Seoul: Following the conclusion of the Netflix original series When Life Gives You Tangerines, IU sat down with Cine21 for an in-depth interview, sharing her thoughts on the drama, her character, and her approach to acting. The interview provides a glimpse into her experiences and the emotions evoked by the project.
IU expressed a sense of regret at saying goodbye to the series, noting the overwhelming support she received. “I feel like I’ve received more support for this than anything since ‘Good Day’ in both my singing and acting career,” she shared, emphasizing her gratitude for the positive reception.
Describing her initial reaction to the script, IU highlighted the detailed and precise scene descriptions by writer Im Sang Choon. “Every scene description was so precise and detailed… It was so detailed, it felt almost like direction itself,” she explained, noting the challenge and excitement of bringing the vivid imagery to life.
IU discussed portraying the emotional journey of motherhood through her character, Ae Soon, who becomes a mother at a young age. She emphasized Ae Soon’s worries about being a good mother due to her own lack of maternal experience, which drove her to raise her daughter, Geum Myeong, with immense care.
Reflecting on a poignant scene where Ae Soon’s tears fall onto her pregnant belly, IU shared how the precise timing was indicated in the script. “By the time we filmed this scene, I had gotten so used to timing the emotions that, quite amazingly, the tears came right on cue. It just happened naturally,” she said, highlighting the writer’s deep understanding of the scene’s emotions.
IU also addressed the challenge of playing both young Ae Soon and her daughter, Geum Myeong. She explained that while Ae Soon’s emotions were detailed and easy to follow, Geum Myeong required more imagination to understand. IU pondered Geum Myeong’s unique sorrows and the guilt she may have carried over the loss of her younger sibling, which shaped her character’s journey.
Discussing a scene where Ae Soon is treated differently after buying a new boat and giving birth to her second child, IU revealed that she suggested a cheekier approach to the role, balancing the character’s literary and delicate nature. She also touched on the physically demanding scene where Ae Soon grieves the loss of her third child amidst a fierce storm, praising the professionalism of her co-stars.
IU addressed her preference for narrative-driven stories over those focused on professional settings, explaining that timing and personal connection are crucial in her project choices. “No matter how great a work is, if I have difficulty connecting with it, it’s hard to produce good results,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of deeply understanding and wanting to portray a character.
Reflecting on her experience at the Cannes Film Festival for the film Broker, IU described it as a turning point in her acting career. She expressed her admiration for director Koreeda Hirokazu and the calm, composed atmosphere on set, which allowed her to learn and grow as an observer. Attending Cannes felt like a dream, and she cherishes the experience as a significant milestone