The Tragic Truth: How Ae-Sun's Mother Died In 'When Life Gives You Tangerines'

The death of Ae-sun’s mother, Gwang-rye, is one of the most poignant and heartbreaking moments in the recent K-Drama sensation, 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' (also known as 'Thank You'). This tragic event is not a piece of celebrity news but a crucial, emotionally resonant plot point in the 2025 South Korean series, which chronicles the life of Do Ae-sun and Yang Gwan-sik across a half-century on Jeju Island. The narrative provides a clear, yet devastating, explanation for her passing, directly linking it to the harsh realities of life and labor in post-war Korea.

The cause of death for Ae-sun's mother is a powerful commentary on the sacrifices made by women of that era, specifically the legendary female free divers of Jeju. As of the current date, December 14, 2025, the details confirm she succumbed to a chronic illness that was an occupational hazard of her physically grueling profession, leaving a profound and lasting impact on her daughter's life.

Do Ae-sun and Gwang-rye: Character Profiles and Biography

To fully grasp the tragedy, one must first understand the context and the characters at the heart of the story. The series, written by Lim Sang-choon and directed by Kim Won-seok, is set primarily on Jeju Island and follows the tumultuous lives of its main protagonists. The mother-daughter relationship between Gwang-rye and Ae-sun is central to the first part of the drama.

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Do Ae-sun (Main Protagonist)

• Role: Main protagonist, portrayed by IU (young) and Moon So-ri (older).
• Born: Circa 1950, on Jeju Island.
• Personality: Described as a rebellious girl and an avid lover of books. She possesses an unyielding spirit despite her poor family background.
• Circumstance: Due to financial hardship, she was unable to attend school, a circumstance her mother desperately tried to overcome.
• Key Relationship: Her life is intertwined with Yang Gwan-sik, the earnest and devoted young man who harbors a lifelong love for her.

Jeon Gwang-rye (Ae-sun's Mother)

• Role: Ae-sun's mother, a supporting yet pivotal character, portrayed by Yeom Hye-ran.
• Profession: A *haenyeo*—a traditional female free diver of Jeju Island.
• Age at Death: Tragically, she passed away at the very young age of 29.
• Life Goal: Her sole ambition was to work hard enough to ensure her daughter, Ae-sun, would never have to follow in her perilous footsteps as a diver. She dreamed of Ae-sun working "at a nice desk".
• Cause of Death: Chronic lung condition resulting from her physically demanding job.

The Exact Cause of Gwang-rye's Death: An Occupational Hazard

The death of Gwang-rye, Ae-sun’s mother, is a direct result of the brutal working conditions faced by the *haenyeo* of Jeju. She did not die in a sudden accident but succumbed to a chronic illness that slowly eroded her health. The demanding nature of her work ultimately claimed her life.

The Danger of the Haenyeo Profession

Gwang-rye was a *haenyeo*, a cultural icon of Jeju known for free-diving into the cold sea to harvest seafood without any breathing apparatus. This profession, while celebrated, is incredibly taxing on the human body. The constant, repetitive exposure to cold water and the strain of holding one's breath for extended periods leads to severe, long-term health issues.

The main contributors to her early death were a convergence of physical and mental stressors. Specifically, she developed a chronic lung condition. The continuous pressure and temperature changes from deep-sea diving severely weakened her lungs, making her susceptible to fatal respiratory problems.

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Furthermore, the snippets suggest the immense mental stress of her life played a role. The pressure to earn enough money to lift her daughter out of poverty and prevent her from becoming a haenyeo herself added a significant burden. This combination of physical exhaustion, weak lungs, and chronic stress led to her passing at the deeply unnerving age of 29.

The Emotional Impact and Legacy of Gwang-rye’s Sacrifice

Gwang-rye's death is not just a plot device; it is the catalyst for much of Ae-sun’s future resilience and her relationship with Gwan-sik. Her sacrifice underscores the central themes of the drama: love, loss, and the enduring struggle for a better life in a time of hardship.

A Mother's Unwavering Love

The entire life of Gwang-rye was dedicated to ensuring Ae-sun’s future was better than her own. She worked herself to death to ensure her daughter would not have to face the same physical risks. This profound sacrifice is the emotional anchor for Ae-sun’s journey, driving her ambition and her desire to escape the confines of her poor background.

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The Haenyeo Legacy and Social Commentary

The storyline serves as a powerful piece of social commentary on the lives of the *haenyeo*—the "Mothers of the Sea." The drama highlights how these women, often overlooked, bore the financial and physical burden of their families, frequently sacrificing their own health for the sake of their children. Gwang-rye's death at such a young age is a stark representation of how a stressful, physically demanding life can lead to premature aging and death in the absence of proper medical care and financial security.

Even after her death, Gwang-rye's presence is felt throughout the series. She appears in Ae-sun's dreams during pivotal moments, symbolizing the guiding, protective force of a mother’s love that transcends life itself. The final moments of the series show an elderly Ae-sun still calling out for her mother, demonstrating the lifelong void that her early passing created.

In summary, Ae-sun's mother, Gwang-rye, died from a chronic lung condition exacerbated by her work as a haenyeo on Jeju Island. Her death at 29 years old was a devastating, but historically accurate, depiction of the occupational hazards and immense personal sacrifices made by women during the era depicted in 'When Life Gives You Tangerines'. The tragedy is a cornerstone of the drama's powerful exploration of love, loss, and resilience.