PremiumWhen Life Gives You Tangerines ending explained: What happens to Gwan-sik and Ae-sun in the last episode?
From a poignant death scene to an unexpected reincarnation, the last episode of When Life Gives You Tangerines was packed with emotions and power-packed performances of the ensemble cast.
Last Updated: 08.34 PM, Apr 01, 2025
Park Bo-gum and IU's recent K-drama When Life Gives You Tangerines emerged as one of the most-watched shows on Netflix. It topped the charts with an emotionally-charged narrative. After getting rave reviews, When Life Gives You Tangerines finally concluded last weekend and the ending couldn't be any better.
When Life Gives You Tangerines revolves around a married couple Gwan-sik and Ae-sun as they navigate life’s hardships with their companionship and love, against the backdrop of Jeju Island. The heartwarming finale episode featured the bittersweet journey of Oh Ae-sun and Gwan-sik. From a poignant death scene to an unexpected reincarnation, the last episode of When Life Gives You Tangerines is packed with emotions and power-packed performances of the ensemble cast.
What happens to Gwan-sik and Ae-sun in the end? Who dies in the last episode?
The last episode of When Life Gives You Tangerines was packed with sweet and sour moments. From happy family moments to the intense pain of losing a beloved one, it came with bittersweet moments. The last sixteenth episode of When Life Gives You Tangerines delivered a heart-breaking death scene in which Gwan-sik dies. When the doctors diagnosed him with cancer, his entire family, especially his wife Ae-sun and children, are left heartbroken. Despite their best efforts, Gwan-sik dies and leaves behind a legacy for his family with great life lessons and unforgettable memories for each one of them. Ae-sun suffers the most impact from Gwan-sik's death as her life takes an unexpected turn after her partner leaves her behind. However, before leaving, his wish to see his wife as a poet becomes true as she writes a book and dedicates it to him. Several moments like their piggyback ride, sweet kisses and a heart-wrenching hospital scene highlight the last episode.
Do Gwan-sik and Ae-sun become rich?
Gwan Sik and Ae Sun take a risky decision when they sell their cabbage field to invest in a restaurant. After all the sorrows and financial hardships, their restaurant becomes a success. A prominent actress even promotes their food business as the flashback showcases how Gwan-sik once saved her from death and unwittingly gave her a new life. Thus, reflecting on the good Karma that helps the family sail through the tough times. Ae-sun and Gwan-sik's once undisciplined son changes into a successful businessman and their daughter Geum-myeong also tastes success with her start-up as she becomes a CEO and a mother of a beautiful but stubborn daughter.
Does Ae-sun lead a happy life after Gwan-sik's death? Who is reincarnated?
Yes, Ae-sun lives a satisfactory life even after Gwan-sik's death as she fulfils his death wish by being happy despite the hardships. She even restarts her life with a new enthusiasm after she processes grief and turmoil. Ae-sun becomes a published poet and flaunts her hairpins given by her beloved dead husband. One of the tear-jerking moments is when we get to witness the editor for Ae-sun's poems. It is her mother, who gets reincarnated. She is also a diver in this new life and becomes emotional when she resonates with Ae-sun's poem.
In the ending of When Life Gives You Tangerines, we see an elderly Ae-sun narrating about the different seasons in her life. She beautifully explains the essence of life with winter and summer seasons that she and Gwan-sik witnessed together. Her life bloomed with many springs and memorable moments, that she preserved in her poetry book. In the end, she says, "I'm very happy."
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