Park Bo Gum Speaks Out on Fans’ Worries About His Shorter Screen Time in When Life Gives You Tangerines Alongside IU, Says ‘We’re Still There, So Keep Watching’
“When Life Gives You Tangerines,” the much-loved Netflix drama starring IU and Park Bo Gum, has won over viewers with its heartfelt story and stunning visuals. But as the series moves forward, some fans have voiced worries about Park Bo Gum’s character, Gwan Sik, getting less screen time. Social media platforms like X have been buzzing with fans expressing their disappointment, hoping for more moments with the younger versions of Ae Sun and Gwan Sik. In response, both IU and Park Bo Gum, along with Netflix, have spoken up, shedding light on the drama’s one-of-a-kind storytelling approach.
Actors Reflect on Emotional Journey
In a recent YouTube video on IU’s channel called “Mini Palette | Sweet Chemistry with Park Bo Gum,” released on March 22, the two stars opened up about their time filming the series. IU shared how much the story touched her, saying,
[미니 팔레트]
동갑 케미 달아요 '검'나 달아요🍊(With 박보검) Ep.1 Their chemistry is so sweet like chewing 'GUM'🍊(With Park Bo-gum) Ep.1
after watching up to episode 13. Park Bo Gum chimed in with his own praise for the show, noting,
“All the characters are alive and well-developed. I’m really thankful and proud.”
When it came to fans’ concerns about screen time, Park Bo Gum didn’t shy away from the topic. He recognized that many viewers missed seeing more of his character alongside IU’s Ae Sun in their early days. He said,
“Many people congratulated me but also wished there were more scenes of my buzz-cut days and Ae Sun’s short bob era. The story quickly moves into our roles as parents, but I tell my friends to keep watching because we still appear throughout.”
IU jumped in to ease fans’ minds too, pointing out the drama’s unique structure. She explained,
“Our storytelling approach is unique. Even from episode one, the first scene starts with the older Ae Sun. For those who miss our younger selves, we’re still there, so please stay with us until the end.”
Her words were a gentle nudge for fans to stick with the series as it unfolds.
Netflix Addresses Screen Time Concerns
Netflix didn’t stay quiet either. On March 22, they released a statement tackling the chatter about Park Bo Gum’s reduced screen time. They made it clear that “When Life Gives You Tangerines” is built as a multi-generational story, meaning the focus shifts between characters as the plot moves along. The statement said,
“When Life Gives You Tangerines is a story filled with adventure, chronicling the life journey of Ae Sun and Gwan Sik. Just as much as the younger versions of Ae Sun and Gwan Sik brought joy, the middle-aged versions of these characters will also deliver plenty of entertainment and emotion. We ask for your continued interest in the stories of Ae Sun, Gwan Sik, Geum Myeong, and Eun Myeong in the remaining four acts.”
Drama’s Multi-Generational Storyline
The drama kicked off on March 7, rolling out in four volumes with four episodes dropping each week. Spanning from the 1960s all the way to 2025, it follows the lives of Ae Sun and Gwan Sik across decades. In Volume 1, fans fell in love with their youthful romance, thanks to the amazing chemistry between IU and Park Bo Gum. It was a hit right out of the gate.
Things started to change in Volume 2 and Volume 3, though. The story shifted to their married life and brought in their daughter, Geum Myeong, played by IU in a dual role. New faces like Park Young Beom (Lee Jun Young) and Park Choong Seop (Kim Seon Ho) joined the mix, broadening the tale even more. This shift is all part of the plan for a story that’s about long-term growth—both personal and family-wise. With the final volume hitting screens on March 28, fans can look forward to seeing more of Ae Sun and Gwan Sik’s later years, plus Geum Myeong’s own path.
Even with the screen time worries, “When Life Gives You Tangerines” keeps delivering a story that’s full of heart and beautifully put together, striking a chord with people all over the world. IU and Park Bo Gum have made it clear their characters aren’t going anywhere—they’re still a big part of the journey, just in a different way as the focus moves through different phases of their lives.
With only four episodes left, excitement is building for the big finish of this multi-generational saga.
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