Park Bo Gum Reveals He Swam in the Ocean Without a Double in “When Life Gives You Tangerines”
In the Netflix series “When Life Gives You Tangerines“, Park Bo Gum portrays the younger version of Yang Gwan Sik, a hardworking, emotionally grounded man who lives and loves deeply on Jeju Island. As the story unfolds across four acts spanning from 1960s Jeju to 2025 Seoul, Park Bo Gum’s portrayal of Gwan Sik has earned praise for its quiet strength and heartfelt sincerity.
In a recent interview, Park Bo Gum reflected on the challenges of playing such a multi-layered character and his unforgettable experience filming the drama’s open-sea swimming scene.
“Open-Sea Swimming Was a First for Me, But I Wanted to Do It Myself”
One of the most talked-about scenes is Gwan Sik swimming in the ocean, alone and adrift. Park Bo Gum revealed that it was his first time swimming in open waters, but he chose to film it himself without a stunt double.
“They had prepared doubles, but I really wanted to do it myself. I love the water, I love swimming, and I felt confident. Even though the waves pushed me further out and my feet couldn’t touch the bottom, I kept thinking, ‘When else will I get to swim in the ocean like this?’ So I gave it my all,” he shared.
“Some of my friends sent me messages saying swimming experts had praised the scene. I guess some of the techniques I learned before stayed with me. I didn’t even retrain for it, so that felt like a compliment.”
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Park Bo Gum said the role made him reflect on love, family, and how we express affection
“Gwan Sik’s biggest strength is his sincerity. He doesn’t complain, he just does his best. I want to be like that. If I had a daughter, I’d want her to meet someone like him,” Park Bo Gum said.
“Through this role, I realized I want to be someone who doesn’t shy away from expressing love whether in a relationship or at work.”
On Gaining Weight and Losing the “Perfect Face”
Known for his clean-cut visuals, Park Bo Gum revealed he gained around 4–5kg for the role and underwent makeup to look more sun-tanned and rugged.
“The director and the makeup team darkened my skin all over face, arms, legs because Gwan Sik lived under the Jeju sun for so long. They wanted him to look grounded and familiar” he said.
“Honestly, I looked broader, but my face still looked slim. It was an interesting contrast.”
He ended with a hopeful smile,
“I’d love to work with writer Lim Sang Choon again. I want to ask, ‘Will you cast me one more time?’“
Park Bo Gum’s humble charm and deep connection to Gwan Sik shine through both on screen and off. As the final act of “When Life Gives You Tangerines” nears release, fans are already calling the series a “career-defining moment” for the actor.
