When Life Gives You Tangerines – Episode 1

Mid-Episode Recap – When Life Gives You Tangerines – Episode 1: “Spring in a Heartbeat”

In this beautifully crafted opening episode, we meet young Ae‑sun growing up in 1960s Jeju Island, the child of a hardworking haenyeo mother, Gwang‑rye. Living in poverty, Ae‑sun finds solace in poetry, expressing her loneliness and determination: in one poignant moment, a simple poem about caring for her ailing mother brings tears and reconnection.
After Gwang‑rye defies gender norms—bribing a teacher to secure Ae‑sun a well‑deserved student council position—their bond strengthens. But tragedy strikes when Gwang‑rye dies at just 29 after years of diving for livelihood.
Following her mother’s death, Ae‑sun stays with Gwan‑sik’s family, slowly learning responsibility by helping with chores and farming. A time jump introduces teenage Ae‑sun (IU) and Gwan‑sik (Park Bo‑gum) working side by side at the market, hinting at a growing connection rooted in devotion and simplicity.