The Hidden Genius Behind “When Life Gives You Tangerines”: Who Is Lim Sang-choon?
As the hit Netflix series “When Life Gives You Tangerines” wraps up to critical acclaim, attention is turning to the creative force behind its heartfelt storytelling, screenwriter Lim Sang-choon, a name now stirring curiosity across K-drama fandoms.
Though she’s responsible for beloved works like “When the Camellia Blooms,” “Fight for My Way,” and “Becky’s Back,” Lim Sang-choon has never revealed her face publicly. Known for her reclusive nature, she uses a pen name and has long chosen to let her work speak for itself.
“I don’t think it’s good for the writer to be in front of the work. I want to stay in the background, simply passing on the stories of those around me to viewers,” she once explained.
In a recent interview, a staff member from the production of “Fight for My Way” offered a rare glimpse into Lim’s life, describing her as soft-spoken, petite, and extremely polite. “She lives in Mapo-gu, Seoul with her husband. I heard she was born in 1985, but I’m not sure. She looks like she’s in her late 30s to early 40s,” the insider shared.
Interestingly, someone who briefly saw Lim during a production meeting noted that she resembled actress Song Ha-yoon, who starred in “Fight for My Way,” adding another layer of intrigue to the mystery surrounding her.
Reportedly, Lim was once an office worker who began teaching herself screenwriting in her late 20s. Now one of the most sought-after writers in the industry, her fee reportedly exceeds 100 million KRW (approx. $69,000 USD) per episode. She’s been under exclusive contract with Pan Entertainment for 10 years, with her schedule booked out for the next three years.
Actor Kang Ha-neul, who starred in “When the Camellia Blooms,” praised Lim’s unique voice, “She’s an incredibly fascinating person. I believe she has a genius-level talent for writing stories that truly touch people’s emotions. I always wonder how she’s able to create lines and situations that resonate with people of all ages.”
Online, fans are equally enchanted:
- “So cool.”
- “Can’t wait for her next work.”
- “No wonder ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ was so good.”
- “She’s still in her 30s? That’s young.”
- “She’s a woman?”
- “Did she live in Jeju? The writing was so on point.”
With “When Life Gives You Tangerines” solidifying her reputation as a master of emotional, grounded storytelling, Lim Sang-choon remains one of the industry’s most compelling enigmas, a writer who shuns the spotlight, yet moves millions with her words.
