IU and Park Bo-gum Share Why They Instantly Said ‘Yes’ to Netflix’s 'When Life Gives You Tangerines'

IU and Park Bo-gum shared their excitement about starring together in When Life Gives You Tangerines, Netflix’s upcoming drama set in Jeju.

On March 5, the drama’s press conference was held at Conrad Seoul in Yeongdeungpo, featuring IU, Park Bo-gum, Moon So-ri, Park Hae-joon, and director Kim Won-seok.

Director Kim Won-seok described the series as “a tribute to our grandparents and parents, and a song of encouragement to younger generations. I hope this drama can help break down the invisible walls growing between generations, genders, and people.”

IU, who previously worked with Kim on My Mister, expressed her excitement about reuniting with him. “I’ve been a huge fan of writer Im Sang-chun for a long time, so the moment I received the offer, I wanted to do it—even before reading the script. Once I read it, I just couldn’t resist. I decided to join in less than a day,” she revealed.

Park Bo-gum also shared why he was drawn to the project, saying, “This was the first drama I filmed after completing my military service. I’ve always admired writer Im Sang-chun’s work and was eager to work with director Kim Won-seok, knowing how meticulous he is. The story of Aesun and Gwansik, unfolding through the four seasons, felt incredibly charming and heartwarming. I knew this was something I’d be proud to watch with my family in the future, and most importantly, I felt that fans would really love it.”

IU and Park Bo-gum, both born in 1993, have known each other since their teens, but this marks their first time leading a project together.

“We’re the same age and have known each other for a long time. From the very first shoot, I felt completely at ease. It felt like our characters, Aesun and Gwansik, had known each other forever. I don’t always feel comfortable enough to freely share ideas with co-stars, but with him, I could say, ‘Should we try it this way?’ without hesitation,” IU shared.

Park Bo-gum reflected on their journey, saying, “We first met as teenagers on a commercial set, then briefly crossed paths in our 20s when I made a cameo in The Producers. Now, in our 30s, we’re finally acting together properly. It feels surreal to grow up and share this experience.”

He also praised IU’s performance, noting, “She perfectly captured Aesun’s rollercoaster emotions and mischievous charm. We also became much closer while promoting the drama, and I hope we can work together again in another project.”

When Life Gives You Tangerines tells the adventurous life stories of Aesun (IU), a spirited rebel born in Jeju, and Gwansik (Park Bo-gum), a devoted and steadfast companion, as they navigate the seasons of their lives.

The drama reunites IU with My Mister director Kim Won-seok and brings together writer Im Sang-chun, known for hits like Fight for My Way and When the Camellia Blooms. The 16-episode series will be released in four-episode batches, starting March 7 on Netflix.