‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ Actor Admits Hitting Kim Min-hee Left Her Bleeding

Actor Park Hae-joon, who recently gained attention for playing the older version of Park Bo-gum’s character in the Netflix series 'When Life Gives You Tangerines', shared a behind-the-scenes story involving Kim Min-hee.

On April 7, Park appeared on the YouTube show “Jjanhan Hyung Shin Dong-yeop” with fellow actor Yoo Hae-jin. While drinking and chatting with host Shin Dong-yeop, the two talked about their careers and upcoming film 'YADANG: The Snitch.'

Park recalled filming the 2012 movie 'Helpless', in which he played a violent loan shark who harasses Kim Min-hee’s character. He said he was excited to take on the role and felt like it marked the true beginning of his acting career.

He mentioned a scene where he had to hit Kim Min-hee and explained that he was told to do it perfectly in one take, without any mistakes. The scene was filmed successfully on the first try.

However, he was shocked to find out later that the impact was real. At the wrap party, Kim Min-hee quietly told him, “My mouth bled during that scene.” Though it was for the role, the moment left a strong impression on him.

Yoo Hae-jin agreed, saying that scenes involving physical contact are difficult and stressful. “If it’s not done properly, you have to repeat it multiple times,” he added.

Kim Min-hee has been in a relationship with director Hong Sang-soo for nine years. In February, it was reported that she became pregnant with his child. At the time of the report, she was six months pregnant and is expected to give birth this spring.

'When Life Gives You Tangerines' becomes a global Netflix hit

Meanwhile, Park Hae-joon is enjoying success with the Netflix original 'When Life Gives You Tangerines.' According to Netflix’s official global rankings, the show ranked number one in non-English TV shows worldwide for the week of March 17 to 23.

It also placed eighth in Netflix’s global TV category as of April 3, according to FlixPatrol.

The drama tells the story of Ae-soon, a girl who dreams of becoming a writer despite growing up in poverty and facing social prejudice. Alongside her journey is Yang Gwan-sik played by Park Bo-gum and Park Hae-joon, a man who loved her deeply but struggled to express it.

The series follows their lives through every season—first love, marriage, family conflict, separation, and loss. In the final scene, an elderly Ae-soon publishes her first poetry collection, moving many viewers to tears.

Get the latest on K-pop & K-drama here!