The story of Ae-sun and Gwan-sik has made a huge fan following with its release in March 2025 on Netflix. When Life Gives You Tangerines is a romantic Korean drama that made love story lovers go mad over it.
The show is about a couple who fight for each other and adjust to life to live happily with each other. The narrative stayed in the hearts of fans. The show ended on a complete closure, but fans are craving for more seasons. If you also waited for news, here is the clear picture. There is no release update about When Life Gives You Tangerines season 2.
Yes, it feels disappointing. Fans are still waiting to see more of Ae Sun and Gwan Sik’s love story. It is hard to say goodbye, but the makers have confirmed that the show will not return as of now.
Reason Why Season 2 is Not Coming Back
- One of the biggest reasons is that the story ended in a complete note. No questions were left unanswered. The storymaker didn’t want to make it lengthy.
- There is also the cast challenge. The main cast, IU and Park Bo Gum, are busy working on other shows.
- One of the other reasons is the Netflix algorithm. Most of the dramas on Netflix are released with a single season to maintain the quality of the show. And series like When Life Gives You Tangerines fit best under this category.
- Many Korean entertainment websites also confirmed the same thing. All reports point to one simple truth, there will be no season 2.
Note for the Fans of When Life Gives You Tangerines
If you feel sad reading this, trust me, many people felt the same. The drama had a soft charm that touched everyone. The pure romance, the small island moments, and the warm characters made us feel calm and loved. Wanting more is normal. But there is one comforting thought. The story ended exactly how the creators wanted. They gave us a complete world.
Still want more of a romantic and pure love story? Don’t worry, in this article I’ll suggest to you some of my favourite Korean shows available on Netflix.
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Plot Summary
The story showcases an old-school love story. It shows a young couple who live their life very simply but filled with huge emotions and love. The story starts with the love story of Ae Sun, a loving and lively girl, and Gwan Sik, a shy and kind boy.
The show is slow, but it teaches a great lesson of simplicity to the viewers. The series is simple and full of love moments. There is no villain in the series. It shows how two young lovers grew up together and face their ups and downs together.
The location of the scenic Jeju Island of Korea adds a more realistic and authentic village vibe. The houses, fields, and local people add more flavour to the series.
Episodes and Other Related Information
The show has twelve episodes. Each episode consists of new emotions. With each episode passing, it will engage you even more.
- Show Maker: Directed by Kim Won-seok and Lee Kyung-mi, based on Kang Full’s novel.
- Trailer: When Life Gives You Tangerines trailer was released on 21 February 2025, around 15 days before the release date.
- Episodes: It has 12 episodes, with each around 45–60 minutes.
- Genre: Romance
- Filming Location: Most of the shooting is done at Jeju Island, while some scenes are from Seoul
- Budget: Around $45 million.
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Cast and Key Team Members
IU has played the character of Ae Sun and Geum-myeong with a performance that feels natural and honest. She expresses every emotion in a simple way that touches viewers without trying too hard. Park Bo Gum plays Gwan Sik with a calm charm. His quiet presence creates a strong emotional balance in the story.
The supporting cast also added a lot of depth. Here is the list of the other important characters in the show.
- Jeon Gwang-rye – Ae-sun’s mother
- Yeom Byeong-chul – Ae-sun’s stepfather
- Oh Han-mu – Ae-sun’s uncle
- Kwon Gye-ok – Gwan-sik’s mother
- Yang Eun-myeong – Ae-sun and Gwan-sik’s son
- Yang Geum-myeong – Ae-sun’s daughter
The show was directed by Kim Won Seok, known for powerful dramas like My Mister and Signal. The writer Lim Sang Choon created the emotional rhythm of the story. Together, they built a world that feels peaceful, nostalgic, and close to the heart.
Where to Watch Season 1 of When Life Gives You Tangerines?
All 12 episodes of the show are released on Netflix, but fans need to have a Netflix subscription to watch the show.
List of Awards and Nominations
In a span of less than a year, the show, When Life Gives You Tangerine, has received several awards and recognitions. Though it had only one season, it collected several big awards and many nominations. This shows how strongly it is connected with both critics and viewers.
Here is a simple table of the awards.
| Award Ceremony | Category | Winner or Recipient | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61st Baeksang Arts Awards | Best Drama | When Life Gives You Tangerines | Won |
| 61st Baeksang Arts Awards | Best Screenplay TV | Lim Sang Choon | Won |
| 61st Baeksang Arts Awards | Best Director TV | Kim Won Seok | Won |
| 61st Baeksang Arts Awards | Best Actress TV | IU | Nominated |
| 61st Baeksang Arts Awards | Best Actor TV | Park Bo Gum | Nominated |
| 61st Baeksang Arts Awards | TikTok Popularity Award | IU and Park Bo Gum | Nominated |
| Blue Dragon Series Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Yeom Hye Ran | Won |
| Blue Dragon Series Awards | Best New Actor | Lee Joo Won | Nominated |
| Korean PD Awards | Best Drama Production | Production Team | Won |
| APAN Star Awards | Excellence in Directing | Kim Won Seok | Won |
| APAN Star Awards | Excellence in Acting | Moon So Ri | Won |
These awards explain why the makers chose not to stretch the story further. They told what they wanted to tell and left it at a perfect point.
Similar Shows You Can Watch on Netflix
If you want something with a similar mood, here are some shows you might enjoy next.
| Drama Title | Episodes | Release Year |
|---|---|---|
| Lovely Runner | 16 | 2024 |
| Doctor Slump | 16 | 2024 |
| A Time Called You | 12 | 2023 |
| Twinkling Watermelon | 16 | 2023 |
| My Lovely Liar | 16 | 2023 |
These shows are some of my favourite Korean dramas on Netflix with similar emotions and dramatic moments for you to binge-watch with your partner. However, till the date of me writing this article, no update related to the release date of the When Life Gives You Tangerines season 2 is out.
For any other updates about popular K-dramas, stay connected with us and comment below which is your favourite series.