Choi Dae-hoon's Acting Mastery Seen in Netflix’s When Life Gives You Tangerines

 

When Life Gives You Tangerines, Choi Dae-hoon

After the conclusion of Netflix’s original series When Life Gives You Tangerines, one actor who left a deep impression on viewers is undoubtedly Choi Dae-hoon. He even popularized the phrase “Hak-ssi,” turning it into an unofficial catchphrase while sparking the "Boo Sang-gil fever." Though Boo Sang-gil is one of the closest characters to a villain in the series, he is also a reflection of many fathers from that era, making it impossible to completely despise him. One might wonder—if Choi Dae-hoon hadn’t played Boo Sang-gil, would the character have been as impactful as he is now?

When Life Gives You Tangerines, Choi Dae-hoon

A Delicate Character Arc Spanning Decades

Unlike the main characters who were played by different actors in their youth and later years, Boo Sang-gil was portrayed entirely by Choi Dae-hoon. He first appears as a young man in a matchmaking meeting with Ae-soon (IU), leaving a strong impression. As the captain of a squid fishing boat in Dodong-ri, he initially comes across as rough and rude, making viewers dislike him.

Later, he frequently appears as the head of the fishing village, solidifying his role as the series' "villain." However, as he ages, his appearance changes—his belly grows, his walk and speech reflect the passage of time, and though he still snaps with his signature “Hak-ssi,” his slumped shoulders and occasional moments of vulnerability evoke pity. In the end, he divorces his wife and is ignored by his children, becoming a powerless father who elicits both resentment and sympathy. Choi Dae-hoon masterfully breathes life into Boo Sang-gil, making him a well-rounded character.

Boo Sang-gil gradually grapples with his responsibilities as a father, even acknowledging his faults with the self-deprecating line, "It was me—I was the fool." He shrinks in front of his children, acts dramatically with his wife, and sacrifices himself for his family. His transformation from an outright antagonist to a deeply complex individual makes him relatable. He struggles with societal expectations and his own insecurities, often lashing out due to his circumstances rather than genuine malice. Unlike his youthful confidence, his later years are marked by loneliness and anxiety, making him a multidimensional figure. Ultimately, Boo Sang-gil is not just a villain—he represents the fathers we often see in real life.

When Life Gives You Tangerines, Choi Dae-hoon

Choi Dae-hoon Brings Boo Sang-gil to Life

Choi Dae-hoon employed a range of acting techniques to capture Boo Sang-gil’s emotions in detail. He subtly adjusted his speech and mannerisms to reflect changing circumstances, making his character’s emotions feel organic. The phrase "Hak-ssi" became a signature trait, revealing both his small-mindedness and the societal pressures he faced, which prevented audiences from outright hating him.

Boo Sang-gil's evolution highlights his humanity. The contrast between his youthful arrogance and middle-aged regrets was portrayed with precision by Choi Dae-hoon. His devotion to his children and his introspection regarding his past made audiences empathize with him.

Through a broad emotional spectrum—ranging from anger and sorrow to self-deprecating humor—Choi Dae-hoon made Boo Sang-gil a compelling character. This depth allowed audiences to fully immerse themselves in his story, making his struggles and transformations resonate deeply. His nuanced portrayal prevented Boo Sang-gil from being a one-dimensional villain, instead making him a character that reflects real-life fathers, with all their flaws and complexities.

When Life Gives You Tangerines, Choi Dae-hoon

Choi Dae-hoon’s Expansive Acting Spectrum, Rediscovered Through When Life Gives You Tangerines

Choi Dae-hoon has consistently left a strong impression through various dramas. From playing Yoon Se-jun, the immature older brother in Crash Landing on You, to showcasing cold charisma as Team Leader Lee Woo-cheol in Flower of Evil, and receiving praise for his delicate emotional acting as Park Jung-jae in Beyond Evil, he has demonstrated remarkable versatility. Even in a brief but memorable appearance as lawyer Jang Seung-jun in Extraordinary Attorney Woo, he showcased his presence.

His ability to fully embody Boo Sang-gil in When Life Gives You Tangerines can be attributed to his solid acting foundation. Having spent years in theater, he honed his craft in productions like Finding Mr. Destiny, The Goddess is Watching, and Press Guidelines, where he learned to add depth to every line and movement. In an interview, he once said, "I am grateful to be able to act," highlighting his passion and responsibility towards his roles.

In When Life Gives You Tangerines, he took on the challenge of portraying a character across multiple decades, once again proving his refined and deeply expressive acting abilities.

Choi Dae-hoon’s Future Prospects

Having left a lasting impact with When Life Gives You Tangerines, Choi Dae-hoon's next steps are highly anticipated. His upcoming project is Netflix’s The Wonderfuls, a supernatural comic-action-adventure set in 1999, where he is expected to steal scenes once again with his portrayal of a character with superpowers.

In a past interview, Choi Dae-hoon remarked, "Acting is a continuous process of growth," emphasizing his commitment to exploring complex human emotions rather than just portraying characters on the surface. With his relentless drive for improvement and willingness to take on challenges, he is solidifying his place as a key figure in the Korean drama industry.

His performance in When Life Gives You Tangerines will be remembered for a long time, and it seems only a matter of time before Choi Dae-hoon transitions from a supporting actor to a lead role.

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