Netflix Responds To Mistreatment Allegations On Set Of “When Life Gives You Tangerines”
The team behind When Life Gives You Tangerines has spoken out regarding allegations of mistreatment toward background actors.
Previously, posts exposing alleged mistreatment of background actors during filming were shared through online communities and social media. One whistleblower claimed that the team did not want to spend money on non-celebrity cast members, so even elderly participants were left out in the cold and went hungry.
Another accusation stated that even during filming in the harsh winter, the background actors were not allowed to wear thermal clothing or even long underwear, forcing them to endure extreme cold. There were also allegations that extras were forced to get haircuts against their will to match the period setting of the show.
A representative of the Netflix original series When Life Gives You Tangerines gave a statement to Sports Seoul on May 28, 2025.
“We are currently verifying the facts surrounding the situation. For any confirmed cases, we will conduct a thorough review to ensure such incidents do not happen again.”
When Life Gives You Tangerines is a 16-episode drama that tells the life story of Ae Soon (played by IU), a feisty rebel from Jeju, and Gwan Sik (played by Park Bo Gum), a hopeless romantic. The show premiered in March this year. It hit global acclaim and became one of the top dramas of 2025.
You can read more on the accusations below.
