Jeju Island, with its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and deep-rooted traditions, has long been a source of inspiration for art, literature, and film. One recent example is the popular series When Life Gives You Tangerines, which has captured hearts around the world with its charming portrayal of love, resilience, and the beauty of island life. But could this beloved drama have been inspired by real-life events?
According to some eagle-eyed viewers and local Jeju news outlets, the answer may be yes. The heartwarming tale may just have its roots in the real-life story of a Jeju couple who, much like the characters in the drama, lived a life of love, struggle, and personal growth.
Is "When Life Gives You Tangerines" Based on a True Story?
At the heart of When Life Gives You Tangerines are Ae-Sun (played by IU) and Gwan-Sik (played by Park Bo Gum), two characters born and raised in Jeju, South Korea, during the 1950s. Ae-Sun is a free-spirited girl with a passion for books and poetry, though her family’s impoverished background means she cannot attend school. Her love for words never fades, and despite her challenges, she continues to dream of becoming a poet. Gwan-Sik, on the other hand, is a quiet, hardworking young man who remains deeply devoted to Ae-Sun and respects her deeply, despite their differences.
While the series doesn't explicitly confirm that it's based on a true story, sharp-eyed fans have spotted intriguing details that suggest it might be. One such clue comes from the first episode, where a traditional flotation device used by Jeju’s female divers, known as a tewak, has the name “Hong Kyung-ja” written on it. Far from being a random addition, this appears to be a tribute to a real-life woman who has lived a life similar to that of Ae-Sun.
The Real-Life Story of Jeju Island’s Hong Kyung Ja and Her Husband Kim Seung Hwa
Hong Kyung Ja, born in 1950, grew up in Jeju surrounded by the ocean that would shape her life. In interviews with local Jeju news outlets, she recalled her childhood marked by hardship—she lost her mother at a young age and was raised by her grandmother. As the eldest of nine siblings, she took on great responsibilities, often missing school to help provide for her family. Despite these challenges, she found joy in the simple moments—catching sea creatures, playing by the shore, and dreaming beyond her circumstances.
As she grew older, Kyung Ja followed the path of many Jeju women before her and became a haenyeo, a traditional female diver. She endured harsh conditions, diving in cold waters to collect sea urchins and sea cucumbers. But her story was not just about survival—it was also about love.
Kyung Ja’s love story mirrors that of Ae-Sun. She married her childhood friend, Kim Seung Hwa, at the age of 23, and their marriage became one of unwavering support and deep companionship. Seung Hwa was not only her husband but also her greatest advocate, encouraging her dreams and standing by her side through life’s challenges. Whether it was diving together, helping her manage their fishing village, or taking on household tasks so she could rest after long days at sea, Seung Hwa was a constant pillar of support.
Their marriage was a testament to partnership. Even as Kyung Ja continued to work as a haenyeo, Seung Hwa ensured that she had warm meals waiting after her long dives. He took on responsibilities that were traditionally left to women, breaking norms to support the woman he loved. Their bond was so admired that in 2002, Seung-hwa was honored with the Beautiful Husband Award by the Jeju YWCA for his devotion.
Though Seung Hwa passed away in 2018, Kyung Ja’s connection to him remains strong. The sea, which brought them together, continues to be a source of comfort for her. She still works as a haenyeo, and her next goal, according to an interview, is to write a piece that summarizes her life when she eventually retires from diving. She has yet to decide whether it will take the form of an essay, a book, or something else, but the idea is slowly ripening in her mind each day.
Kyung Ja’s life, much like that of Ae-Sun, was also filled with poetry and a deep connection to nature. In fact, Kyung Ja, too, is a poet and a lover of books. She wrote an essay titled The Sea is Honest, which won a bronze medal at the National Fishermen's Essay Contest. The ocean, which shaped so much of her life, also became a wellspring of inspiration in her writing, capturing the lessons and beauty she experienced through years of diving and living by the sea.
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