IU Delivers a Career-Defining Performance in Netflix’s Global Hit ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’
IU, also known by her real name Lee Ji-eun, has once again proven why she remains a powerhouse in both music and acting. Wrapping up the 16-episode Netflix series When Life Gives You Tangerines, IU captivated audiences globally with her poignant portrayal of dual characters—Oh Ae-soon and her daughter Yang Geum-myung.
Debuting in 2008, IU is no stranger to long-term success. But with this breakout performance, she channels a powerhouse of emotional depth that took fans and critics alike by storm. The series soared into Netflix’s Top 10 across 39 countries including Bolivia, Chile, Morocco, and the Philippines, a feat few K-dramas accomplish.
In a heartfelt interview with Star News, IU shared her personal connection to the role. “It emotionally resonated like no other moment in my life,” she said. “The script moved me deeply. I couldn’t focus during our first meeting because my heart was racing just listening to the story.”
The singer-actress also reunited with My Mister director Kim Won-seok but worked for the first time with star writer Im Sang-chun, the mind behind When the Camellia Blooms. “I’ve been a huge fan of the writer,” IU confessed. “Even before reading the full script, just the treatment made me desperate to take part.”
Behind IU’s commitment was a personal mission—to capture the female experience with honesty. “I read every scene determined not to miss a single subtext. I was deeply influenced by my own mother and wanted to explore women’s stories with nuance.”
One of the acting challenges was playing two characters. “Yes, it was daunting, but that’s what made it exciting. And knowing Kim Won-seok would be directing gave me assurance,” she said.
IU’s close bond with her co-star Park Bo-gum also enhanced the realism. The two, who’ve known each other since their teenage years, finally shared the screen. “He’s mature, grounded, and impressively resilient. Watching him as Yang Gwan-sik brought authenticity to our scenes together,” she noted.
Family reception to the show stood out for IU. “Even my father, who usually tunes out quickly, was engrossed,” she laughed. Her mother binge-watched the series four times. “It was the first time I saw my family react this passionately to any of my work.”
When asked about her perspective on fame and negative comments, IU responded with grounded maturity. “Sure, I’ve been hurt before. But the love and interest I receive far outweigh the negativity.” Still, she remains vigilant. “If the expression crosses the line and builds harmful narratives, there needs to be consequences.”
IU has no intentions of slowing down. Her upcoming series The Empress of the 21st Century pairs her with rising star Byun Woo-seok in an unconventional love story that challenges class in a fictional constitutional monarchy. “It’s a completely different vibe from ‘Tangerines,’ and I’m excited to become Hee-joo,” she shared.
Despite demanding schedules and emotionally heavy roles, IU remains invigorated. “This project trained my discipline and helped me honor promises I made to myself. I walk away feeling proud, like I really played big on a grand stage.”
