Choi Dae Hoon’s performance as Bu Sang Gil in the Netflix series When Life Gives You Tangerines has touched audiences worldwide, with his portrayal drawing inspiration from his late father. The South Korean drama, set on Jeju Island, follows the lives of Oh Ae Sun and Yang Gwan Sik through decades of love and hardship. Choi’s role as the flawed yet relatable Bu Sang Gil has earned widespread praise for its depth and authenticity.
A Role Rooted in Personal Connection
Choi Dae Hoon revealed that his portrayal of Bu Sang Gil, a gruff fishing captain with a complex personality, was deeply influenced by his father. In an appearance on tvN’s You Quiz on the Block (episode 290), Choi shared that he saw parts of his father in Sang Gil. He noted a specific outfit in the drama that mirrored his late father’s style, which moved him to tears during filming. His father suffered a stroke and was in a vegetative state for 11 years before passing away during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when hospital visits were restricted. This personal loss added emotional weight to Choi’s performance, making Sang Gil a character that resonated with many.
“There’s a part of my dad in Sang Gil,”Choi said on You Quiz on the Block. “One outfit in the drama even mirrored his late father’s exact look, moving him to tears.”
Choi also shared that he observed senior citizens in parks and subways to ensure his portrayal of Sang Gil in his later years felt authentic. He worried about the character appearing caricatured, so he focused on subtle details like posture and expressions to bring realism to the role.
Who Is Bu Sang Gil?
Bu Sang Gil, portrayed by Choi Dae Hoon, is a pivotal supporting character in When Life Gives You Tangerines. Known as “Ssang Gil” in his village, he’s a brash, foul-mouthed fishing captain who often clashes with others. In his youth, Sang Gil is selfish and explosive, relying on bravado to navigate life. He’s briefly engaged to Ae Sun (IU) before she chooses Gwan Sik (Park Bo Gum), highlighting his contrast with the devoted Gwan Sik.
Sang Gil marries Yeong Ran (Jang Hye Jin), but their marriage struggles. Yeong Ran divorces him once she gains financial independence, tired of his philandering and neglectful parenting. They have four children, including Bu Hyeon Suk (Lee Soo Kyung), who later marries Yang Eun Myeong (Kang You Seok), the son of Ae Sun and Gwan Sik. Over time, Sang Gil shows growth, reflecting on his mistakes and seeking redemption, especially in his relationship with his children.
“So it was me… I was the crap,”Sang Gil says in a moment of self-realization, capturing his regret and growth.
Choi’s performance shines in scenes like Sang Gil riding a bike with Yeong Ran for the first time, showing childlike joy, or his quiet envy of parents loved by their children. These moments made audiences laugh, cry, and reflect on their own family dynamics.
The Drama’s Massive Success
When Life Gives You Tangerines, released on Netflix from March 7 to March 28, 2025, is a 16-episode romance and slice-of-life series directed by Kim Won Seok and written by Lim Sang Choon. It stars IU as Oh Ae Sun, a rebellious girl with dreams of becoming a poet, and Park Bo Gum as Yang Gwan Sik, her steadfast partner. Moon So Ri and Park Hae Joon play their older versions. The series, filmed in Jeju and Andong, cost approximately ₩60 billion (around $45 million) to produce.
The drama has been a global hit, topping Netflix’s Top 10 Non-English Shows for seven weeks. It debuted at No. 4 with 3.6 million views, reached No. 1 with 5.5 million views in its third week, and maintained strong viewership. It’s been compared to Reply 1988 for its nostalgic warmth, weaving Korean history and Jeju culture into a moving narrative. Park Bo Gum’s portrayal of Gwan Sik sparked a viral social media challenge called “My Own Gwan Sik,” where fans shared stories of loved ones mirroring his caring nature.
“This drama is such a masterpiece. I cried every episode,” wrote a fan on AsianWiki. “The most beautiful series I’ve seen in recent times!”
Choi Dae Hoon’s Breakout Moment
Choi Dae Hoon, often called “Hak Ssi Ajusshi” for Sang Gil’s dramatic outbursts, has become a fan favorite. A clip titled “Hak Ssi no, I mean Mr. Bu just shut up already!” on Netflix’s YouTube channel gained over 550,000 views, showing his breakout appeal. Fans on Reddit praised Choi’s layered performance, noting how he made Sang Gil both frustrating and sympathetic.
“He clearly shows what viewers want to see. A pathetic character with many layers of stories,” a Reddit user commented.
Choi, a theater-trained actor, has appeared in dramas like Beyond Evil, Curtain Call, The Good Detective 2, and One Dollar Lawyer. His role in When Life Gives You Tangerines stands out for its contrast with his chilling performance as a psychopath in Disney+’s Trigger. Critics have hailed this as a career-defining moment, with The Korea Times noting that Choi brought “heart, complexity, and truth” to Sang Gil.
A Story of Flawed Fathers
Sang Gil’s arc reflects the struggles of many fathers, flawed yet striving to do better. Unlike Gwan Sik, who sacrifices everything for his family, Sang Gil starts as a neglectful parent. His redemption arc, especially in the final episodes, shows his efforts to reconnect with his daughter Hyeon Suk. This mirrors Choi’s reflections on his own father, whose imperfections shaped his understanding of Sang Gil.
The series highlights generational differences, with Sang Gil’s patriarchal attitudes clashing with Gwan Sik’s selfless love. Choi’s ability to portray Sang Gil’s growth—from a brash troublemaker to a man seeking forgiveness—has made the character a standout.
Fan Reactions and Cultural Impact
Fans have flooded social media with praise for Choi’s performance. On X, users shared memes of Sang Gil’s iconic “Hak Ssi!” outbursts, while others posted emotional tributes to the character’s softer moments. Netizens on MyDramaList called Choi’s acting “raw and authentic,” crediting him with stealing scenes from the star-studded cast.
“Choi Dae Hoon’s performance is so strong and authentic. He made me hate Sang Gil but also feel for him,” a fan wrote on KapanLagi.com.
The drama’s focus on family and resilience has sparked discussions about parental love and forgiveness. Choi’s portrayal has prompted viewers to reflect on their own relationships, with many saying Sang Gil reminded them of their fathers’ struggles.
What’s Next for Choi Dae Hoon
Choi Dae Hoon is set to star in Netflix’s The Wonder Fools, playing Son Gyeong Un, a troublemaker with supernatural powers in a 1999-set comic-action series. Fans are excited to see how he’ll bring his signature depth to this new role. His performance in When Life Gives You Tangerines has cemented his status as a versatile actor, capable of portraying both villains and heartfelt characters.
As of April 2025, When Life Gives You Tangerines continues to trend globally, with fans rewatching the series for its emotional depth. Choi Dae Hoon’s role as Bu Sang Gil remains a highlight, with his personal connection to the character adding a layer of authenticity that has touched hearts worldwide.
