All episodes of “When Life Gives You Tangerines” K-drama are finally available and ready to watch on Netflix. But if you’re planning on a weekend marathon, please brace yourself! Some of the best scenes in “When Life Gives You Tangerines” K-drama will hit you with emotions so raw, they’ll linger long after the credits roll.
So, grab those tissues for the inevitable tears and keep some ice packs nearby — puffy eyes are practically guaranteed.
Are you ready? Let’s dive into all the best scenes from “When Life Gives You Tangerines” K-drama with the ultimate raw showcase of human emotions below.
*THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS SPOILERS. PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK*
Best Scenes with Ultimate Raw Emotions from “When Life Gives You Tangerines” K-drama
With a breathtaking display of human emotions from the entire cast, here are the top 5 most powerful and tear-jerking scenes from “When Life Gives You Tangerines” K-drama.
1. Gwang Rye’s Death (Episode 1)
Episode 1 introduces us to Ae Soon’s devastating reality as she watches her mother, Gwang Rye, suffer from deteriorating health after years of backbreaking labor as a haenyeo (female diver) on Jeju Island.
Consumed by grief and resentment toward the sea that both sustained and stole from her family, Ae Soon’s cries pierce the air in one of the most gut-wrenching breakdowns of the series. The raw emotion in this scene magnifies the heartache of losing a loved one while setting the tone for Ae Soon’s journey of resilience.
Aesun's screams and cries as she grieves about her mother's health, knowing that the sea was the cause of it, this was such a raw, emotional moment.#WhenLifeGivesYouTangerine #WhenLifeGivesYouTangerinesEp1 pic.twitter.com/czedR11xyD
— emily(@hwaquake) March 14, 2025
2. “Leave So I Can Live” (Episode 3)
By Episode 3, societal pressure weighs heavily on Ae Soon. Gwan Shik’s mother urges her to marry a wealthy suitor, Do Sang Gil, who could support her education. Ae Soon, driven by both love and sacrifice, makes the heartbreaking decision to break up with Gwan Shik.
In a Jeju field, she tremblingly declares, “Leave so I can live,” throwing away the ring he offers. Gwan Shik’s desperate pleas are met with her steely resolve. Her words cut like a knife, yet the underlying pain in her voice is impossible to miss. This scene is a devastating testament to how love sometimes demands the most painful choices.
3. Gwan Shik Jumps Off the Ship (Episode 3)
Just when it seems like their love story is over, Gwan Shik leaves for the mainland. But as Ae Soon watches him drift away, the weight of her decision hits her. In a moment of desperation, she races to the harbor, calling his name through tears.
Hearing her cries, Gwan Shik leaps from the ship and swims back to her. Their emotional embrace, soaked in tears and seawater, is both heart-rending and beautifully cathartic. A humorous remark about wedding attire lightens the moment, making their reunion all the more unforgettable. This scene is a raw, triumphant declaration of enduring love.
4. Loss of the Youngest Son (Episode 6)
In Episode 6, a devastating typhoon changes Ae Soon and Gwan Shik’s family forever. After desperately searching for their missing children, they find their youngest son, Dong Myeong, lifeless near the seawall.
Ae Soon collapses in shock, cradling his cold body and sobbing uncontrollably. She screams in anguish, questioning why no ambulance arrived in time. Gwan Shik, overcome by the weight of his grief, breaks down beside her. This harrowing scene captures the unimaginable pain of losing a child. It’s a brutally honest portrayal of human sorrow that lingers long after the credits roll.
I—
— Quintessential L
This part when Ae sun lost her youngest child to the sea broke me.
I need a freaking TW#WhenLifeGivesYouTangerinesEp6 pic.twitter.com/ZV71bqEMwv
(@__ekleona) March 15, 2025
5. Gwan Shik’s Death (Episode 16)
By the finale, the family’s squid restaurant is thriving, but happiness is fleeting. Gwan Shik, diagnosed with lung cancer, suffers through his final days. Despite the family’s efforts to save him, the inevitable comes.
Gwan Shik, aware of his impending death due to lung cancer, shares a poignant moment with his daughter, Geum Myeong, in the hospital. He recounts his story, a lifelong devotion to Ae Soon. He then entrusts Geum Myeong with caring for her mother after his passing.
Later, as Gwan Shik’s health deteriorates, Ae Soon tenderly reassures him, saying, “Thank you, Honey. You’ve lived a good life.” This heartfelt exchange encapsulates the depth of their enduring love and the family’s resilience in the face of loss.
"There was a girl in the boy's life. All his life,the boy kept the girl's world safe"
—
"Thank you, honey. You've lived a good life."
WLGYT ability to make us all cry in every episode actually needs to be studied(@kdramas__) March 28, 2025
Brace Yourself for the Most Emotional Scenes of “When Life Gives You Tangerines” K-drama
So, are you ready to take this emotional rollercoaster ride with “When Life Gives You Tangerines” K-drama?
These raw showcases of human emotions of the series will bring you into a heartfelt journey through love, sacrifice, and resilience.
These scenes will tug at your heartstrings in ways you never expected. They will make you cry, smile, and reflect all the good things in your life at once. And believe us — you’ll need more than just tissues. Grab an ice pack for those puffy eyes and maybe a sweet bowl of tangerines to soothe your soul.
Now, let the tears (and feels) begin!
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