Park Hae-joon has captivated audiences with his heartfelt portrayal of Yang Gwan-sik, a devoted husband and father facing cancer in the Netflix drama When Life Gives You Tangerines. His performance, rooted in personal loss and intense physical preparation, has sparked widespread praise for its authenticity and emotional depth. During a recent appearance on tvN’s You Quiz on the Block on April 16, 2025, the actor shared the profound steps he took to embody this challenging role, revealing a process that was both physically grueling and deeply personal.
The series, a sweeping romance and slice-of-life drama set on Jeju Island, follows the lives of Oh Ae-sun (played by IU and Moon So-ri) and Yang Gwan-sik (played by Park Bo-gum and Park Hae-joon) across decades. Written by Lim Sang-choon and directed by Kim Won-seok, it has earned global acclaim for its nostalgic storytelling and stellar performances, topping Netflix charts in 12 countries. Park Hae-joon’s depiction of the older Gwan-sik, particularly during his battle with cancer, has resonated deeply with viewers, many of whom have lauded his ability to convey quiet strength and vulnerability.
Park Hae-joon revealed that his preparation was heavily influenced by the loss of his father to cancer when he was in his twenties.
“My father battled cancer when I was in my twenties,” he said on You Quiz on the Block. “While filming, I kept seeing his face in mine. I really do resemble him a lot. Those memories came rushing back, and I couldn’t stop thinking about him.”
This personal connection fueled his commitment to portraying Gwan-sik’s struggle with authenticity. He channeled these memories into scenes depicting Gwan-sik’s chemotherapy and physical decline, ensuring every moment felt real.
To physically embody a cancer patient, Park Hae-joon undertook extreme measures. He underwent rapid weight loss and dehydrated himself before filming intense hospital scenes to capture the frail appearance of someone undergoing treatment.
“I asked the production team for two to three days off,” he explained, describing how he used this time to prepare his body for the demanding scenes.
He also worked closely with the makeup and costume teams to reflect Gwan-sik’s deteriorating health, from his gaunt frame to the subtle tremors of weakness. These efforts were not just about aesthetics but about honoring the reality of those facing the disease.
Park Hae Joon in You Quiz on the Block; Image: Courtesy of tvN
The role required Park Hae-joon to depict Gwan-sik’s physical challenges beyond cancer. Earlier in the series, Gwan-sik sustains injuries from working on a squid boat, losing the ability to bend his right index finger. As he ages, one leg becomes impaired, making mobility difficult. Park Hae-joon meticulously studied these physical limitations, practicing Gwan-sik’s altered gait and posture to ensure consistency.
“The actor put significant effort into preparing for the hospital scenes in which Gwan-sik is shown undergoing chemotherapy,” noted an interview with The Korea Times.
His dedication extended to emotional preparation, particularly in scenes involving Gwan-sik’s family. Playing the father to Geum-myeong (IU), Park Hae-joon approached their relationship as if she were his own daughter, especially during her wedding scene, which he described as a pivotal moment.
“It was so beautiful, yet so heartbreaking,” he recalled. “I kept crying and laughing, it was overwhelming. That scene made me think, ‘It’s a good thing I never had a daughter.’ If I did, I wouldn’t have been able to stay composed while filming. I acted as if IU were my daughter and gave it my all.”
This emotional intensity carried over into his real life. Park Hae-joon, who has two sons in elementary school, shared a touching anecdote about their reaction to his performance.
“My wife showed them one episode, and I kept getting calls,” he said. “Apparently, when I looked sick in the show, they called every 30 minutes to ask if I was okay.”
The role also prompted personal reflection. Known previously as the “nation’s adulterer” for his role in The World of the Married, Park Hae-joon found playing Gwan-sik transformative.
“After filming, I would come home and look at my wife, feeling determined to treat her better,” he told The Korea Times. “This role became a turning point for me in real life, inspiring me to change and grow alongside the character.”
Fans and critics have celebrated his performance, with social media posts highlighting his seamless transition from Park Bo-gum’s younger Gwan-sik.
“Park Hae-joon’s portrayal of Gwan-sik is so moving, you forget it’s acting,” wrote one viewer on AsianWiki. “The role of a husband and father played is very good and very touching.”
The drama’s success has also led to heartwarming moments off-screen. On April 15, 2025, the cast, including IU, Kim Seon-ho, and Kang You-seok, reunited at the VIP premiere of Park Hae-joon’s film Yadang: The Snitch in Seoul, sparking nostalgia among fans.
“Geum Myeong from When Life Gives You Tangerines is here!” one fan posted online, capturing IU’s low-key arrival to support her co-star.
When Life Gives You Tangerines has been compared to Reply 1988 for its warmth and nostalgia, with Park Hae-joon’s performance anchoring its emotional core. The series, released in four volumes from March 7 to March 28, 2025, explores love, family, and resilience across 16 episodes, all streaming on Netflix. Park Hae-joon’s next projects include the Disney+ series Tempest and tvN’s First, For Love, alongside his role as a narcotics detective in Yadang: The Snitch, showcasing his versatility.
As audiences continue to connect with Gwan-sik’s story, Park Hae-joon’s preparation—rooted in personal loss, physical transformation, and emotional vulnerability—stands as a powerful testament to the humanity behind his craft. His ability to bring such depth to a character facing life’s hardest moments has left an indelible mark on viewers worldwide.
