By Honorary Reporter Nasim Gerami from Iran

The hit Netflix drama "When Life Gives You Tangerines" has captivated audiences worldwide with its poignant portrayal of life's complexities and enduring human connections.

One memorable scene is when Geum-myeong (played by singer and actor IU) discovers Chung-seob's portrait of her. My impression of the artwork led me to reach out to its creator Kim Dae-you to understand the process behind this piece. 

The following are excerpts from an April 24 email interview with him.

This portrait of Geum-myeong in "When Life Gives You Tangerines" (left) is by Kim Dae-you (right), who is shown working at his studio (Kim Dae-you)

Briefly describe your background and career in art.

I'm an artist based in Seoul. After discovering my passion for art early in life, I majored in fine arts instead of my initial interest in design. I graduated from Seoul National University in 2016, and I've since held solo and group exhibitions showcasing diverse techniques and styles. My work has been featured in TV dramas including "Little Women" (2022) and "When Life Gives You Tangerines" (2025).

How did you get involved with the series and what was the creative process like?

My previous work on "Little Women" and my Instagram portfolio led to this opportunity. The production team hired me after seeing my portraits online. Working with limited information due to security concerns, I knew only that I'd be creating a portrait of a character's beloved in the past on Jeju Island. Using oil paint on a cotton canvas, I focused on soft light diffusion, though such high-quality canvas wasn't historically accurate for the era. The process took about a month to complete.

This scene shows Geum-myeong discovering Chung-seob's portrait of her. (Netflix Korea)

What was your vision for this piece and how has it impacted your career?

Following the director's request, I aimed to capture the essence of profound love and affection in the portrait. I wanted convey the intimate act of observing and preserving someone precious through art. The drama's popularity greatly increased the visibility of my work, creating opportunities for wider recognition of my other paintings. 

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.