When Life Gives You Tangerines premiered on Netflix on March 7, 2025, captivating audiences worldwide with its emotionally rich storytelling and stunning cinematography. This South Korean romantic drama, starring IU and Park Bo-gum, begins with episode 1 titled “Spring in a Heartbeat,” setting the stage for a multigenerational tale of love, sacrifice, and resilience against the beautiful backdrop of Jeju Island.
When Life Gives You Tangerines episode 1 summary
The series opens in the present day with 70-year-old Oh Ae-soon (played by IU in later timeline) participating in a poetry-writing activity for the elderly. This framing device immediately establishes the reflective nature of the narrative, as Ae-soon reminisces about her mother, transporting viewers back to her childhood in 1960s Jeju Island. This dual timeline structure becomes a hallmark of the series, connecting past struggles with present wisdom.
The episode’s hour-long runtime never feels excessive, maintaining perfect pacing that balances tragedy with moments of levity. The cinematography is particularly noteworthy, capturing the rugged beauty of Jeju Island while establishing the intimate, personal nature of the story.