Curious about the cast of When Life Gives You Tangerines? Here’s a list of the shows and films you might’ve seen them in!
Since it was released, the Netflix series When Life Gives You Tangerines quickly became a global phenomenon, touching the hearts of viewers worldwide. Aside from topping the Netflix charts, the series has racked up major accolades—including multiple wins at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards for Best Drama, Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Supporting Actor. Most recently, it achieved one of the highest honors in Korean television by winning the Daesang (Grand Prize) at the 4th Blue Dragon Series Awards, further solidifying its place as a modern classic.
With its soul-stirring narrative and gorgeous cinematography, the drama’s success came as no surprise. However, another factor that made the story come to life was none other than its cast, who painstakingly molded themselves to be one with their roles.
Led by megastars IU and Park Bo-gum, the drama’s cast lineup needs no introduction. For curious K-drama fans, you might’ve recognized a lot of familiar faces and wanted to know which projects they’ve been on. Worry not! That’s what we’re here for.
For your watchlist needs, let’s rewind the reel and find out where you’ve seen some of the When Life Gives You Tangerines cast before.
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IU as Oh Ae-sun and Yang Geum-myeong
First in our list is the one-and-only IU, who impressively played dual roles in the series. From strong-willed Ae-sun to her beloved daughter Geum-myeong, her versatility shines no matter which shoes she finds herself in. Her incredible performance recently earned her the Best Actress award at the 4th Blue Dragon Series Awards, further cementing her status as a powerhouse in the industry.
She began her career as a singer in 2008, becoming one of the most acclaimed soloists in South Korea over the years. While doing so, she made her acting debut as Kim Pil-suk from Dream High (2011), a classic for K-drama enthusiasts. This opportunity showed her endless potential, booking her leading roles in You Are the Best! (2013), Bel Ami (2013), The Producers (2015), Hotel del Luna (2019), My Mister (2018), and Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016).
Not only is she a highly respected actress for dramas, but she’s also shown her acting prowess in films, including Broker (2022), which won awards at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival. It’s certainly not easy juggling a singing and acting career at the same time, but IU does — and she does it very well.
Park Bo-gum as Yang Gwan-sik
Before Park Bo-gum became the “green flag” husband, Yang Gwan-sik, he was already collecting hearts with his past roles in various romance dramas. He perfectly embodies heart-fluttering leads, each endearing in their own special ways.
Starting with the Golden Boy himself, Choi Taek from Reply 1988 (2015). The Reply series has always been well-loved for the emotional impact it brings, which matches Bo-gum’s warm-hearted nature.
Another memorable role of his was from Love in the Moonlight (2016). Opposite Kim You-jung, his playful yet vulnerable portrayal of Crown Prince Lee-young rightfully placed him in the spotlight. Aside from winning prestigious awards, this role earned him the title “Nation’s Crown Prince,” showcasing his lasting impact on the public.
Other films and dramas you might know him from are Encounter (2018), Record of Youth (2020), Seobok (2021), and Wonderland (2024).
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Moon So-ri as Oh Ae-sun (Adult)
Moon So-ri breathed life into Ae-sun in her later years, naturally transitioning from IU’s portrayal to hers as if they were one. Her raw vulnerability shone through, successfully highlighting Ae-sun as an ordinary mother who worries, nags, and loves like it’s their second nature.
So-ri’s acting career officially kicked off as the female lead in the timeless film Peppermint Candy (1999). She then gained international acclaim for starring in Lee Chang-dong’s Oasis (2002) and winning the Marcello Mastroianni Award as best emerging actress at the 2002 Venice Film Festival. This was only the start for her flourishing career, later starring in dramas such as The Legend (2007), The Legend of the Blue Sea (2016), Life (2018), and Queenmaker (2023).
Aside from being an all-around actress, she also has a passion for filmmaking. One of her works includes Three Sisters (2021), where she served as both a lead and producer. So-ri is a professional who knows no bounds, excelling in whichever role she pursues.
Park Hae-joon as Yang Gwan-sik (Adult)
As adult Ae-sun’s counterpart, Park Hae-joon‘s depiction of Gwan-sik hit our feels just as strongly with his all-too-familiar gentleness and familial love. This devoted partner role is a complete 180 to his previous image from The World of the Married (2020), another chart-topping drama where he played an adulterous husband. Seeing how he continuously redefines his on-screen persona is proof of his brilliance as an actor.
While Hae-joon started in theater, his heart led him to act in various films and dramas, including 4th Place (2016), I Have Not Done My Best Yet (2022), and The 8 Show (2024). He also played supporting roles in Hwayi: A Monster Boy (2013), Misaeng: Incomplete Life (2014), My Mister (2018), and Arthdal Chronicles (2019).
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Kang You-Seok as Yang Eun-myeong
Portraying Ae-sun and Gwan-sik’s second child, Kang You-seok‘s portrayal of the immature yet sincere Yang Eun-myeong gained positive reactions from viewers. His expressive acting brought depth to the character, showing a unique charm only he could give.
Since his debut in 2018, he’s been gradually climbing the ranks in the industry. He first took on supporting roles in well-known dramas including Melting Me Softly (2019), Start-Up (2020), and Beyond Evil (2021). He then landed one of his first leading roles in the BL titled Light on Me (2021), where he acted alongside Lee Sae-on. Further into his career, he became Kim Woo-bin‘s mentee in the Netflix film Black Knight (2023).
You-seok is building a solid filmography, and WLGYT certainly isn’t his last one. Other than his lead role in Resident Playbook (2025), he’s also currently playing a charming lawyer in Law and the City (2025).
Yeom Hye-ran as Jeon Gwang-rye
Perhaps one of the most memorable characters yet, Yeom Hye-ran played Jeon Gwang-rye, Ae-sun’s mother. Despite her limited screen time, she made sure to leave a lasting impression after every scene. Her realistic interpretation of maternal love also brought tears to everyone’s eyes, remaining as her daughter’s source of strength even in death. For this role, she was recently awarded Best Supporting Actress at the 4th Blue Dragon Series Awards, a well-deserved recognition for her emotionally resonant performance.
Known as a veteran in the industry, Hye-ran has been an active actress for over two decades.
She debuted with a supporting role in Bong Joon-ho’s film Memories of Murder (2003), which she landed after personally being invited to audition by the director. Among her extensive resume, her career gained momentum after starring in When the Camellia Blooms (2019), where she played a confident lawyer and wife of Gyu-tae — played by Oh Jung-se, also known as Ae-sun’s stepfather. Later on, she also landed notable roles in The Uncanny Counter (2020), The Glory (2022), and Mask Girl (2023); all of which became award-nominated performances.
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Choi Dae-hoon as Bu Sang-gil
Hak-ssi! Aside from this iconic line, Choi Dae-hoon‘s transformation into Bu Sang-gil is definitely a role to remember due to his nuanced performance. As brash as his character was, he successfully showed how flawed yet redeemable humans are, if willing to change. Sang-gil may not have been the most likable even in the show’s final moments, but he held a lingering warmth that wasn’t there in the beginning.
Dae-hoon’s scene-stealing portrayals have always been one of his key strengths. He debuted as the lead in the film In the Jungle (2002) and later expanded into television dramas. While he gained mainstream recognition through WLGYT, his hard work from doing minor roles became his stepping stone to stardom. This includes shows like Crash Landing on You (2019), Flower of Evil (2020), Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022), The Judge from Hell (2024), and Unmasked (2025).
His other standout roles are Min-hyuk from One Dollar Lawyer (2022) and Sung-jae from Melancholia (2021).
Kim Seon-ho as Park Chung-seob
Last on the list is Kim Seon-ho, who acted as Geum-myeong’s love interest, Park Chung-seob. Though he only played a supporting role, his appearance sparked a ton of attention. Many viewers also had difficulty recognizing him when he first appeared due to his unfamiliar look and speech. This only shows how skilled he is as an actor, molding into his characters’ shoes with ease.
Before making his television debut, Seon-ho was an active theater actor. Almost a decade into his career, he was given the opportunity to audition for the drama Good Manager (2017), where he played a minor role as a junior accountant.
Right after, he also landed roles in Strongest Deliveryman (2017), Two Cops (2017), Welcome to Waikiki 2 (2019), Catch the Ghost (2019), and 100 Days My Prince (2018). However, his rise to fame began when he played Han Ji-pyeong in Start-Up (2020) — the man who gave “second lead syndrome” to many. He then went on to cure our illness by taking the lead in Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021) as Chief Hong, Gongjin’s resident handyman. After taking a break from the industry, he returned with his first-ever film as a mysterious hitman in The Childe (2023).
If you enjoy Korean variety shows, you may have also seen him in KBS2’s 2 Days & 1 Night (2007~), where he joined as a cast member from 2019 until 2021.
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The Cast of When Life Gives You Tangerines
Did you recognize all of the actors and actresses in our list? Either way, this is the best time to add their dramas and films to your watchlist! For readers who have yet to watch When Life Gives You Tangerines, all of its episodes are available right now on Netflix.
When Life Gives You Tangerines isn’t just a drama; it’s a career-defining role for many cast members. Whether they’re emerging stars or seasoned professionals, this show brings a breath of fresh air to their portfolios — a simple yet impactful narrative with characters that feel startlingly real.
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Source: Netflix
![Park Bo Gum [Be With You] in Manila](https://i0.wp.com/popjournalofficial.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/20250711_Park_Bo_Gum_Featured_Image.png?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1)
