Netflix’s “When Life Gives You Tangerines” dominated the 4th Blue Dragon Series Awards, with IU taking home Best Actress and Park Bo Gum showing his unwavering support.
The 4th Blue Dragon Series Awards was a night of big wins and emotional moments, especially for the cast of Netflix’s “When Life Gives You Tangerines.” The show won the Grand Prize (Daesang), while IU claimed her first Best Actress award for her dual role in the drama. Her co-star Park Bo Gum was seen cheering for her enthusiastically, capturing fans’ hearts with their off-screen bond.
IU’s Emotional Best Actress Win
IU, whose real name is Lee Ji-eun, played both Oh Ae-sun and her daughter Yang Geum-myeong in the series. Her performance was praised for its depth and emotional range, earning her the Best Actress trophy. During her acceptance speech, she called the drama the “most meaningful and proudest work” of her life.
“From the moment I first received the offer for When Life Gives You Tangerines, and then throughout the shoot, as well as while waiting for it to air and when it finally did… In fact, even now and for the rest of my life, this project will remain one of the most treasured experiences of my life. It was such an honor and such a joy to be able to work with the Tangerines team.”
She also thanked the scriptwriter Lim Sang-choon, director Kim Won-seok, and the entire crew, saying she had “the most fun” working on the project.
Park Bo Gum’s Adorable Fan Moment
While IU gave her speech, Park Bo Gum, who played her on-screen husband Yang Gwan-sik, was spotted in the audience with a big smile, filming her win on his phone like a “devoted fansite master.” Fans loved the sweet interaction, calling it proof of their strong friendship.
The two stars’ chemistry was a major reason for the drama’s success, and their off-screen camaraderie only made viewers adore them more. Social media buzzed with clips of Park Bo Gum’s reaction, with fans saying he looked “prouder than anyone else.”
“When Life Gives You Tangerines” Sweeps the Awards
The Netflix drama was the biggest winner of the night, taking home four awards:
- Grand Prize (Daesang)
- Best Actress (IU)
- Best Supporting Actress (Yeom Hye-ran)
- Popular Star Award (IU and Park Bo Gum)
Yeom Hye-ran, who played Ae-sun’s mother, won Best Supporting Actress and humorously said she “may not deserve” all the praise but was deeply honored.
Other Big Winners at the Blue Dragon Series Awards
While “When Life Gives You Tangerines” stole the show, other Netflix titles also shined:
- “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call” won Best Drama, with Ju Ji-hoon taking Best Actor.
- Lee Kwang-soo won Best Supporting Actor for “Karma.”
- Kim Min-ha (“Pachinko” fame) won Best New Actress for “Way Back Love.”
The Popular Star Awards went to IU, Park Bo Gum, Lee Hye-ri, and Lee Jun-hyuk, showing their massive fan support.
Fans React to IU and Park Bo Gum’s Moment
Social media exploded with reactions to IU’s win and Park Bo Gum’s sweet support.
“Na neomu joha moment of Actress IU finally came!! Chukahae!!” – Fan comment
“This! Forget Baeksang—Queen Ji Eun got the Blue Dragon!” – Fan reaction
“You deserved it. How about Park Bo Gum? Did he win Best Actor?” – Fan question
Many fans praised their real-life friendship, saying it made the drama even more special.
Why “When Life Gives You Tangerines” Resonated with Audiences
The slice-of-life drama, set in Jeju Island and Seoul, follows Ae-sun’s journey from a poor girl dreaming of becoming a poet to a mother navigating life’s challenges. Its nostalgic storytelling and strong performances drew comparisons to the beloved series “Reply 1988.”
With 16 episodes released in March 2025, the show became a global hit, praised for its writing, direction, and emotional depth.
The 4th Blue Dragon Series Awards celebrated the best in Korean streaming content, with “When Life Gives You Tangerines” leading the pack. IU’s heartfelt win and Park Bo Gum’s supportive moment were highlights, proving their bond extends beyond the screen.
Source: Insight
