Park Bo-gum, known for his youthful charm, takes on a new role in the Netflix drama When Life Gives You Tangerines, where he plays the quietly powerful father figure, Yang Gwan-sik. The actor’s portrayal of Gwan-sik, a steadfast husband and father, showcases a man who expresses love through his actions rather than words. Despite his soft-spoken nature, Park imbues the character with emotional depth, resonating with viewers across generations. The series, which began streaming on March 7, has topped Netflix Korea’s popularity chart and reached No. 2 globally in the non-English television category.
The drama marks Park’s return to acting after completing his mandatory military service in 2022. Deeply moved by the script, he delayed another project to take on the role, drawn to the warmth of the story and the way the adults in it protect the vulnerable. As Gwan-sik, Park embodies a man who silently cherishes those he loves, working tirelessly as a fisherman and market vendor to provide for his family, never once complaining about his hard life. Park sees Gwan-sik as a figure whose deep emotional foundation comes from the love he received from his own family, and he views Gwan-sik’s actions as reflective of a universal desire to care for loved ones.
The series takes a heartbreaking turn when Gwan-sik loses his young son. Park’s portrayal of Gwan-sik’s grief is marked by his collapse into silence, a moment designed to provide comfort to viewers. Another impactful scene shows Gwan-sik swimming from a boat to the harbor to reach his wife, Ae-sun, portrayed by IU. Park, a former competitive swimmer, performed the scene himself, despite the challenges of swimming in the ocean.
Park also praised the script by Lim Sang-choon for making the 1950s setting feel natural. To bring Gwan-sik to life, Park made physical changes to his appearance, gaining weight and altering his voice to match the character’s quiet demeanor. He worked alongside IU, his co-star and love interest, and expressed admiration for her emotional stamina in juggling multiple roles in the drama.
Looking ahead to the final episodes, Park hopes that the series will inspire viewers to express their love more openly and remain in their hearts long after it ends. Park, who gained fame for his role in Reply 1988, is set to star in the upcoming comedy-action drama Good Boy in May.
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