lee Su-mi
Yang-Im
Lee Ji-hyeon
Bun Hui [Chung Seob's mom]
Jeon Bae-soo
Song Yeong Sam
Jung Yi-seo
Song Bu Seon [Chung Seob's girlfriend]
Kim Hwi Gyu
[Motel customer]
Crew of When Life Gives You Tangerines
Full backstage crew list →