The Veiled Creator of ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’

When Life Gives You Tangerines

 

With the rising popularity of the Netflix original series When Life Gives You Tangerines, there's one name that sparks as much curiosity as the story’s ending itself—the screenwriter who brought it to life, a mysterious figure known as Lim Sang-choon. Neither the face, the voice, nor even the gender of the writer was widely known—until now.

 

This post compiles all the facts that have been known about Lim Sang-choon so far, along with new details revealed following the release of the series.

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Profile of Lim Sang-choon

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According to recent reports, Lim Sang-choon is:

• A married woman born in the mid-1980s
• Originally from Cheongju, now living in Mapo-gu, Seoul
• A former office worker who debuted as a screenwriter in her late twenties

She never attended a formal writing program or industry training. Her journey is one of pure self-taught success.

 

She first gained attention in 2013 after winning a drama script competition with a story titled Samchungi, which later evolved into the hit series Fight for My Way.

Fight for My Way

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The Veiled Creator

Despite her growing fame, Lim Sang-choon has never appeared on camera.

• She skips awards ceremonies
• Avoids interviews
• Has no public photos

Even the internal “Writer's Register” of the Korean Broadcasting Writers Association has no image attached to her name. People in the industry often say, “No one knows what she looks like.”

 

She once explained her anonymity:

“A writer should never stand in front of the work.”

She also admitted that she chose to hide her identity because she didn’t want her gender or age to color how her stories are received. If her real identity were ever exposed, she said she would write under a new name.

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The Meaning Behind Her Pen Name

Her pen name, Lim Sang-choon (林想賰), is made up of the Chinese characters for “thought” (想) and “abundance” (賰).

 

It reflects her belief that a writer should be rich in thought. While the name is not her real name, the surname “Lim” is believed to be from her actual family name.

 

Her first name "Sang-choon" is commonly perceived in Korea as a male name—one that also carries an old-fashioned tone, reminiscent of earlier generations.

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What Makes Her Writing Special

Lim Sang-choon's work stands out for its warm, realistic portrayal of everyday people. Her signature works include:

• Becky’s Back

Baekheega Dolawadda (TV Mini Series 2016) ⭐ 7.4 | Comedy, Drama

 

• Fight for My Way

Ssam maiwei (TV Series 2017) ⭐ 8.1 | Comedy, Romance

 

• When the Camellia Blooms

Dongbaekkkot pil muryeop (TV Series 2019) ⭐ 7.8 | Comedy, Drama, Romance

 

• When Life Gives You Tangerines

Pokssak Sogatsuda (TV Series 2025) ⭐ 9.2 | Drama, History, Romance

 

She avoids dramatic plot twists and instead focuses on relatable emotions and quiet growth. When the Camellia Blooms reached a peak viewership of 23.8%, becoming a national favorite.

When the Camellia Blooms

 

Her latest series, When Life Gives You Tangerines, showcases her strengths even more:

• Use of Jeju dialect
• A multi-decade storyline
• Youth and family
• Tender emotional arcs

IU, who plays the lead, said she cried while reading the script. Park Bo-gum shared that he and the writer communicated through text messages to shape his character.

When Life Gives You Tangerines

 

Perhaps the most touching insight into Lim Sang-choon's journey is what first inspired her to become a screenwriter.

“I saw tired commuters smiling while watching dramas on their phones after work,
and I thought, I want to write stories like that.”

 

This moment—falling in love with the healing power of storytelling—is what makes her entire body of work feel so warm and human.

 

She began writing without formal training or a structured method, which allowed her to develop a free and distinctive writing style, unbound by conventional screenwriting norms.

 

At the core of Lim Sang-choon's writing is a strong focus on character-driven narratives. Rather than plot twists or flashy events, she centers her stories around emotional growth and human change.

 

She has said:

“It’s the characters that drive the story, not the events.”

 

This philosophy breathes life into each character, making them feel real and relatable—evoking deep empathy from viewers.

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Hidden and Global: A Success Story

Without ever revealing her face or voice, Lim Sang-choon has gained international recognition. When Life Gives You Tangerines topped Netflix’s non-English TV rankings worldwide after its release.

 

Despite this global attention, she reportedly still declines any public appearance—including simple dinners or staff events. People who work with her describe her as “quiet” and “humble,” often calling her a true writer who lets the story speak for itself.

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Conclusion: Lim Sang-choon, a Story Herself

Lim Sang-choon’s existence feels like a story in itself. In an age where creators often become celebrities, she chose to vanish behind her characters. And yet, her writing continues to resonate with millions.

 

She may never appear on stage, but her work lingers long after the credits roll. The name Lim Sang-choon may be hidden, but the stories she creates are unforgettable.

 

What’s the Korean Title of When Life Gives You Tangerines?

What’s the Korean Title of When Life Gives You Tangerines?

🌐 This post is also available in Korean: 한국어 보기

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