'When Life Gives You Tangerines', make a bowl of rice and peas

If you’ve watched 'When Life Gives You Tangerines', chances are you’ve cried your eyes out at least once (or in every episode for three days straight—no judgment). But one scene in particular has taken over Instagram and kitchen counters alike: the "peas" moment where Park Bo-gum’s character, Gwan-sik, melts hearts with a simple yet powerful gesture at the dinner table.

'When Life Gives You Tangerines' is a 16-episode South Korean drama that premiered on Netflix on March 7, 2025, with new episodes released weekly until March 28. Set in 1960s Jeju Island, it follows Ae-sun (IU), an aspiring poet, and Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum), a devoted man who loves her deeply. Their romance unfolds over decades, facing family opposition and political turmoil.

The scene that had everyone sobbing
Picture this: Two tables. One with Gwan-sik and his parents, the other with his wife (IU’s character), their little daughter, and her parents. The kid loves green peas, so IU’s character keeps scooping peas from her bowl into her daughter's. When the peas run out, Gwan-sik, without a word, turns around, moves to their table, and gives his peas to his daughter. The room falls silent. The audience collectively loses it.

What makes it hit even harder? Fans noticed the rice in the scene wasn’t pure white rice. As Instagram users pointed out, it was mostly wheat, reflecting the reality of poorer families in the past. White rice was a luxury, and families often used wheat isntead, mixing it with peas and lentils to make it more nutritious and to stretch the meals. This small but meaningful detail adds depth to the show’s beautifully crafted world.

The Internet's reaction? Cook everything in tears
Viewers didn’t just cry -- they took to their kitchens! Social media has been flooded with people recreating the iconic rice and peas dish, sharing their love for the show with heartwarming (and hunger-inducing) posts.

One user, @mamalindacooks, kept it simple and emotional: "Tonight’s dinner is only seasoned with my tears while watching When Life Gives You Tangerines"

And guess what? Rice and peas isn’t just a drama moment -- it’s a real thing.

Make your own rice and peas (inspired by the drama!)
If you want to eat like IU and Bo-gum’s on-screen family, here’s the simplest way to do it:

Rice and peas (by @mamalindacooks)

Ingredients
2 cups short-grain white rice
Water
½ cup fresh or frozen green peas

Preparation
Rinse rice 3–4 times until the water runs clear
Add water to the rice 2-cup line in a rice cooker
Add green peas
Select “Quick Cook” or “White Rice” setting and press start
Fluff and serve hot. Eat while sobbing for full effect.

Want to try a traditional version? Meet Mame Gohan
While this dish is simple, it’s also got a Japanese cousin—Mame Gohan (Green Pea Rice). Made with dashi and a hint of salt, it’s a more seasoned and umami-packed version of rice and peas. Check out the recipe here.

So, the next time When Life Gives You Tangerines makes you cry, make yourself a steaming bowl of rice and peas. Because if Gwan-sik can show his love with peas, you can definitely show yourself some love with comfort food.