Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m bringing news about the phenomenon When Life Gives You Tangerines, the K-drama that’s topping the charts and winning hearts around the world!
Unprecedented success in global rankings
The South Korean drama “When Life Gives You Tangerines” has consolidated its position as the most-watched drama of 2025 so far, maintaining the top spot in Netflix rankings for an impressive eight consecutive weeks. The production, set on the idyllic Jeju Island during the 1950s, has exceeded all the streaming platform’s initial expectations and established new viewership records in more than 45 countries.
According to data released by Netflix itself last weekend, the series has accumulated more than 950 million viewing hours since its premiere in October 2023, becoming the second most-watched K-drama in the platform’s history, behind only “Squid Game.” The recent availability of dubbed versions in 31 languages has contributed to a new wave of global popularity in the first quarter of 2025.
A narrative that transcends cultural boundaries
Experts attribute the thunderous success of “When Life Gives You Tangerines” to its ability to combine universal elements of rural romance with an authentic portrayal of Korean history and culture. The story of Ae-soon, a rebellious and dreamy young woman, and Gwan-sik, a reserved and loyal man, both facing the adversities of life in 1950s Jeju, appears to have struck a chord with international audiences.
“What we’re seeing is a cultural phenomenon that transcends borders,” explains Dr. Kim Min-jung, Professor of Media Studies at Seoul National University. “Although the series is deeply rooted in a specific period of Korean history, it addresses universal themes such as perseverance, dreams against adversity, and unconditional love that resonate globally.”
The series has also been praised for its historical accuracy and cinematographic beauty, with Jeju’s stunning landscapes serving as the backdrop for the moving narrative. The tangerine fields, which symbolize both the families’ livelihood and hopes for a better future, have become a powerful visual symbol that remains in viewers’ memories.
Impact beyond the screen
The cultural impact of “When Life Gives You Tangerines” extends far beyond the streaming platform. Tourism on Jeju Island has experienced a significant increase, with travel agencies reporting a 300% growth in searches for tour packages to the region. Local authorities have already announced plans to create an official filming location tour to meet growing international demand.
Fashion inspired by the 1950s portrayed in the series has also gained popularity, with major brands launching collections inspired by the characters’ costumes. Sales of Korean tangerines to international markets have increased significantly, with importers in North America and Europe reporting difficulties in meeting growing demand.
Protagonists elevated to international stardom
The series’ protagonists have seen their careers catapulted to global stardom. The actress who plays Ae-soon has been invited to major Hollywood productions, while the actor who portrays Gwan-sik recently signed with one of the largest talent agencies in the United States.
“We are absolutely amazed by the global reception of the series,” declared director Park Ji-woon in a recent interview. “When we created this story, we hoped it would resonate with Korean audiences for its connection to our history, but seeing people from all parts of the world falling in love with Ae-soon and Gwan-sik completely surprised us.”
Expansion of the narrative universe
With the stratospheric success, Netflix has already officially confirmed a second season, scheduled to premiere in early 2026. Additionally, a spin-off focused on the next generation of Jeju families is in development, as well as a documentary about the real history of the tangerine industry on Jeju Island during the post-war period.
Industry experts point out that the success of “When Life Gives You Tangerines” is part of a larger trend seeing local content with authentic narratives winning global audiences. The series has been cited as a perfect example of how culturally specific stories can achieve universal appeal when told with authenticity and emotional depth.
