IU Reflects on Marriage: “Only If I Can Have a Husband Like Gwan-sik…”
IU reflects on marriage, Park Bo-gum’s Gwan-sik, and her emotional roles in When Life Gives You Tangerines after the Netflix series’ global success.
Following the massive success of Netflix’s “When Life Gives You Tangerines,” singer-actress IU opened up about her experience with the drama and shared heartfelt thoughts on love, marriage, and her co-stars during a post-finale interview held at Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel on April 2.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
When asked if the series made her consider marriage, IU answered candidly, “A husband like Gwan-sik and children like Geum-myung and Eun-myung, if that kind of family dynamic were guaranteed, then maybe (I’d marry). But life isn’t that simple to decide.”
IU spoke with admiration about Park Bo-gum, who played Gwan-sik, the loyal and tender-hearted husband beloved by fans. “How did the writers create someone as human yet dreamily perfect as Gwan-sik? And Bo-gum brought him to life so vividly, it felt surreal watching him move before my eyes.”
Park Bo Gum when life gives you tangerines
She continued, “Everyone would pick Gwan-sik (as their favorite character), right? His arc was meticulously crafted, surprising me until the finale. Even his exit was remarkable. As a father, he was extraordinary, those moments of happiness amidst sadness made their love story so touching.”
IU also praised Lee Jun-young, who portrayed the tragic character Yeong-bom, “His character was heartbreaking, not hateful. He did his best, constantly calling for his mother. From Geum-myung’s perspective, I understood him, but he cried for his mom too much, that’s why their love couldn’t be.”
She added, “Jun-young had a tough role, repeating the same lines with varying emotions, and he nailed it. That helped me immerse deeper.”
“Ae-soon and Gwan-sik Were Unicorns to Each Other”
Reflecting on her dual roles as Ae-soon and daughter Geum-myung, IU shared, “Ae-soon was lucky to have Gwan-sik. While fans focus on his fantastical charm, what struck me was their equal love. They were unicorns to each other, perfectly matched.”
The Netflix original follows the bold and resilient Ae-soon, a dreamer born on Jeju Island, and Gwan-sik, her rock-steady partner. The story spans four seasons, capturing their lives and love through joy, loss, and quiet strength. IU received praise for her layered performance, especially in Season 4, portraying Geum-myung’s emotional growth.
The Jeju of Dreams When Life Gives You Tangerines Captures
IU’s performance and reflections have resonated with viewers around the world, adding deeper emotional value to a drama already hailed as one of Netflix Korea’s finest. Whether or not she plans to marry someday, fans agree — “When Life Gives You Tangerines” has given them a love story to remember.
