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Instead of making fans wait week after week or giving them everything in one go, the streaming giant will release four episodes every Friday for four weeks straight.
The 16-episode drama will unfold in structured seasonal chapters with the finale on March 28. (Photo Credits: Instagram)
Netflix is taking a fresh approach with its latest South Korean drama When Life Gives You Tangerines, starring the beloved IU and Park Bo Gum. Slated for a March 7 premiere, the series is already turning heads, not just for its star-studded cast but for its unconventional release schedule. Unlike the usual binge-worthy drop or the standard weekly rollout, Netflix is going for something different. Instead of making fans wait week after week or giving them everything in one go, the streaming giant will release four episodes every Friday for four weeks straight.
That means the 16-episode drama will unfold in structured seasonal chapters, with the finale airing on March 28.
Netflix executive Bae Jong Byung shed light on the decision, explaining that this staggered release isn’t random. It aligns perfectly with the drama’s four-act structure, allowing audiences to immerse themselves fully in each phase of the story.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Jeju Island, the drama follows two contrasting characters: Park Bo Gum’s Gwan Sik, a steadfast and reliable man and IU’s Ae Sun, a spirited free-thinker. Their journey spans the changing seasons, bringing their relationship and personal growth into focus.
The excitement is already building, especially after the first promotional image was revealed. In the teaser, Park Bo Gum sports a laid-back, athletic look, while IU exudes elegance in a more polished ensemble, visually hinting at their characters’ differing personalities.
Netflix seems confident in the dynamic between these two powerhouse actors, even suggesting that audiences might wonder why they haven’t shared the screen before. With the premiere inching closer, fans can hardly wait to see their chemistry unfold. As Netflix Korea officially stated, “The series’ Korean title pays homage to the Jeju dialect, translating to ‘thank you for your hard work,’ lending cultural authenticity to the narrative.”
Diving deeper into the characters, IU’s Ae Sun is a passionate dreamer with a love for poetry. She wears her emotions on her sleeve and refuses to let life’s hardships dim her optimism. Park Bo Gum’s Gwan Shik is the silent yet devoted type—his love for Ae Sun is unwavering, even if he struggles to put it into words.
Backing this highly anticipated project is an all-star creative team. Director Kim Won Suk, known for masterpieces like Misaeng (Incomplete Life), Signal and My Mister, is at the helm, while the script is crafted by acclaimed screenwriter Im Sang Choon (Fight My Way, When the Camellia Blooms). The drama also boasts a stellar supporting cast, including Moon So Ri and Park Hae Joon, promising powerhouse performances all around.
