Late Actress Kang Myung-joo Honored in “When Life Gives You Tangerines” Finale, Moving Viewers to Tears
On March 28, the Netflix series “When Life Gives You Tangerine” released its final four episodes (episodes 12 to 16), marking the conclusion of its journey. Known for its impactful closing quotes in each episode, “When Life Gives You Tangerines” included a heartfelt tribute to Kang Myung-joo , who passed away last month after battling cancer, at the end of episode 13, adding to the emotional depth of the drama.
The production team honored her memory with the words: “Remembering actress Kang Myung-joo, the emerald of the world and our pride,” leaving a lasting emotional impact on viewers.
The words “emerald” and “pride” in the tribute held special significance, as they were key phrases from Kang Myung-joo’s lines in the drama, making the moment even more poignant for those who remembered her performance.
Kang Myung-joo played Bu-yong, the mother of Young-beom (Lee Jun-young), who was the boyfriend of Geum-myeong (IU), the daughter of the protagonist Ae-soon (played by IU and Moon So-ri). Her character, a domineering mother who disapproved of Geum-myeong as a future daughter-in-law, left a strong impression with her commanding presence and antagonistic role.
Bu-yong was a character who fueled tension in the drama, clashing with Ae-soon and Gwan-sik during a formal family meeting and even confronting Geum-myeong and Ae-soon privately. She defiantly declared, “I have a condition where I must speak my mind,” as she opposed the marriage.
Some viewers noticed that Marcello’s “Oboe Adagio,” often played at funeral masses, was used as background music during a scene between Geum-myeong and Bu-yong. One online commenter wrote, “I thought, ‘Why is funeral music playing here?’ Later, I learned that she passed away from cancer after filming. It’s not a coincidence—it’s the production team’s way of paying tribute.”
Kang Myung-joo began her acting career in 1992 with the experimental theater play “Kuni, Nara.” She built a strong reputation through various stage performances, including Oedipus’ “Journey,” “Incendies,” and “Bea.”
She also made a name for herself in television dramas, notably playing Judge Park In-young in the 2022 ENA drama “Extraordinary Attorney Woo.” It was later revealed that she was undergoing cancer treatment at the time, adding to the sorrow surrounding her passing.
Despite her illness, she continued to act in 2023, appearing in tvN’s “See You in My 19th Life” and MBC’s “Wonderful World.”
“When Life Gives You Tangerines” was Kang Myung-joo’s final work. The actress passed away on March 27 after battling cancer, just ten days before the series’ release and just one day before her birthday. Her daughter, Park Se-young, announced the news on February 28 through her personal channel, saying, “My mother embarked on a long journey yesterday afternoon. I would appreciate it if you remember the stage she loved and the moments she shined.”
As audiences continue to honor her outstanding performance, the production team expressed their remembrance and respect through the touching tribute in the closing credits.