Spoiler Warning: This article discusses events from episodes 9-12 of “When Life Gives You Tangerines,” and contains spoilers for plot developments that directly follow events from the previous episodes. If you haven’t watched these episodes, proceed with caution or watch When Life Gives You Tangerines Volume 3 trailer here:https://youtu.be/Z4SebsuhFUs?si=etQmC6ZOBpxEj1Za
Volume 3 (Episodes 9-12) of “When Life Gives You Tangerines” delve into the complex dynamics within Ae Sun and Gwan Sik’s family, particularly their relationship with their eldest daughter, Geum Myeong. We see Ae Sun striving to give Geum Myeong the life she never had, pouring all her efforts into providing for her daughter’s desires. This creates a bittersweet situation, as Gwan Sik still sees Geum Myeong as his little girl, even as she grows into a young woman.
Middle-age Gwan Sik (portrayed by Park Hae Joon), Geum Myeong (portrayed by IU), and middle-age Ae Sun (portrayed by Moon So Ri). Photo: Netflix
Geum Myeong, caught between her parents’ devotion and her own coming-of-age, faces her struggles largely alone. She feels the pressure to live up to their expectations, unable to burden them with her own hardships. This creates a sense of isolation for Geum Myeong, as she tries to navigate her own path without disappointing her parents.
Geum Myeong (portrayed by IU) entering college. Photo: Netflix
A pivotal moment arrives when Geum Myeong ends her long-term relationship with Park Yeong Beom (portrayed by Lee Jun Young). It’s not just a typical breakup; it’s a declaration of her desire to marry a man who can protect her, even against his own family. She wants someone like her father, Gwan Sik, a man who will stand by her no matter what. In essence, she doesn’t want to marry “his mother’s son,” but a man who can create his own family and stand by her. She wants a man who will prioritize her and their future together, like her dad did for her mom.
Geum Myeong (portrayed by IU) and Yeong Beom’s (portrayed by Lee Jun Young) last hug before parting ways. Photo: Netflix
“In Seoul, where I had no one, he was my lover, my family, and my best friend. Suddenly becoming strangers with my closest person felt like the Little Prince leaving the small planet only the two of us lived on.”
– Geum Myeong to her now ex-fiancé, Yeong Beom.
Adding a poignant layer to this narrative is the character of Yeong Beom’s mother, played by the late actress Kang Myung Joo. Kang Myung Joo’s portrayal of the strict, influential mother plays a crucial role in Geum Myeong’s decision, illustrating the very dynamic she wishes to avoid. It is with deep respect and sadness that we acknowledge the actress’s passing after a battle with cancer, which occurred before the drama aired. Her performance leaves a lasting impact on the series, and our hearts go out to her loved ones.
Bu Young (portrayed by late actress Kang Myung Joo) and Geum Myeong (portrayed by IU). Photo: dlwlrma on Instagram
These episodes explore the delicate balance between parental love and a child’s independence. They show us the sacrifices parents make, the burdens children carry, and the search for a love that provides both security and freedom. Episodes 9-12 highlight the emotional journey of a family navigating the complexities of growing up and letting go, and the lasting impact of a performance given by a talented actress.
