IU showed remarkable dedication during a challenging scene in the hit Netflix K-drama When Life Gives You Tangerines, earning high praise from co-star Oh Min Ae for her professionalism and courage. The scene, a most viewed moment in the series, highlighted IU’s willingness to push boundaries for authenticity.
The Netflix series When Life Gives You Tangerines, released from March 7 to March 28, 2025, has captured global attention with its heartfelt storytelling and stellar performances. The drama, set on Jeju Island and spanning decades, follows the love story of Oh Ae Sun (played by IU) and Yang Gwan Sik (played by Park Bo Gum). A key moment in the series involves a dramatic confrontation that required IU to endure a physically demanding scene, showcasing her commitment to her craft.
The Intense Slap Scene
In a recent interview with Star News, veteran actress Oh Min Ae, who plays Gwon Gye Ok, Oh Ae Sun’s strict mother-in-law, shared behind-the-scenes details about filming the now-iconic slap scene. This moment occurs when Oh Ae Sun stands up to Gwon Gye Ok to protect her daughter, Yang Geum Myeong, from being forced to become a haenyeo, a traditional female diver. The confrontation is emotionally charged, marking a turning point in the drama’s narrative.
Oh Min Ae revealed that IU insisted on performing the scene authentically, volunteering to take real slaps to capture the raw emotion of Oh Ae Sun’s pain and defiance.
“It seemed like IU wanted to really connect with Ae Sun’s pain and make it as authentic as possible. She wasn’t afraid of getting hit and insisted on taking the slaps herself. I was so worried that I kept telling her, ‘Let’s get it done in one go, one slap is enough.’ But IU came prepared to take ten slaps, if that’s what it took.”
Oh Min Ae admitted she was nervous about striking IU, describing her as an “innocent and delicate girl.” She took extra care to ensure IU’s safety, aiming to complete the scene in a single take to minimize discomfort. IU’s determination to endure the physical challenge left a lasting impression on Oh Min Ae, who praised her grit and professionalism.
IU’s Dedication to Authenticity
IU’s decision to forgo stunt doubles or special effects for the slap scene reflects her deep connection to Oh Ae Sun’s character. As a rebellious young woman in 1950s Jeju who dreams of becoming a poet despite poverty and societal constraints, Oh Ae Sun faces numerous hardships. IU, known for her roles in dramas like Hotel Del Luna and Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, approached the scene with an instinctive drive to portray Oh Ae Sun’s resilience and emotional depth.
“I think when it comes to selecting my projects, for me it’s really all about does it light a fire inside me. Does it make me want to take on the challenge? It’s hard to pinpoint what particular details make that happen, but I think I approach it more intuitively, where I think to myself, after reading a script, does it make my heart beat?”
IU’s commitment extended beyond the slap scene. She prepared extensively for her dual roles as Oh Ae Sun and her daughter, Yang Geum Myeong, immersing herself in the cultural and historical context of Jeju Island from the 1950s to the 2000s. Her performance has been lauded for its range, with critics noting her ability to embody vastly different characters across different eras.
Oh Min Ae’s Heartfelt Praise
Oh Min Ae, a seasoned actress with years of experience, expressed admiration for IU’s work ethic and kindness on set. She highlighted IU’s ability to balance her demanding role with a warm and respectful attitude toward the cast and crew.
“IU is someone who is just so mature and a good person to everybody. To younger people, she’s such a great adult. To those who are more experienced, she’s such a good junior. To me, she’s such a great friend and partner.”
Oh Min Ae’s praise underscores the collaborative spirit on the set of When Life Gives You Tangerines. The drama, directed by Kim Won Seok and written by Lim Sang Choon, brought together a talented ensemble, including Park Bo Gum, Moon So Ri, Park Hae Joon, Na Moon Hee, and Kim Yong Rim. The first script reading on March 7, 2023, marked the beginning of a project that would resonate with audiences worldwide.
A Global Hit with Emotional Depth
When Life Gives You Tangerines, also known by its Korean title Pokssak Sogassuda (meaning “Thank You for Your Hard Work” in Jeju dialect), has become a cultural phenomenon. The 16-episode series topped Netflix’s global non-English TV chart, ranking first in four countries and in the top 10 across 39 countries as of April 2025. It earned a 9.3/10 rating on IMDb, surpassing K-dramas like Squid Game and The Glory, and a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on five critics’ reviews.
The drama’s non-linear narrative weaves together the lives of Oh Ae Sun, Gwan Sik, and their children, set against the backdrop of Jeju Island and Seoul from the 1950s to the 2000s. It explores themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience, drawing comparisons to Reply 1988 for its nostalgic warmth and cultural authenticity. The series also integrates Korean history, such as the 1960 presidential election fraud, adding depth to its storytelling.
Fan and Critic Reactions
Fans and netizens have flooded social media with praise for IU’s performance in the slap scene and the drama as a whole. On Reddit, viewers lauded the emotional intensity of IU’s acting, with one user describing her facial expression in a flashback scene as “heart-stoppingly emotional, intense, and beautiful.” Another fan on AsianWiki wrote:
“IU is Fantastic, she’s a phenomenal actor. She’s incredible as a singer and she’s also great at acting, what can’t she do really?”
Critics have equally celebrated the series. RogerEbert.com called it a “culmination” of genres, blending romance, history, and slice-of-life elements seamlessly. The South China Morning Post gave it a five-star review, praising its “rich scripts” and “magnetic” performances by IU and Moon So Ri.
On X, posts echoed the admiration for IU’s courage. One user shared:
“The one take master stroke by queen IU!”
Another highlighted Oh Min Ae’s nervousness about filming the scene, emphasizing the mutual respect between the actors.
The Drama’s Lasting Impact
The slap scene has become a talking point for its raw authenticity, but it’s just one part of When Life Gives You Tangerines’ broader appeal. The drama’s emotional depth is evident in moments like Oh Ae Sun’s decision to stop wearing her signature hairpins after Gwan Sik’s death from cancer, only to resume wearing them after publishing her poetry book—a symbol of reclaiming her identity.
The series also sparked cultural trends, such as the “My Own Gwan Sik” viral challenge, where fans shared stories of loved ones embodying Gwan Sik’s steadfast devotion. Netflix Korea capitalized on the drama’s popularity, releasing merchandise like keychains and plushies featuring Oh Ae Sun and Gwan Sik.
As of April 27, 2025, When Life Gives You Tangerines continues to dominate streaming charts and award discussions. The drama has been invited to the Cannes 2025 International Series Festival for a special screening, alongside other K-dramas like Doubt and S Line. IU and Park Bo Gum’s performances are generating buzz for potential accolades at upcoming award ceremonies, with fans eagerly awaiting news of nominations.
Also Read: IU Shares How When Life Gives You Tangerines Celebrates Life’s Joys, Sorrows, and Strength
The series remains a testament to the power of storytelling, with IU’s fearless approach to the slap scene embodying the drama’s core message: enduring life’s challenges with courage and love. Fans can stream all 16 episodes on Netflix, where the story of Oh Ae Sun and Gwan Sik continues to inspire.
CREDITS: Star News
