Spoiler Warning: This article discusses events from episodes 13-16 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 4 trailer here:
The final episodes of “When Life Gives You Tangerines” deliver an ending that resonates with genuine emotion, offering a powerful blend of intense scenes and lasting impact. The show gracefully navigates the complexities of life’s challenges, from heartbreak to triumph, while beautifully portraying the simple, profound joy of achieving dreams. This carefully crafted balance leaves viewers with a sense of emotional depth and a story that lingers in their hearts long after the final credits roll.
Eun Myeong (portrayed by Kang You Seok) and his wife, Bu Hyeon Suk (portrayed by Lee Soo Kyung). Photo: Netflix
Do you know why I named my son Che-il? It means “number one”, something I’ve never been. Never.
– Yang Eun Myeong to his parents, Gwan Sik and Ae Sun.
Often, middle children feel like they are not seen or heard, a struggle captured in Eun Myeong’s journey. Throughout his life, he has yearned for recognition as a good son, husband, and father, even if those around him failed to see it. He endured hardships, even selling rice cakes in the freezing cold. Yet, like his father Gwan Sik, Eun Myeong persevered. The symbolic boat, celebrated on the day of his birth, returns years later to bail him out of jail, a testament to the unexpected ways fate weaves through their lives. His great grandmother’s gift ultimately saves him a generation later. In these final episodes, we witness his quiet journey toward self-discovery. He learns that his worth is not defined by comparison and that his own feelings and desires are valid. This narrative resonates with the universal experience of seeking individual recognition within family dynamics.
Ae Sun (portrayed by Moon So Ri) and Geum Myeong (portrayed by IU). Photo: Netflix
Ae Sun’s story shows us that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. Her lifelong love for writing poems leads to her finally publishing a book, a small but important success. The poems, especially the one she wrote for Gwan Sik called “Here’s to All You’ve Been Through,” feel like loving whispers, showing us how strong their love is.
Ae Sun (portrayed by Moon So Ri) and Gwan Sik (portrayed by Park Hae Joon). Photo: Netflix
The love between Gwan Sik and Ae Sun is the heart of this story. Their last moments together are shown with simple tenderness, but they are very moving. Gwan Sik’s last wish to see Ae Sun’s smile shows a lifetime of love. It reminds us that real love is in the small, precious moments, a steady and warm feeling that lasts even when we have to say goodbye.
Ae Sun and Gwan Sik’s growing family. Photo: Netflix
In the end, “When Life Gives You Tangerines” leaves viewers with a powerful, simple truth: that even through hardship, human connection and the pursuit of dreams are worth every step. This show, with its tender moments and honest portrayal of life, offers a lasting reminder of the strength we find in each other and the beauty we create when we dare to dream.
