“When Life Gives You Tangerines”, which has already brought audiences to tears through three deeply emotional story acts, is expected to deliver an even more heartbreaking finale. It seems that the last act represents the “winter” of Ae-soon’s (played by IU and Moon So-ri) life, and fans are bracing for the most painful moments yet.

A Tragic Ending in Sight?

Netflix recently released teaser images for the final four episodes, set to air on March 28. These images quickly became a hot topic among netizens, as they seemingly hint at an incomplete and sorrowful ending, one that mirrors the melancholic undertones established from episode one. In the latest preview, viewers noticed signs pointing to Gwan-sik’s (played by Park Bo-gum and Park Hae-joon) passing before his wife. Scenes of Geum-myeong crying as someone is rushed to the hospital, an aged Ae-soon sitting alone with graying hair and wrinkled skin, and a bittersweet flashback of Ae-soon happily waving with her three children all suggest that Gwan-sik may not make it to the end.

Furthermore, the series began with Ae soon living alone in a nursing home, standing by the ocean, reminiscing about her mother who was taken away by the sea. These subtle hints from the very beginning seem to foreshadow the devastating winter awaiting her in the finale. In fact, the reality of life and death is inevitable, and it seems likely that Gwan-sik will pass away due to old age. In scenes from his daughter’s wedding, he already appears frail. However, fans are struggling to accept the idea of yet another loss in Ae-soon’s life. Throughout the drama, she has already endured the deaths of her parents, son, and grandmother. Losing Gwan-sik, the person who has stood by her side for a lifetime, feels too cruel.

In one emotional moment from Act 3, Ae-soon expresses her only wish: to grow old and pass away together with her husband. However, it seems that even this simple dream will remain unattainable, leaving audiences heartbroken.

Fans’ Reactions to the Ending

While the final outcome remains uncertain, fans have already flooded social media with frustration, pleading for the writers to reconsider. Many argue that while life and death are natural cycles, the script does not have to be so merciless. The title “When Life Gives You Tangerines” suggests healing and resilience, yet the story across all four arcs seems devoid of comfort or hope.

Below are some comments from netizens:

“The writers can keep the last four episodes for themselves. I can’t handle this heartbreak anymore.”

“My heart is completely torn apart. This is too much.”

“They were supposed to grow old together! Is Ae-soon really going to end up alone in a nursing home?”

“Even the strongest pillar can collapse eventually, and this is it.”

“Please, someone tell me if Gwan-sik survives after the last episode. If he dies, I’m done watching. I have no more tears left.” With emotions running high, audiences are preparing themselves for what could be one of the most devastating endings in recent K-drama history. Will “When Life Gives You Tangerines” truly deliver a tragic farewell, or is there still hope for a miracle? Fans will find out soon as the drama reaches its long-anticipated conclusion.