
IU Captivates Viewers with Heart-Wrenching Performance in When Life Gives You Tangerines.
In the third act of the Netflix drama When Life Gives You Tangerines (written by Lim Sang Choon and directed by Kim Won Seok), which premiered on Friday, IU, playing the character Geum Myeong, delivered a standout performance that added incredible depth to her role.
In a tender scene where she reunites with her boyfriend, Yeong Bum (played by Lee Jun Young), IU perfectly captures the sweetness and charm of her character. With a playful tone and loving expressions, she brought the moment to life, making it impossible for viewers not to feel the connection between the couple. Later, after waking up in the emergency room, IU skillfully conveyed her character’s vulnerability through a soft voice while reassuring Yeong Bum with a subtle smile. This delicate balance showcased her talent in capturing Geum Myeong’s emotional journey.

In a dramatic confrontation with Yeong Bum’s mother, IU’s emotional range elevated the scene’s intensity. With a firm tone, she declared, “I’m not ashamed of my father’s hand,” beautifully expressing Geum Myeong’s complex emotions through her breath, gaze, and words. In this powerful moment, IU masterfully portrayed the character’s deep love for her parents and her inner strength, earning the viewers’ empathy. The emotional climax hit when locking eyes with Yeong Bum; Geum Myeong finally let her pent-up feelings out, saying, “How can we marry like this? Our parents will be heartbroken.”
Throughout each episode, IU continues to breathe life into Geum Myeong, effortlessly transitioning between vulnerability and strength. In this third act, her nuanced performance only enhanced the character’s emotional growth. As the final episode draws near, fans can’t wait to see the new layers IU will bring to the role.
When Life Gives You, Tangerines will be available this Friday on Netflix.