Netflix's latest Korean seriesWhen Life Gives You Tangerines is the kind of genre-less K-drama that becomes an instant classic, unfurling across several generations like an epic novel. Directed by Misaeng, Signal, and My Mister helmer Kim Won-seok, the period K-drama spans from 1960s Jeju Island to the present day, while following the family of Oh Ae-sun (played by IU and Moon So-ri), a brilliant and headstrong girl determined to make more of her life than the expectations set out for her. By her side is the steadfast Yang Gwan-sik (played by Park Bo-gum and Park Hae-joon).

To bring the slice-of-life drama to the screen, Netflix has recruited Korea's most popular young stars and acclaimed veteran actors, who lead one of the most expensive K-dramas ever made. Below, read on to learn more about the all-star cast of When Life Gives You Tangerines.

Ae-sun is an orphan and the daughter of a haenyeo diver. Despite her humble lifestyle and her community's expectations, Ae-sun dreams of becoming a poet and leaving Jeju behind.

IU (real name Lee Ji-eun), 31, is a superstar singer-songwriter and actress, known as "the Nation's Sweetheart" in South Korea. She made her singing debut at the age of 15 and rose to fame with hit songs including 2010's "Good Day," 2017's "Palette," 2020's "Eight," and 2024's "Love Wins All." On the acting side, she has starred in acclaimed dramas and films including My Mister, Hotel del Luna, and Broker. She also hosts the YouTube interview series IU's Palette.