Acclaimed Director Kim Won Seok Brings Emotional Depth in ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’.

Netflix unveiled an exclusive interview with Kim Won Seok on February 12th KST, shedding light on his newest venture. Expressing his aspirations for the drama, he voiced, “I aim for this series to etch itself into people’s hearts for years to come.”

‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ narrates the captivating tale of Aesun (portrayed by IU), a spirited rebel from Jeju, and Gwan Shik (played by Park Bo Gum), a loyal and resolute man, as they journey through the unfolding seasons.

Renowned for his storytelling finesse in ‘My Mister,’ ‘Signal,’ and ‘Misaeng,’ Kim Won Seok characterized the series as “a homage to earlier generations who navigated through challenging periods and a symphony of hope for the future.”

He underscored the meticulous attention devoted to all facets of the production, stating, “Our focus was on crafting visually striking yet authentic scenes, delivering nuanced performances, and selecting music that strikes a chord with viewers. Given the weight of the historical backdrop on the characters, the entire artistic and technical crew poured immense dedication into portraying it truthfully.”

Encompassing the timeline from the 1960s to 2025, the series guarantees a tapestry of rich visual narratives, complemented by era-specific music to heighten the emotional spectrum of the characters’ journeys.

In a first-time collaboration, Kim partners with esteemed writer Im Sang Chun, renowned for works like ‘When the Camellia Blooms’ and ‘Fight for My Way.’ Praising the synergy, he lauded, “From the multi-dimensional, endearing characters to her distinct humor and profound narrative, every element drew me in without exception.”

With Kim Won Seok at the helm, Im Sang Chun’s penmanship, and a stellar ensemble fronted by IU and Park Bo Gum, ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ is poised to captivate audiences. The 16-episode series is set to premiere in batches of four episodes weekly, commencing on March 7th.