[Dispatch=Kim Do-yeon] In ancient Jeju, society was matriarchal. Women divers, known as haenyeo, sustained their families with each deep breath they took beneath the waves. Their daughters, waiting anxiously onshore, could only hold back tears once the sumbi sound — the diver's exhale — echoed across the sea.

Many dramas have used Jeju as their backdrop. Stories inspired by haenyeo are not uncommon. Yet, Netflix's When Life Gives You Tangerines (폭싹 속았수다) resonates deeply because it captures the sorrows and joys of every "Ae-soon" — embodied by IU — who lived through those difficult times.

Ae-soon's life is marked by hardship. She becomes a housemaid at just nine years old. Even after her mother's death, she cannot escape the poverty that haunts her. On the day she tries to run from her fate, Ae-soon is expelled from school, and her dreams of becoming a writer fade.

The hopeful young girl eventually becomes a wife and mother, yet her hardships never cease. She gains a daughter but loses a son. Like waves crashing endlessly, Ae-soon is swept up in life's struggles. By the time the waters calm, her youth has long since slipped away.

IU portrays Ae-soon — vibrant and heart-wrenching. She fully transforms into the character, delivering both laughter and tears with her nuanced performance. Her detailed expressions add incredible depth to Ae-soon's journey.

With the release of When Life Gives You Tangerines Part 2 (Episodes 5–8), we look back at IU's passionate portrayal of Ae-soon.

◆ "Welcome, Honjeo-opsseoye"

When Life Gives You Tangerines spans from 1960 to 2025, depicting Ae-soon's radiant yet turbulent life. This marks IU's first period drama and her first time taking on dual roles — playing both young Ae-soon and Ae-soon's daughter, Geum-myeong.

It is nearly impossible to imagine Ae-soon portrayed by anyone other than IU. Director Kim Won-seok remarked, "From feistiness to sorrow to tearful vulnerability, IU captures every nuance of Ae-soon. No other actress came to mind for the role."

IU's Ae-soon is multifaceted from the start. She debuts as a literary girl reading a book at the market, speaking with sharp wit and confidence. IU's performance immediately captivated viewers.

Even in the first episode, IU's growth as an actress was evident. Critics praised her transformation, acknowledging the vast range of her acting and her immersive portrayal in every scene.

◆ "Don't Shrink Back"

Part 2 of the series showcases IU's emotional depth. Ae-soon, though not a diver, endures relentless hardships. When her husband Gwan-sik (played by Park Bo-gum) loses his job, poverty tightens its grip. Even their rice jar is empty.

IU delicately conveys Ae-soon's struggle, particularly in scenes where Ae-soon cannot fully express her burdens to her grandmother. A single tear held the weight of Ae-soon's suffering.

Yet Ae-soon does not shrink back. She succeeds in protecting her family, even buying a boat with the savings her grandmother gives her. As Ae-soon smiles, so do the viewers. IU masterfully captures these complex emotions.

IU's portrayal of Ae-soon's strength shines in the ancestral ritual scene at sea, where she proudly proclaims herself "the most devoted daughter-in-law" among the village elders. It was a moment that left viewers completely disarmed.

◆ "Live, and Life Will Go On"

One of the most heart-wrenching moments comes when Ae-soon loses her youngest son, Dong-myeong, after he is swept away by the sea. Ae-soon had left home upon hearing about her daughter's bicycle accident, only to return to tragedy.

While opinions varied on this plot development — some calling it overly dramatic, others praising its realism — IU delivered a deeply moving performance as a grieving mother. Her tearful regret, whispering, "I should have hugged him," resonated with audiences.

Simultaneously, IU portrayed Geum-myeong, whose life mirrored the struggles of her mother. Despite being accepted to Seoul National University, Geum-myeong resorted to illegal tutoring to survive. IU flawlessly depicted both characters' contrasting personalities — Ae-soon, who never gave up, and Geum-myeong, who surrendered too quickly to despair.

IU's dual role performance showcased her profound understanding of each character, marking a successful first attempt at playing two distinct roles.

◆ "When Life Gives You Tangerines"

IU has expressed deep affection for Ae-soon, fully immersing herself in the character. Like Ae-soon, IU shares the same capacity for tears, laughter, and dreams — one of which is to be recognized as an actress.

Fortunately, IU's efforts paid off. The drama received global acclaim, earning a 98% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 9.3 rating on IMDb, with viewers praising it as "a masterpiece with every scene beautifully crafted."

This work is expected to redefine IU's acting career. Until My Mister, she was primarily known for her star power. However, When Life Gives You Tangerines has solidified IU as an actress with proven talent.

IU's passion for acting continues, with eight more episodes remaining. Netflix plans to release four episodes every two weeks. As the bright spring and summer pass, a new autumn and winter await.

[Photo Credit: Netflix]