IU Moves Audiences with Dual Roles as 'Aesoon' and 'Geummyeong' in 'When Life Gives You Tangerines'

Mar 17, 2025

IU Moves Audiences with Dual Roles as 'Aesoon' and 'Geummyeong' in 'When Life Gives You Tangerines'
IU
IU is receiving rave reviews for her deep emotional performance and flawless portrayal of dual roles in the second act of 'When Life Gives You Tangerines.'

Released on the 14th, the second act of 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' tells the adventurous life story of 'rebellious spirit' Aesoon (played by IU) and 'stubborn iron man' Gwansik (played by Park Bo-gum), set against the backdrop of Jeju Island and unfolding across the four seasons. The series has garnered significant attention both domestically and internationally, becoming a hot topic upon its release.

In this act, IU masterfully embodies the characters of 'Aesoon' and 'Geummyeong,' showcasing her irreplaceable acting skills once again. Her exceptional character interpretation allows her to subtly differentiate the emotional arcs, voices, and expressions of the two characters, highlighting their unique traits and enhancing the overall immersion of the drama.

IU's portrayal of 'Aesoon' in the second act reaches the pinnacle of her acting prowess. Particularly moving is the scene where she cradles her deceased son by the seaside, denying reality as rain pours down. Her desperate gestures and vacant eyes convey a raw authenticity that deeply resonates with viewers. The scene where she reflects on her son, whispering, "I should have held you... I should have embraced you..." leaves a profound impact with its understated sorrow. Her hunched, sobbing figure conveys a mother's despair more poignantly than any outburst of tears.

In the latter part of the second act, IU makes a striking entrance as Aesoon's daughter, 'Geummyeong.' This character, distinct from Aesoon, is brought to life with a different emotional depth, leaving a strong impression. Notably, in the scene where she firmly rejects a proposal to cheat on an exam, she delivers the line, "My parents wouldn't want their daughter to live dishonorably," clearly defining Geummyeong's spirited personality. Additionally, IU skillfully portrays the complex emotions of children who, despite their true feelings, speak harshly to their parents, Gwansik (played by Park Hae-jun) and Aesoon (played by Moon So-ri), leaving viewers with a deep sense of empathy and reflection.

With each episode, IU continues to captivate audiences with her remarkable acting. Anticipation is building for her portrayal of 'Geummyeong' in the upcoming episodes, as viewers eagerly await the emotional depth she will bring to the role.

Meanwhile, the third act of the Netflix series 'When Life Gives You Tangerines,' featuring IU, is set to premiere on the 21st at 4 PM.

kykang@sbs.co.kr 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)