Controversy Surrounds IU and Park Bo Gum's Netflix Series When Life Gives You Tangerines

The Netflix Korean drama When Life Gives You Tangerines, starring IU and Park Bo Gum, made a strong debut on the platform in March this year, quickly gaining popularity for its emotional storyline and powerful performances. However, the series is now under public scrutiny, facing serious accusations from individuals allegedly involved in its production.

According to reports circulating on social media, several background actors and staff from rental services have accused the production team of unprofessional behavior and mistreatment. These allegations have gone viral, sparking heated discussions across platforms.

The controversy began when individuals identifying themselves as extras and prop service personnel shared their negative experiences on X (formerly Twitter). Among the most concerning claims were those involving property damage and poor treatment of background actors.

One such allegation came from a prop rental company, which claimed that vehicles rented out for the production had been mishandled. A staff member expressed frustration in a viral post: "I'll tell you something funny. Since the filming crew doesn't have the ability to handle the old buses or large prop vehicles that we rent or build for them anyway, they end up damaging them even though we have our staff on site almost exclusively for the purpose of managing/operating them (or monitoring them under the pretext of doing so). The reasons are mostly 'ignorance' or 'lack of sense of responsibility'."

Another individual recounted a specific incident involving improper use of lacquer spray on a vintage bus: "I still remember it. The incident where someone got caught stenciling on a rented bus with hardware store lacquer spray, and the guy who did it came out as a hypocrite and said, 'Why don't you just erase it with lacquer thinner?' and got cursed at."

Further criticism came from a user who added, "A ignorant person who thinks that Laccasinna is a clean and selective cleaner that only removes lacquer is running around making a fuss on site."

Beyond property damage, several extras alleged mistreatment on set, pointing to poor working conditions, especially during the winter months. Complaints included being forced to shave their heads without prior consent or compensation, being denied thermal wear under their costumes due to visual concerns, and a general lack of consideration for their well-being.

One extra shared, "Who would even notice extras in the background? They really treated us like slaves." Others cited inadequate provisions, claiming the production lacked basic amenities such as food trucks and craft tables, while prioritizing comforts for the lead cast.

As of now, Netflix and the production crew of When Life Gives You Tangerines have not issued an official response to these allegations.

The unfolding controversy has cast a shadow over what was otherwise a critically acclaimed release, raising questions about industry standards and the treatment of behind-the-scenes staff in high-profile productions.