When Life Gives You Tangerines

Ae-Sun & Gwan-Sik: The Epitome of Enduring Love

Ae-Sun & Gwan-Sik: The Epitome of Enduring Love

In a sea of dramatic K-drama romances, Ae-sun and Gwan-sik from When Life Gives You Tangerines stand out as the true "IT couple" of the industry. Their love story isn't about grand gestures or unrealistic perfection; it's a tender, deeply moving portrayal of soft love, unwavering support, and a bond forged through life's relentless challenges. They were, in my opinion, a truly great couple, embodying a caring and enduring partnership that feels incredibly real and deeply resonant.

Their relationship is a masterclass in quiet devotion. Gwan-sik, the steadfast "Steelheart," was Ae-sun's anchor from childhood, consistently bringing her fish when she was neglected, eloping with her when she had nowhere else to go, and supporting her dreams of becoming a poet even when circumstances seemed to conspire against them. Ae-sun, with her fiery spirit and expressive nature, found in Gwan-sik a gentle constant, a partner who admired her strength and nurtured her vulnerabilities. Their love wasn't always verbalized in flowery language, but it was profoundly evident in their actions, their sacrifices, and the way they consistently chose each other, day after day, year after year.

This profound connection is a sentiment widely shared across Reddit communities discussing the show. Many viewers on r/kdramas praise Gwan-sik's unwavering loyalty and devotion, with one user calling him "the definition of an unreal life partner." Another heartwarming comment described their own husband as a "real-life Gwan-sik," testifying to the show's ability to portray a love that, while rare, is deeply aspirational. Viewers appreciated how their relationship wasn't a fairytale, but a raw and realistic depiction of two people struggling together, crying together, and laughing together, remaining united until the very end. The phrase "My Love By My Side" from the OST is often cited as the perfect summary of their relationship, highlighting the enduring nature of their affection.

However, the discussions also acknowledge the complexities. Some Redditors touch upon the immense sacrifices Gwan-sik made, noting that he often prioritized Ae-sun's dreams above his own, prompting a conversation about whether he truly "lived his life." Yet, the prevailing sentiment is that his greatest ambition was to be with Ae-sun, and in fulfilling that, he found his own profound joy. Others point out the challenges they faced as parents, particularly with their children, highlighting that even the most loving couples aren't perfect, and that their struggles made them more human and relatable.

Ultimately, Ae-sun and Gwan-sik's story is a beautiful testament to the power of resilient love. They are not merely fictional characters; they embody a profound, everyday heroism in their commitment to each other through poverty, loss, societal expectations, and the relentless march of time. Their love wasn't just about romance; it was about partnership, respect, and a deep, abiding understanding that transcended words. In an industry often filled with fleeting romances, Ae-sun and Gwan-sik stand as a powerful reminder of what enduring love truly looks like, making them, without a doubt, the industry's true "IT couple."

If you wanna read our full review, click here.  

F&Qs

Is ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ Based On a True Story?

Yes, the Netflix series "When Life Gives You Tangerines" is based on a true story. Specifically, the characters of Ae-soon and Gwan-sik were inspired by a real-life couple from Jeju Island in South Korea. The show's creators drew inspiration from the enduring love story and hardships of a woman named Hong Kyung-ja and her husband

When Life Gives You Tangerines Cast

·      Park Bo-gum as Yang Gwan-sik (young adult)

·      Moon So-ri as Ae-sun (middle-age)

·      Park Hae-joon as Gwan-sik (middle-age)

·      Kim Tae-yeon as child Ae-sun; Lee Chun-moo as child Gwan-sik

·      Yoon Seo-yeon as teen Ae-sun; Moon Woo-jin as teen Gwan-sik

·      Yeom Hye-ran as Jeon Gwang-rye

·      Oh Jung-se as Yeom Byeong-chul 

·      Oh Min-ae as Kwon Gye-ok

When Life Gives You Tangerines Meaning

The title itself gives a bit of an overview of the show. When life gives you tangerines, please do not shy away from them. Instead, sit with your mother by the sea and peel the tangerines one by one. You never know how much time you have with the mother whose whole life is you. As you peel tangerines for your mother, don’t forget your brother. Take a slice, and give it to your little brother as he tells you about his day at school so he never feels unheard. And when you go home, make sure you save a whole bunch for your father so you can eat with him when he comes back home from work, because he’s always at sea, fishing with his frail hands, till 10 pm to give you a life he never had.

When Life Gives You Tangerines total episodes

There are a total of 16 episodes in When Life Gives You Tangerines.  

When Life Gives You Tangerines Ending Explained

Spoiler alert! The ending is rather heartwarming yet sad. Ae-Sun continues to live her last days in her very beloved town where her mother lived. She reminiscs her mother and her loving husband in her last days. Her daughter and her son end up successful with loving and caring families of their own. The show ends on the last note that Ae Sun, after a life or sacrifices, only asks for her daughter to visit her more often.