‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ Moon So-ri: “Without Netflix, I Might’ve Worried About Making Ends Meet”
Veteran actress Moon So-ri shares candid reflections on motherhood, career challenges, and finding strength in change during her interview for Netflix’s hit drama When Life Gives You Tangerines.
In When Life Gives You Tangerines, Moon So-ri portrays the older Ae-soon, a resilient woman who grows from a spirited dreamer into a devoted mother and wife over the course of seven decades. In an interview with Newsen following the drama’s wrap, Moon So-ri shared the emotional weight behind her performance, her thoughts on motherhood, and how the changing entertainment landscape has shaped her career.
A Reflection on Working Mothers
Moon So-ri reflected on the show’s storyline where Geum-myeong (Ae-soon’s daughter) wrestles with societal expectations around women and work.
“My mother, like many mothers of that era, used to say, ‘Don’t live like me—have your own work, even if you get married.’ She encouraged me to pursue my own path regardless of marriage.”
She noted that When Life Gives You Tangerines sparked conversations among her friends about how their mothers, housewives of the era, wanted their daughters to live with greater autonomy.
Art Imitating Life: The Engagement Scene
Moon So-ri also opened up about filming the now-viral engagement dinner scene, which closely mirrored her personal experiences.
“My brother got married ten months before me, so our family had two engagement meetings in one year. My mother acted completely differently at his than she did at mine. It was hard to understand back then, but acting out Ae-soon helped me gain new perspective.”
Becoming Netflix’s “Eldest Daughter”
Moon So-ri, a celebrated figure in Korean cinema, has increasingly turned to streaming projects amid a shrinking film landscape.
“There are barely any films being made now. It’s either big-budget summer or winter tentpole films or ultra-low-budget indie projects. Without Netflix, I might’ve had to worry about making a living.”
She expressed gratitude for keeping pace with the evolving industry, from shooting on film to navigating today’s OTT-driven market.
“I want to keep adapting with the times. It’s a relief that I’m still moving forward with the industry.”
No Regrets About Playing Moms
From Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born to When Life Gives You Tangerines, Moon So-ri has recently portrayed mother figures, but she doesn’t view that as limiting.
“Sure, my character is described as a mom, but that’s not the reason I choose roles. With stories like Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born and When Life Gives You Tangerines, I just felt like I had to do them. The power of a great story outweighs any label.”
She emphasized that fulfillment from such roles is incomparable.
A Personal Favorite
Moon So-ri admitted that while she rarely re-watches her own work, When Life Gives You Tangerines may be the exception.
“I think I’ll want to revisit it maybe when my daughter gets married or goes abroad. It’s a project that will stay close to my heart.”
As When Life Gives You Tangerines wraps up after topping Netflix charts globally, Moon So-ri’s performance stands as a testament to the enduring power of thoughtful storytelling—and to actresses who continue to evolve with grace and conviction.