IU Picks Best Man in 'When Life Gives You Tangerines'—and Mentions Lee Jong-suk Too!

Singer-actress IU recently opened up about her experience filming 'When Life Gives You Tangerines', her dual role in the series, and the people around her—including co-star Park Bo-gum and her real-life boyfriend, actor Lee Jong-suk.

In a press interview held on April 2 at Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel, IU spoke with News1 and other media outlets about the tvN drama, which wrapped its final episodes on March 28. In the series, IU plays both Ae-soon and her daughter Geum-myung, portraying two generations of women navigating life and love on Jeju Island.

Speaking about her on-screen chemistry with Park Bo-gum, who plays Gwan-sik, IU said:

“We’ve known each other since our teens, though we only occasionally kept in touch. But I was really surprised by how mature and grounded he is now—he’s truly admirable. His portrayal of Gwan-sik brought such synergy to the show.”

In the drama, IU is romantically involved with three male characters—Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum), Yeong-beom (Lee Jun-young), and Chung-seop (Kim Seon-ho). When asked which one she would choose in real life, IU answered without hesitation:

“Of course, it would be Gwan-sik.”

The conversation naturally turned to IU’s real-life relationship with actor Lee Jong-suk, which became public in December 2022. Asked how he reacted to the drama, IU replied “He’s currently filming and very busy, so I’m not sure he’s had time to watch 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' yet.”

She added with a smile, “This is my last day promoting the show, so for now, it’s Gwan-sik and only Gwan-sik for me.”

A Poetic Goodbye to a Masterpiece

When Life Gives You Tangerines aired its final four episodes (13–16) on March 28, concluding a moving journey that spanned the lives of Ae-soon and Gwan-sik across four seasons in the breathtaking setting of Jeju Island.

The series earned widespread acclaim for its emotional depth and authenticity, praised as a drama with a “perfect beginning and a powerful ending.” In the finale, Gwan-sik fulfills a long-held promise to Ae-soon before peacefully passing away, a moment that left many viewers in tears.

Critics and fans alike commended the drama for portraying life’s joys and sorrows without forced sentimentality. The Jeju dialect and stunning landscape added emotional weight, while the cast's nuanced performances—especially IU’s—were highlighted as key strengths.