When Life Gives You Tangerines Special Edition OST Drops as Writer’s Handwritten Letter Moves Cast to Tears

As Netflix’s original series When Life Gives You Tangerines (폭싹 속았수다) wrapped up its 16-episode journey on March 28, screenwriter Im Sang-chun’s handwritten letter to the cast and crew resurfaced, leaving readers emotional and cast members visibly moved during the wrap party.

According to multiple media outlets including MBC, Lim penned the letter after filming concluded, addressing it to everyone who made the drama possible—from the actors to the production team.

In the heartfelt note, Lim wrote,

“It’s been exactly one year since our ship first set sail. Just like in our drama, we spent all four seasons together. Watching from the harbor with a prayer in my heart, I kept wondering what kind of magic you were all working.”

She went on to express deep admiration for the team’s dedication:

“You truly brought to life that cabbage field bursting in rows. Together, you created a whole village, a whole world—season by season, heart by heart. I was speechless with gratitude.”

In one especially moving line, she wrote,

“I wanted to carry each of you on my back in thanks. I waited, hoping our ship would return full—and thanks to you, my heart already feels full. You, our staff, actors, and director, were my miracle.”

She also shared her hope that the series would live on in their memories:

“One day, far in the future, when you’re standing in Aesun’s flower garden and looking back, I hope you’ll think, ‘I’m glad I was part of that drama back then.’ That’s what I’ll be wishing for.”

Lim closed the letter with affection and sincerity, writing:

“You were flawless. You were passionate. You were the best. This story wouldn’t exist without you. Until the spring we meet again—I’ll be missing you. Pokssak Sogasuda. And in Jeju dialect: Soranghaemsuda (I love you deeply).”

The official OST for Netflix’s hit drama When Life Gives You Tangerines has been released—featuring an all-star lineup of Korean musicians including IU, Choi Baek-ho, Hong Isaac, Kwak Jin-eon, and Se So Neon’s Hwang So-yoon.

Released on March 29 at noon (KST) by production company Pan Entertainment, the Special Edition OST features songs from all four parts of the 16-episode series. The soundtrack had already gained attention early on—particularly the use of Kim Jung-mi’s vintage track “Spring” as the opening theme.

Longtime collaborator Park Sung-il of HoGiSim Studio, known for scoring My Mister, Signal, and Misaeng, served as music director.

The diverse musical lineup brings unique emotional colors to the drama:

- d.ear’s “Night Walk” offers a quiet reflection on time and longing.

- Choo Dae-hye’s “Youth Song” blends traditional Korean instruments with modern sounds for a rich, textured result.

- Kwak Jin-eon’s “Name” delivers a poignant melody and heartfelt lyrics exploring pure love.

- Hwang So-yoon’s “Blaze” leaves a powerful impression with her optimistic perspective on life.

- Legendary crooner Choi Baek-ho contributes “To the Land of Hope,” a melancholic yet romantic ballad that highlights his distinctive, soulful voice.

- Hong Isaac’s “By My Side” captures the quiet ache of post-breakup loneliness with sincerity and warmth.

- And in a particularly special moment, IU, who stars as the spirited rebel Aesoon, lends her own voice to the OST—adding even more emotional resonance.

Beyond vocal tracks, the Special Edition includes 78 score pieces, beautifully reflecting the emotional depth and era-spanning timeline of the series, which moves from the 1950s to 2025. The scoring team features a mix of fresh and seasoned talent, including Uncle Sam, Judah Earl, Jeon Se-jin, Kim Hyun-do, Kim Ji-ae, Jo Ran, Kim Dong-min, and more—delivering music that elevates every scene.

About When Life Gives You Tangerines (폭싹 속았수다)

The series, written by Lim Sang-chun (When the Camellia Blooms, Fight for My Way) and directed by Kim Won-seok (My Mister, Signal, Misaeng), tells the four-season life story of Aesoon (IU), a fiery rebel born and raised in 1960s Jeju, and Gwansik (Park Bo-gum), a loyal and loving soul.

Each act of the series was released in seasonal blocks, with the final arc (episodes 13–16) concluding the journey on March 28. The show quickly topped Netflix Korea’s Top 10 Series and, as of March 31 at 11:20 a.m., continues to dominate the charts.

Netflix Korea’s Top 10 Series (as of Mar 31, 11:22 a.m.):

When Life Gives You Tangerines

Weak Hero

Heart Pairing

World Dice Tour

Heo’s Diner

Adolescence

The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call

The Apothecary Diaries

K-foodie Meets J-foodie

Solo Leveling