Thanks to 'When Life Gives You Tangerines', Unexpected Item Is Trending Among Young Koreans

As the Netflix series 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' continues to gain massive popularity, one unexpected item from the drama is grabbing viewers’ attention: a traditional Korean wardrobe called jagae-jang.

'When Life Gives You Tangerines' tells the life story of Ae-soon (played by IU) and Gwan-sik (played by Park Bo-gum), born and raised in Jeju, as they navigate the seasons of love, hardship, and dreams. The show has remained No.1 in Netflix’s non-English category for five consecutive weeks, topping charts in 40 countries including five across Asia.

And now, the spotlight has shifted to the show’s vintage prop — the jagae-jang.

A jagae-jang is a traditional chest or wardrobe made with mother-of-pearl inlays, known for its iridescent glow. Decorated with patterns symbolizing longevity and prosperity, such as peonies and the Ten Symbols of Longevity, it was once the dream furniture for women preparing for marriage. From the 1960s to 1980s, it was considered a must-have item for newlyweds, especially the na-jeon-chil-gi (lacquered mother-of-pearl wardrobe).

In the drama, Ae-soon expresses her emotional attachment to the jagae-jang, saying she couldn’t throw it away even after moving into a modern apartment. “It reminded me of a summer day filled with sunshine,” she says.

Thanks to the rising popularity of retro aesthetics and the growing love for period dramas, jagae-jang is making a comeback — especially among the MZ generation. In trendy neighborhoods like Sangsu-dong and Ikseon-dong, cafes and boutique hotels featuring jagae-jang-inspired interiors are popping up. Even IKEA joined the fun: on April Fools’ Day, they unveiled a fictional “Korean traditional collection” on Instagram, featuring a sleek and elegant jagae-jang design.

Though it wasn’t actually for sale, online reactions exploded. Fans commented, “They tricked us with something this high-quality?” “I wish they’d really sell it,” “Mother-of-pearl is such a cool concept,” and “The patterns are stunning!”

Aside from its visual beauty, the jagae-jang is highly durable and spacious, making it both a nostalgic and practical piece for modern homes.

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