Marital Relationships in the Drama『When Life Gives You Tangerines』from the Perspective of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy: Focusing on the couples Yang Gwan-sik & Oh Ae-soon and Bu Sang-gil & Park Young-ran

Objectives: This study aims to analyze the conflict and recovery processes of two couples—Yang Gwan-sik and Oh Ae-soon, and Bu Sang-gil and Park Young-ran—featured in the Korean drama When Life Gives You Tangerines, by applying the theoretical framework of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT), with particular attention to their emotional interactions. Methods: The dialogues and behaviors of the couples were transcribed verbatim to simulate actual counseling sessions. A qualitative scene analysis was conducted based on key EFT concepts such as the negative cycle, primary and secondary emotions, attachment injuries, and emotional re-engagement. Results: The analysis revealed that the emotional expressions and interactions portrayed in the drama closely resemble those found in real-life counseling cases. The findings emphasized that the awareness and transformation of emotional responses are essential for relationship restoration. Conclusions: By applying EFT concepts to a popular cultural narrative, this study highlights the potential of such content to serve as an educational and clinical resource in couple counseling, as well as in counselor training and psychoeducational contexts.