When Life Gives You Tangerines has officially become the highest-rated Korean drama on IMDb, surpassing major hits like Squid Game and The Glory starring Song Hye Kyo, as reported by international media.
According to a report, despite the show’s conclusion, the excitement surrounding it remains strong. The slice-of-life drama has received rave reviews from critics and viewers worldwide, earning an impressive IMDb score of 9.3 out of 10.
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The final episodes, particularly the last three, focused on emotional moments, including Yang Geum Myeong’s wedding and Gwan Sik’s battle with cancer. The series reached a near-perfect 9.9 rating for its 16th episode alone.
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Twelve episodes scored 9 or higher, elevating When Life Gives You Tangerines past other popular titles like Kingdom Season 2 (8.2), Move to Heaven (8.5), and Squid Game Season 1 (8.0).
The drama recently climbed to No. 1 on Netflix’s global non-English chart and continues to hold strong in the top ranks. With 6 million views, it topped charts in four countries and remained in the Top 10 across 39 nations.
The show’s success also translated into impressive numbers for Netflix Korea, with 4.05 million daily active users tuning in on March 29, setting a new one-day viewership record since Squid Game Season 2.
Initially seeming like another K-drama set in Jeju Island, When Life Gives You Tangerines captivated audiences with its refreshing departure from the typical rich-CEO plotline, focusing instead on real-life struggles and its characters’ chemistry.
While Park Bo Gum’s character arc ended early, IU and the supporting cast kept the show strong until the end. Directed by Kim Won Suk and written by Im Sang Choon, the series tells the story of a spirited girl and a steadfast boy whose relationship endures time and hardship.
