‘When Life Gives You Tangerines,’ a new addition to K-drama fascination with Jeju haenyeo

Haenyeo, Korea's female divers, have inspired several hit K-dramas

Netflix’s "When Life Gives You Tangerines"

Netflix latest K-drama hit “When Life Gives You Tangerines,” starring IU and Park Bo-gum, puts a spotlight on the lives of the diving women of Jeju Island, haenyeo.

Set in 1960s Jeju Island, the drama, which premiered on March 7, has quickly gained traction, ranking sixth in global TV show viewership on the platform as of Wednesday, according to ranking site FlixPatrol. It topped the charts in 13 countries, including South Korea and several Asian and Middle Eastern nations. The original Korean title, “Boksak Sogassuda,” derived from the Jeju dialect, translates to “You’ve worked hard.”

Earlier in the series, protagonist Ae-soon’s mother, Gwang-rye, played by Yum Hye-ran, continues diving to provide for her daughter despite a debilitating lung condition, all while insisting that Ae-soon, played by IU, never follow in her footsteps. The mother dies, leaving 10-year-old Ae-soon behind. In a pivotal moment in episode 4, a now-grown-up Ae-soon confronts her in-laws, who insist that her daughter become a haenyeo.

Literally translated as "sea woman," haenyeo have been a rich source of inspiration for Korean storytellers, sparking a variety of works across different art forms. Several TV dramas set in Jeju have featured haenyeo.

Last year’s JTBC drama “Welcome to Samdalri” featured haenyeo leader Go Mi-ha, played by Kim Mi-kyung, who shared the wisdom of the divers' way of life. One of her lines resonated deeply:

“There is one thing we always emphasize when training young divers: Don’t be greedy. Stay underwater only for as long as your breath allows. The sea may seem calm, but it is full of hidden dangers. When you can’t hold on any longer, return to the surface and catch your breath.”

Another drama, tvN’s “Our Blues,” also highlighted the lives of haenyeo. The omnibus series, which aired in 2022, showcased the breathtaking scenery of Jeju while depicting the intertwined stories of its residents. Actress Han Ji-min played Lee Young-ok, a first-year haenyeo who moved from the mainland to Jeju.

tvN’s "Our Blues"

The 2016 film “Canola” is a human drama that tells the story of Jeju haenyeo Gye-chun, played by Youn Yuh-jung, who miraculously reunites with her granddaughter Hye-ji, played by Kim Go-eun, after 12 years. The story follows the two as they navigate life together again in Gye-chun’s home on Jeju Island.

"Canola"

Beyond fictional portrayals, haenyeo have also been a subject of documentaries. Released in October last year, “The Last of the Sea Women” captures the fading reality of the haenyeo community through the lives of real divers. The film premiered in the documentary section of the 49th Toronto International Film Festival and was later invited to the Busan International Film Festival. Korean American director Sue Kim, inspired by an 84-year-old haenyeo she met in Jeju, documented their lives after hearing the diver remark that they might be the last generation of haenyeo.

"The Last of the Sea Women"

In real life, haenyeo's presence on Jeju Island is dwindling. According to a report from the Jeju government, the number of active haenyeo dropped to 2,838 in 2023, down from 3,226 in 2022 — a decrease of 387. This marks a sharp decline from 1970, when Jeju had over 14,000 haenyeo.