Tangy Love Tales

By Herman M. Lagon

Love comes in all shades, flavors, and intensities—something Netflix’s “When Life Gives You Tangerines” illustrates profoundly well. On the surface, the series captivates with the romantic tale of Ae-sun and Gwan-sik, characters played brilliantly by IU and Park Bo-gum. But peel back the layers, and you will see how the drama effortlessly explores a kaleidoscope of love far richer than mere romance, resonating deeply with its audiences who understand the nuances of affection, sacrifice, and devotion intimately.

Ae-sun and Gwan-sik’s love story evokes a familiar pang, spanning decades. It is the kind of relationship that grows quietly and endures without grandiose gestures—just like your Nanay and Tatay sitting silently together at dawn, sipping kapeng barako, or the lolo and lola strolling leisurely around the plaza. Their love is gentle yet unwavering, symbolizing that steadfast affection many value deeply, captured vividly by Park and IU’s impeccable performances.

But the beauty of “Tangerines” is that it does not confine love within romantic boundaries. The maternal love shown by Jeon Gwan-rye, Ae-sun’s mother played movingly by Yum Hye-ran, is equally potent. Gwan-rye dives into the deep ocean daily, despite her failing lungs, driven by her sheer determination to give Ae-sun a better life. Mothers know this narrative well—countless stories of OFW mothers who venture into unknown lands, enduring hardships, driven solely by love for their children, resonate strongly here.

Ae-sun, too, embodies another layer of love—the kind mothers quietly carry in their hearts, often hidden beneath stern warnings and high expectations. Her fierce determination to see her daughter Geum-myeong achieve a better future mirrors many parents’ dreams. It echoes stories of those who barely meet both ends, diligently saving every centavo to send their children to stellar universities, hoping their sacrifices will blossom into fulfilled dreams.

Beyond familial boundaries, the series beautifully portrays love rooted in community—a concept inherent to many of us. The villagers’ support for Ae-sun and Gwan-sik mirrors our own Bayanihan—seen in neighbors sharing food, helping during storms, or lending light in a blackout. It is the little things that keep communities close.

Director Kim Won-Seok, known for My Mister and Signal, beautifully balances heartbreak and humor again, capturing life’s quiet truths. Screenwriter Lim Sang-Chun injects poignancy with lines such as, “Parents only remember what they regret, while children only remember their disappointments,” subtly highlighting generational misunderstandings common in our households.

Moreover, “When Life Gives You Tangerines” does not shy away from difficult truths. It portrays relationships realistically, showing love’s imperfections and complexities without unnecessary dramatics. For instance, Geum-myeong’s choice to break off her engagement due to disrespect from her prospective mother-in-law strongly reminds us of the importance of self-respect and familial dignity—values we often silently uphold despite external pressures.

Interestingly, Park Bo-gum’s Gwan-sik has sparked “Gwan-sickness” among fans globally, becoming a benchmark for steadfast, gentle love. Netizens have been quick to praise this portrayal, reflecting cultural preferences for sincerity over grand, superficial displays of affection. This trend, “My Own Gwan-sik,” sees wives, mothers, and daughters proudly posting on social media about real-life Gwan-siks in their homes—men whose quiet, consistent acts of love sustain families daily.

“When Life Gives You Tangerines” offers more than entertainment. It subtly teaches that love, in its myriad forms, remains life’s most enduring comfort, especially in difficult times. IU insightfully noted in interviews, “Life goes on if you keep living,” encapsulating the show’s quiet message of resilience and persistent affection. This hit even harder after the pandemic when we were reminded that relationships matter more than anything money can buy

Maybe Tangerines’ real win is not its fame but how it gently reminds us that love means showing up—quietly, bravely, and wholeheartedly—through life’s ups and downs. For many of us who understand intimately that love often means sacrifice, community, family, and quiet devotion, the series is not just a show but a reflection of our lives, beautifully packaged in a bittersweet tale of tangerines.

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Doc H fondly describes himself as a ‘student of and for life’ who, like many others, aspires to a life-giving and why-driven world that is grounded in social justice and the pursuit of happiness. His views herewith do not necessarily reflect those of the institutions he is employed or connected with.