Director Kim Won Seok has teased the perfect chemistry between IU and Park Bo Gum in the upcoming Netflix series When Life Gives You Tangerines, during Netflix’s “Next on Netflix 2025 Korea” event held at the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul on Tuesday.
The series chronicles the life and adventures of two colorful Jeju islanders: Ae Soon, a spirited rebel with a mischievous streak, and Gwan Sik, a steadfast man hopelessly devoted to her, as their story unfolds through the changing seasons.
“The term ‘yomangjida’ used to describe Ae Soon is a Jeju dialect meaning smart and clever,” Kim explained. “She’s a lovable character who, despite facing setbacks due to poverty, island life, and gender, perseveres through life’s challenges. Gwan Sik is a steadfast man who would do anything for Ae Soon. We’ve portrayed the adventures they experience together and separately.”
Regarding the chemistry between IU and Park Bo Gum, Kim remained tastefully cryptic: “Rather than explaining it upfront, I’d like viewers to imagine it. It’s the most entertaining and best chemistry you could imagine,” adding that “viewers will see a different side of Park Bo Gum than they’re used to, while IU will showcase all the charms she’s displayed before.”
Netflix revealed that the series will be released in four parts, with four episodes each week. Explaining this strategy, Netflix stated, “We decided on this release pattern as the director and writer intended it as a four-act piece from the beginning. Our past series have had various launch patterns. We’ve adopted the method that best allows viewers to enjoy the content according to the creative intent.”
Meanwhile, today’s event panel also included writer Lee Na Eun of Melo Movie, director Lee Il Hyung of Karma, director Yu Young Eun of Love in Translation, and director Lee Chang Min of Cashero.
