Behind-the-Scenes of “When Life Gives You Tangerines”: IU and Park Bo-gum’s “First Night” Scene Was One-Take
Netflix’s “When Life Gives You Tangerines“ has captivated global viewers with its poignant storytelling and the actors’ outstanding performances. On April 8, Netflix released a detailed Q&A with the series’ cinematographer, art directors and music director, revealing details about the making of the show particularly the emotional “first night” scene shared between leads IU and Park Bo-gum.
The Scene That Left a Mark
Cinematographer Choi Yoon-man revealed that the emotional gravity of the drama reminded him of his own late mother, and he felt deeply moved while reading the script. Among the many scenes, he cited the scene at a small inn where Ae-sun (IU) and Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum) share their first night after running away as the most memorable. “We shot it as a one-take scene, using a single camera movement to capture the raw emotion,” Choi said.
Capturing Emotion Over Glamour
Despite the show’s high budget, Choi emphasized a minimalist approach, “We wanted to avoid visual excess. The visuals needed to feel grounded so the actors’ performances could shine.” He praised the cast’s dedication and worked to ensure the camera setup never restricted their movement or emotional expression.
Designing a Living Timeline
Art directors Ryu Seong-hee and Choi Ji-hye faced the monumental task of illustrating 65 years of Korean modern history. Their goal wasn’t just historical accuracy but to reflect the characters’ evolving emotions and inner worlds. They built a full-scale fishing village set in Andong to portray various timelines. “We transformed the set multiple times to show the passage of time,” Ryu explained.
Even seemingly minor props like old posters and handwritten banners were hand-crafted based on period-accurate references. The aim, they said, was to reflect lived memories, not just aesthetics.
Seamless Visual Effects
Given the era-spanning narrative, VFX played a critical yet invisible role. Whether it was blending different locations into one seamless scene or recreating a storm-tossed sea, VFX helped enhance realism. “Some shots might be completely CGI, but you wouldn’t even notice,” the team noted.
A Story Told Through Seasons and Souls
The show’s structure told over four seasonal chapters amplified its emotional resonance. “Each season carried a specific color palette and mood,” Ryu said. From youthful innocence to the quiet ache of old age, every set piece and lighting choice aimed to mirror the characters’ inner journeys.
The Beatles, for the First Time
The drama made history as the first Korean series to include a Beatles song. Music director Lee Nam-yeon said this was key in elevating the show’s emotional tone, tying global themes of love and loss into the distinctly Korean narrative.
“When Life Gives You Tangerines” continues to draw praise for its production values and storytelling, having secured top spots in Netflix’s global charts. As the creators reflect on the project’s emotional weight and technical challenges, one thing is clear: this series wasn’t just made—it was lived.
