Singer-actress IU (pictured) expressed feelings towards writer Lim Sang-chun after wrapping up her role in the Netflix series When Life Gives You Tangerines.
IU brilliantly portrayed a woman’s life from 1960 to 2020, taking on the dual roles of Ae-soon and Geum-myeong. In an interview held at a Seoul hotel on Wednesday, IU shared her initial excitement about the project: “When I first met with the writer and heard that I’d be playing two roles, my heart skipped a beat.” She continued, “After reading all 11 episodes, I couldn’t contain my emotions and sent a long text. I requested a brief reply, but the writer, seemingly touched, responded with an equally lengthy message. I’ve been cautious about contacting her since I didn’t want to take her time.”
When asked about the content of their texts, IU said, “90% was expressing my gratitude. I had an incredible time playing this role. It felt like, as one of the lines in the show says, ‘I had a blast.’ The remaining 10% was an apology. I felt sorry I couldn’t do even better with such an amazing opportunity.”
When Life Gives You Tangerines was directed by Kim Won-seok, who previously worked with IU on My Mister. Comparing the two projects, IU reflected, “While Ji-an in ‘My Mister’ starts in darkness and moves towards light, Ae-soon begins in the sun, faces shadows, but perseveres to find the light again. I was particularly drawn to Ae-soon as many of my previous roles were characterized by pain or darkness.”
IU picked a key line encapsulating the series’ essence: “If you live, life goes on.” She added, “This show weaves together stories of family, women, and love that transcend time and generations, ultimately delivering a message of hope and resilience.”