Veteran Actress Oh Min Ae Reveals Sacrificing All Assets, Finding Peace in Temple Life, and Overcoming Career Struggles on Radio Star After Playing Park Bo Gum’s Mother in When Life Gives You Tangerines

Veteran actress Oh Min Ae, known for her role as Park Bo Gum’s mother in the hit Netflix drama When Life Gives You Tangerines, made her first variety show appearance in 34 years. The May 7, 2025, episode of MBC’s Radio Star featured her alongside guests Song Il-gook, Jung Si-ah, and KCM. During the show, she opened up about her challenging life, including giving up all her assets and seeking peace in a temple. Her story of resilience captivated the host and audience. This article explores her journey, career struggles, and inspiring comeback.

Oh Min Ae’s appearance on Radio Star marked a rare moment for the actress. She shared that she gave up her possessions during a tough period in her life. Seeking solace, she turned to temple life, finding inner peace amidst hardship. This revelation shocked the show’s host and guests. Her story highlighted her strength in facing adversity.

At 42, Oh Min Ae welcomed her first child, a moment that brought immense joy. She described this as a turning point after years of struggle. The happiness of motherhood contrasted with the challenges she faced earlier. Her emotional journey resonated with viewers. It showcased her ability to find light in dark times.

Oh Min Ae’s acting career began unexpectedly at 27. She had no prior experience with theater, not even as an audience member. Initially planning to backpack in India, she stumbled into theater through backstage work. This sparked her passion for acting. She found her calling in the performing arts.

Her path to success was not easy. Oh Min Ae shared that it took 10 years to gain steady footing in theater. She faced constant uncertainty in her early career. The instability contributed to financial struggles, especially before her role in When Life Gives You Tangerines. Her perseverance paid off with recognition later in life.

Education played a significant role in Oh Min Ae’s journey. She dropped out of high school due to family issues. Determined to move forward, she earned her Korean GED. She later completed degrees at Korea National Open University and graduate school. Her commitment to learning shaped her career and outlook.

“An actor must keep learning until they die,” Oh Min Ae said on Radio Star, emphasizing her dedication to growth.

Oh Min Ae’s role as Gwon Gye Ok in When Life Gives You Tangerines brought her widespread acclaim. She played the strict mother-in-law to IU’s character, Oh Ae Sun. Her performance in the drama’s emotional “slap scene” earned praise from co-star IU. IU’s professionalism during the scene left a lasting impression. Oh Min Ae recalled IU’s willingness to take real slaps for authenticity.

“IU 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,’” Oh Min Ae told Star News.
“IU and Park Bo Gum were like angels on set, looking after everyone around them,” she added, praising their caring nature.

The actress’s career spans several notable dramas. She appeared in The Glory, Penthouse: War in Life, D.P., My Liberation Notes, Blind, Daily Dose of Sunshine, A Killer Paradox, and The Whirlwind. Her role as Ha Do-young’s mother in The Glory also garnered attention. Each project showcased her versatility. Her experience enriched her performances.

Oh Min Ae’s financial struggles were tied to her late career breakthrough. Before When Life Gives You Tangerines, steady roles were hard to come by. The drama’s success, which topped Netflix charts in 42 countries, marked a turning point. Its 9.3 IMDb rating reflected its global impact. Oh Min Ae’s role contributed to its emotional depth.

The actress’s temple stay was a pivotal chapter. It helped her cope with personal and financial challenges. She found clarity and strength during this time. Her decision to let go of material possessions was a bold step. It underscored her focus on inner peace over worldly concerns.

Oh Min Ae’s educational journey reflects her resilience. After dropping out, she pursued learning with determination. Her degrees from Korea National Open University and graduate school were hard-earned. She views education as essential for actors. This belief drives her continuous self-improvement.

Her Radio Star appearance coincided with Parents’ Day in South Korea. The episode’s theme resonated with her story of motherhood. Oh Min Ae’s joy at welcoming her child at 42 touched viewers. Her struggles as a mother added depth to her on-screen maternal roles. Fans connected with her authenticity.

When Life Gives You Tangerines is a slice-of-life drama set in Jeju Island. It follows Oh Ae Sun (IU) and Yang Gwan Sik (Park Bo Gum) from the 1960s to the present. The series explores love, family, and sacrifice across decades. Oh Min Ae’s character, Gwon Gye Ok, is a key figure in the story. Her performance added emotional weight to the narrative.

The drama’s success was recognized at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards. It won Best Drama, Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor for Choi Dae-hoon, and Best Supporting Actress for Yeom Hye-ran. Despite IU and Park Bo Gum’s stellar performances, they were overlooked for individual awards. Fans expressed disappointment online. Oh Min Ae’s contribution was part of the drama’s triumph.

“This drama is so well written, I can relate with almost every single scene when it comes to my family,” said a fan on AsianWiki.
“It’s heartbreaking to see Ae Sun, Gwan Sik, and the others struggle,” another viewer commented, reflecting the drama’s emotional impact.

Oh Min Ae’s theater background shaped her approach to acting. Starting with backstage work, she learned the craft from the ground up. Her 10-year struggle to establish herself built her resilience. She brought this depth to her roles, especially in When Life Gives You Tangerines. Her journey inspires aspiring actors.

The actress’s life reflects the themes of When Life Gives You Tangerines. The drama portrays characters facing hardships with perseverance. Oh Min Ae’s real-life struggles mirror this narrative. Her temple stay and late career success echo the show’s message of enduring through challenges. Her story adds authenticity to her performance.

Oh Min Ae’s Radio Star appearance aired on May 7, 2025, at 10:30 p.m. KST. The episode offered a rare glimpse into her life. Viewers learned about her sacrifices and triumphs. Her openness about financial and personal struggles struck a chord. It highlighted her as a relatable figure in Korean entertainment.

Her role in The Glory as a stern mother showcased her range. Playing maternal figures became her forte. In When Life Gives You Tangerines, she portrayed a complex character. Gwon Gye Ok’s disapproval of Oh Ae Sun created tension in the story. Oh Min Ae’s nuanced performance made the character memorable.

The actress’s journey began with humble roots. Growing up, she faced family challenges that led to dropping out of high school. Her determination to educate herself later in life set her apart. Earning a GED and university degrees showed her commitment. This resilience carried into her acting career.

Oh Min Ae’s temple life was a response to overwhelming challenges. Letting go of assets was a bold choice during a low point. The experience grounded her, giving her perspective. She emerged stronger, ready to embrace motherhood and her career. This chapter shaped her outlook on life.

Her praise for IU and Park Bo Gum highlighted the positive atmosphere on set. Both stars created a supportive environment. Oh Min Ae noted their professionalism in her Star News interview. Their kindness influenced the entire cast and crew. This camaraderie contributed to the drama’s success.

When Life Gives You Tangerines is inspired by a real-life Jeju couple. The story of Hong Kyung Ja, who faced struggles like Oh Ae Sun, added authenticity. Oh Min Ae’s own hardships aligned with the drama’s themes. Her performance resonated with viewers because of this connection. The series remains a global hit.

Oh Min Ae’s story is one of overcoming odds. From financial instability to temple life, she faced setbacks head-on. Her late career success proves her determination. Roles in major dramas like The Glory and When Life Gives You Tangerines cemented her status. She continues to inspire with her craft.

The actress’s educational achievements are a testament to her drive. Completing degrees while building a career was no small feat. Her belief in lifelong learning guides her work. She encourages actors to keep growing. This philosophy keeps her performances fresh and impactful.

Also Read: Choi Dae Hoon’s Best Supporting Actor Acceptance Speech at 61st Baeksang Arts Awards 2025 for When Life Gives You Tangerines Goes Viral

Oh Min Ae’s Radio Star episode was a milestone. It allowed fans to see her beyond her roles. Her vulnerability in sharing struggles endeared her to viewers. The Parents’ Day theme amplified her story’s emotional weight. Her journey from hardship to triumph left a lasting impression.

Credits: Netflix Korea

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